Before you buy...
Let's face it, there's been too many times when we've purchased something
and it wasn't really what we expected. I remember when my owners got me
a plastic "dental chew," thinking it would help me clean my teeth. I demolished
(and ate) most of it in about two hours... not quite the lasting teeth-cleaning
effect that they had hoped for!
This page will help you know what to look for and what kind of questions
to ask when you're looking into purchasing a FrontPage template.
 Imagery
and logo area...
When you're looking for a template, the easiest place to start is to
find a template that has the imagery that you want. But here are some things
to consider:
- Some templates make it VERY easy to replace existing imagery with
your own imagery. Look for rectangular images that look like they can
be simply deleted and replaced. This particular template does NOT make
it easy to add your own imagery. If you select the top corner graphic,
you can see that my photo is actually "integrated" into the background.
- Some templates have photos that have been integrated into the template,
but the artist provides a "blank" version of the graphic. You will need
an image editor to edit that "blank" version with your own imagery.
- The same applies to the "your logo here" graphic. Some templates make
it easy to replace, others will provide a "blank" graphic where you'll
need an image editor to add your logo.
- Even if you can't find a template that has the specific imagery you
want, you might want to check with the artist of the product to see if
they'll take custom work requests.
Colors...
It's probably easiest if you pick a template that has the colors you
want. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Some templates make it really easy to change colors. These templates
are usually marked as having "cascading style sheets" and "no theme."
You'll want to read the template details carefully to figure this out.
- Some templates use Themes, but make it easy to change the "main" color
of the web site, usually through some sort of cascading style sheet.
- Some templates use a lot of graphics for 3D or shadow effects. These
templates will not make it easy for you to change the colors, but you
may want to contact the artist and see if they can either come out with
a new version or take a custom work order.
Catalog/Ecommerce...
- Most templates do not come with ecommerce capability. See our
Ecommerce page for some ideas on
where to start.
- Many templates come with a "catalog" layout. These are usually layouts
only, sometimes with additional button graphics that you can use.
- Even if a template does NOT come with a catalog layout, it's very
easy to create your own using tables.
Flash/Swish
Many templates integrate Flash or Swish animations, and it's sometimes
hard to know when and what you can edit. You'll want to check the product
details in our store, as well as see what the artist writes in their product
information. The artist will usually tell you what original source files
are included and what you can change within the product, so look there first.
If it's unclear, then perhaps the information below will help:
First, make use of the product details window by clicking the "See Detail"
button in the catalog. In the window that pops open, take a look at the
"Features/Extras" area. Every template that has Flash or Swish animation
will have "flash/swish (.swf)" listed:
The different options for animations that you may see in this Features/Extras
area:
 Product
Features/Extras listed:
flash/swish (.swf)
Product Description:
The embedded movie has animation effects, but no text.
Type: Flash animation only
These describe templates with subtle Flash animation and no text. As
an example, see PM3324 at
www.pixelmill.com
(BizBlue Flash by Theme Gallery). The animation in the top area is an embedded
movie, and you will not be able to change the pictures or animation.
 Product
Features/Extras listed:
flash/swish (.swf)
Product Description:
The embedded movie has animation effects and/or text. The product description
or text within the product states that "you can change this text" either
within the HTML or in an external text file.
Type: Flash animation with editable text
These templates have been built by the artist to allow you to change
the text taglines either within the HTML or in an external text file. You
will most likely not be able to change the images, animation effects, fonts,
or colors - only the text tagline. Templates will usually come with instructions
on how to change the text. This may require you to be comfortable with editing
HTML code. As an example, see PM3321 at
www.pixelmill.com
(Snowbell by John Galt's Tools). The text taglines are editable in an external
text file.
 Product
Features/Extras listed:
flash/swish (.swf), flash files (.fla)
Product Description:
The embedded movie may or may not have text. (Some products may have
additional "Swish" movies, too, which include the .swi file, so you will
want to figure out which movie uses Macromedia Flash.)
Type: Flash animation editable with Macromedia Flash
These templates include a flash animation as well as the Macromedia
Flash source file. If you have Macromedia Flash, you will be able to edit
the animation. If not, then you will have to leave the movie as-is or contact
the artist about changing the movie. As an example, see PM5962 at
www.pixelmill.com
(Tech World by Teri Carnright). The animation on the home/splash page was
created with Macromedia Flash. If you don't have Flash, the movie is fine
as-is in the template, but if you do have Flash, you can edit the animation
or replace the image. (Note: This particular product uses a Swish movie
for the logo area - see below for more information about Swish!)
 Product
Features/Extras listed:
flash/swish (.swf), swish files (.swi)
Product Description
The embedded movie may or may not have text.
Type: Flash animation editable with Swish
These templates have a movie that is editable with Swish, which
you can purchase at www.swishzone.com.
If you own Swish, you can edit the text, animation effects, and replace
the images by editing the Swish movie. As an example, see PM4354 at
www.pixelmill.com
(Baseball by Lipstick Monkey). The top baseball picture and text were created
in Swish.
If you have questions about what a specific product comes with, contact
us or the artist!
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