The script employs the concept of functionality and interface layout independence. Interface files’ design is not directly tied to the script functional modules.

Layouts should be stored in the layouts/ directory. You can store as many layouts as you need in this folder. But, surely, only one is used for the site at a time. Active layout is set in the configuration module of your site (configs.php).

The term “layout” in the scope of this document means a set of files that are responsible for solely outer representation of information. This set includes:

• .html files that reside in the folder layouts/chosen_layout_directory/templates/ – these files determine general design of all pages that a user sees at the site;
• layout.php – it can be found in the folder layouts/chosen_layout_directory/ – this file holds functions that are used to process content of some pages whose outer presentation can be suitable for this design only (for example, the look of the navigation menu that is a part of the customer area);
• layout.css (for some layouts) – it can be found in the folder layouts/chosen_layout_directory/ – this file determines position and size settings for some design objects. This file may be employed for some layouts, others might not have it.

Within the concept of interface independence, the term “theme” is set apart from the term “layout”. “Theme” is a set of color and font settings and design images that are used throughout the layout. Any layout can have any number of themes. You can store as many themes as you need in layout/chosen_layout_directory/themes/. But, surely, only one is used for the site at a time. Active theme is set in the header.inc.php as described above.

Color and font settings are collected in the file styles.css that resides in the folder layouts/chosen_layout_directory/themes/chosen_theme_directory/**. Images are stored in the folder layouts/chosen_layout_directory/themes/chosen_theme_directory/img.

By default, each layout has one theme – main.

New layouts are designed by dotSilver Network staff members on a permanent basis. Or, if you wish and have enough skills, you can create and integrate your own unique design with some assistance of our technical staff. Your contribution is of course appreciated and best layouts will be put on dotSilver site with credits to the author.

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