Another (probably stupid) question

[Shaady]

Hi all,

I have what is probably another stupid question. I finally got the program working, (deleting the registry keys worked a treat...thanks!!)

But, when i open it, and want to start my own site, is there a blank site that i can use, rather than the example site that always seems to load?

Also, i have my template in Actinic from dreamweaver, but is there any way to add products into my own template the same way as if i were using a template from Actinic.

I am also having a problem that, when in dreamweaver, if i go too add Actinic content and add something such as a search bar, i cannot see it, and it does not appear in Actinic.

Any help or advice with these questions would be greatly appreciated.

[leehack]

But, when i open it, and want to start my own site, is there a blank site that i can use, rather than the example site that always seems to load?

Actinic puts these products and pages in to help you, they illustrate many of the different ways to show your products and information. Lots of people delete these without looking and then get stuck a month down the line and have to ask for help.

While you are learning, keep them in there and just delete them when you have finished. You cannot license a new site without them.

Also, i have my template in Actinic from dreamweaver, but is there any way to add products into my own template the same way as if i were using a template from Actinic.

No.

I am also having a problem that, when in dreamweaver, if i go too add Actinic content and add something such as a search bar, i cannot see it, and it does not appear in Actinic.

Once the design is registered with actinic, you can open it up in dreamweaver, make a change, SAVE it and then then switch to actinic to view the change. Simply select a different section or page than you have currently and the preview will update with your addition. If it doesn't do this for you, you have set it up incorrectly i would imagine as i've never had a problem in this area.

[Shaady]

Many thanks for the answers.

I think then, for the moment that i will just use Actinic and not worry about dreamweaver.

But, and forgive my ignorance, whats the point of being able to insert the dreamweaver template into Actinic if you cant add your own products to it?

Also, if i have a template saved in dreamweaver, is it at all possible to use the site template with the Actinic products?

Your point about the example site was a very good one, i didnt think of it like that, but it seems you are right.

[leehack]

I think then, for the moment that i will just use Actinic and not worry about dreamweaver.

Definitely, get to grip with actinic first, there's a lot to learn.

But, and forgive my ignorance, whats the point of being able to insert the dreamweaver template into Actinic if you cant add your own products to it?

You create a layout for your site in dreamweaver, you then register this with actinic, which is telling actinic that you want to use your design for the store and not one of the stunning templates they already provide. Actinic controls your products and if you choose to register an external dreamweaver design, dreamweaver controls your outer layout. There is a clear distinction between the two. Once YOUR external design is registered with actinic, you just carry on as usual adding products. ALL you are doing with dreamweaver is creating an additional layout, much the same as choosing one of those already provided themes, however instead of selecting a new theme through actinic, you give it one of your own. Once registered correctly, you work within actinic identically to how you would if using one of their themes.

Also, if i have a template saved in dreamweaver, is it at all possible to use the site template with the Actinic products?

Yes of course this is the whole idea of the dreamweaver integration. Hopefully the above paragraph explains the process.

Your point about the example site was a very good one, i didnt think of it like that, but it seems you are right.

There is a tendency to want a complete empty fresh store when you are starting off, which i understand, its just crazy in my eyes to remove these examples, when they will undoubtedly teach you a hell of a lot if you get stuck. Once they've served a purpose, get rid of em.

They also give you a great way to load up a test store to your webspace, confirming that your network settings are correct, which IMO is the very first thing you should do when you start building a store.

[Shaady]

Ok i see what you are saying.

Im definitely not going to get into the dreamweaver integration yet.

Another quick question, at the top of the page, it says Online Shop, how do i change that to my own banner to appear on each page?

[leehack]

Replace that logo with your own.

[NormanRouxel]

Regarding the Demo Sections. A neat way to keep them in use but save on clutter is to create a new top-level section (Demo Pages) and drag-drop the Actinic demo ones into there.

Now the entire demo site is contained within a single Section which you can hide with a single mouse click (Section Details / General / Hide on Web Site).