[ Last edited:  December 26, 2004 ]
[ Edited by:    Jaime Kikpole     ]


Creating a New Theme
--------------------

To make a new theme, do the following:

 - Read up on the CSS standards, if you haven't done so yet.
   http://www.w3.org/Style/CSS/

 - Copy docs/styles/empty to styles/ThemeName

 - Edit each of the files in styles/ThemeName to reflect your needs
   Use the list of classes in the basic.css file to guide you.
   You will find that many effects require strange combinations of
   CSS selectors, e.g. ".tabactive .tabin1" or
   "div.tabactive:hover .tabin2".  Use standard CSS techniques to do
   what you need to do.  There is no "special" TWIG specific stuff
   that you have to remember.

 - If the theme needs any extra graphics files, put them in the "images"
   directory inside the theme's directory.

 - Test it in each web browser you can get your hands on.  Put any
   compatibility notes into readme.txt so that it can benefit others
   who use your theme.



Distributing A New Theme
------------------------

To distribute it, just package up your new theme directory and hand
it out.  For example:

   tar czf ThemeName.tar.gz styles/ThemeName

Don't forget to put your compatibility notes to the sysadmin into readme.txt!

Then put it on your web site, send it to a TWIG mailing list, etc.  See
http://www.informationgateway.org for more information about useful mailing
lists.



Installing a new theme
----------------------

To use someone else's theme, just unpack it in your themes directory.
For example:

   cp /path/to/ThemeName.tar.gz /path/to/twig/styles/
   cd /path/to/twig/styles
   tar xzf ThemeName.tar.gz
   rm ThemeName.tar.gz

Don't forget to check the readme.txt file!



Further Information
-------------------

 - Learning CSS:

   CSS specifications
   http://www.w3.org/Style/CSS/

   Tutorials
   http://www.w3schools.com/css/

   Cascading Style Sheets:  The Definitive Guide
   by Eric Meyer
   ISBN 0-596-00525-3

   Eric Meyer on CSS
   by Eric Meyer
   ISBN 073571245X
   Sample material available on web site:
   http://www.ericmeyeroncss.com/
   This book is meant to demonstrate hwo to apply the knowledge once
   you have it.  Use it only as a follow-up to the other material
   presented here if you are not an experienced CSS user.


 - Some great idea sources:
   http://www.meyerweb.com/eric/css/edge/
   http://www.alistapart.com/
   

 - Specific ideas:

   Tabs with curved edges, gradients, or other effects 
   http://www.alistapart.com/articles/slidingdoors/

   Changing images with :active and :hover
   http://wellstyled.com/css-nopreload-rollovers.html
   http://www.alistapart.com/articles/slidingdoors2

