Use Catalog link as index.html

[benf]

Is it possible to use the catalog page as the index page and bypassing the home page so you are taken straight to the catalog?

Also i want to customize my site what file do i edit to change the header. I believe i use the files in site1 directory.

Regards,

[wjcampbe]

To use the catalog page as home page, you need either an empty file called index.html in the root of the site and an htaccess entry redirecting all requests for index.html to the /yourdomain/acatalog/index.html page OR an index.html file in the root that uses a META refresh tag to perform the redirect (in the first scenario, the empty file is needed to stop a request for index returning a directory contents list).

To change the header, you need to edit *all* of the Act_Primary.html files that your site uses (depends on your theme and whether you use brochure pages).

[benf]

Thanks for the really quick reply. There was just one more thing. If my files are kept in the site1 directory - it seems as if any previous templates i have used are also in this file. How can i determin which act_primary files are the ones for my template.

If i delete the contents of the directory and then choose the template again will this fill then file up with only the new files of the tempate or are all these files the primary files to all the templates?

regards,

Ben

[wjcampbe]

On each page there is a layout tab. This will show you which template is being used - and the edit button will be live if it is not the standard template.

If all pages show Use Parent, then it is the template set up in Design | Options Layout tab, that is in use. (Parent is relative, so Use Parent in a section means use the same template set up on the section page - if the section page is also Use Parent - we are back to the Design | Options).

Initially sounds a little complicated, but does become clearer with use.

Added - deleting all the template files and then reapplying the theme would still bring in all the standard templates that you are not using, and might break the site. Might be better to rename files you think you don't need, one at a time and then check the site to make sure nothing is broken.

I guess most of us just don't worry about it. I know I have loads of 'tried that - didn't ike it' templates hanging around.

[Bruce]

Benf,

Is it possible to use the catalog page as the index page and bypassing the home page so you are taken straight to the catalog?

You can also do this by going into Design | Options | Miscellaneous, in the middle of the window you will see 'Home Page Link' select URL and enter the url to you catalog index page and click on apply. Else click none and apply, then on the contenet tree, click on 'Home' and uncheck 'Use as website Home Page'.

I would also suggest downloading the Advanced Users Guide from http://www.actinic.co.uk/support/downloads.htm, this will help you with several design tips and work arounds and also provide an understanding of the templates.

Kind regards,