JavaScript_XML Side Navigation Template Model
How to Design a Website with a Pop!
This Template Model uses a separate file to control the Side Navigation of your website. This file is located in the _includes folder and is called UnitSideNavigation.xml. You can edit the file in most editor programs by a Double-Click on the file. EW allows editing in this manner. If your editor program does not allow editing, than open the file in Notepad to edit.
Did I say POP!, what's GREAT about the JavaScript XML Template Model is the ability to POP a second level menu. Site Navigation can be categorized which creates organization for the web developer and interest for the website Visitor, not to mention controlling the length of the webpage.
Take a look at this PDF format of the Side Navigation file,
UnitSideNavigation.xml.pdf
Print out the file and use it as a reference or mark-up tool while editing your Side Navigation
Links.
Here is a section of the XML code, notice the layout and flow of the tags for entering your unit information. You will find a Help file named SideNavigationHelpFile.txt included in the Template zip package. This Help file provides instructions for entering your information, descriptions of each XML tag used and tips on customizing your Side Navigation. Print this PDF format of the Help file, SideNavigationHelpFile.txt.pdf to become familiar with each tag and it's function. Even though this is the most advanced template model providing the most features, it is also user friendly. All the information provided makes using this template model effortless, even for someone new to web development. Click here to go to the USCGAUX_TemplateV6js_xml.zip info page and get started!
RELEASE NOTE!!
The
USCGAUX_TemplateV6js_xml.zip incorporates
a Unit Header so links open in a new window and also a correction to the
Logo picture. This corrects the home page opening in a new window
when the logo is clicked. The code changes are also posted on the
Google Group.
Customize the Navigation
You have the option of changing the logo in the Side Navigation to your unit logo or graphic. Follow the guidelines for sizing as the logo should not exceed 150px X 150px.
The webpage links and name as well as the external links on the Side Navigation are simply provided as a reference guideline. You are able to customize the Navigation links for your unit. The most important thing to remember is not to duplicate any of the external links provided in the header and footer. This is where planning and organizing play a key role in the final design.
The Header, Footer and Side Navigation are not visible when you are designing each webpage. So you will want to preview in a browser to view your webpage and get the whole picture. In EW after saving the webpage you can hit the F12 key for a preview in your default browser. Preview the Template here for a reference tool.
Publish often, don't wait until your website is almost finished to publish. Whether you have a development URL to publish your site or just publish to a file location on your computer you'll want to publish often. Here is a PDF for publishing your files with FrontPage 2003 or Expression Web.
The JavaScript_XML Side Navigation Template Model is great web design tool for the web manager.