Creating New Variables

[oracle]

On Page 72 of the Starter Guide it explains how to create a new variable, for example an Author variable for a Book.

This doesn't appear to be possible when using a custom design imported from Dreamweaver. Is there another way to do this?

[cdicken]

Hi there

You can always create new user-definable variables, whether you are using an external design or using an Actinic theme. There is nothing stopping you.

What's happening when you try and create a new variable?

[oracle]

Hi Chris,

In Design View with a custom design it shows the whole of the custom design in the layout code, regardless of what I click on in the Page Preview or Content Tree.

I remembered after I posted the question that I could go to Design / Library and define a new variable from in there.

I've decided to stop asking questions until I have worked through the V8 Advanced Guide (which should answer most things).... but seeing as I'm here ... could I ask how to customise the appearance of the product layout? I managed to increase the layout to include a second column but the overall width of the product layout seems very narrow and the text size is very large.

Thanks
Rob

[cdicken]

OK - products are laid out within a product list - and the width of this list is settable in 'Settings | Site Options | Layout' under the 'Product Heading'.

To edit the product layout, just click on a product name or product description in the Design view and you will have the layout code for the product appearing at the bottom of the screen. You can customise it there.