TUTORIAL. How to customize a journal with overrides. - note, not a tutorial ON overrides. Just how to install a layout.
Getting Started
FIRST. Find your overrides; determine what kind of layout they are and if they're installable on IJ. This tutorial is on S2 layouts; if you have S1, go here.
This is the worksafe sidebar. Go to "Customize Journal" or to the link above.Parts of Installation
BASIC TAB This takes you to the basic display page. You should see something like this:
You can enter your journal titles here; unlike s1, you can't hard-code a title into the CSS. You have to do it here. This is also where you select S1 or S2. For now, click S2 and Save Changes.
This is also where you add more links; click "Your Link List" and you'll see this page. Fill out your links and it will show up on layouts later if they allow them.
LOOK AND FEEL TAB
The first part is your layouts. Select Bloggish as your layout. Select None as your theme.
You can also select a mood-theme. I have a paid account, so I have a personal made theme. But you can choose one of those.
This is where you select your mood theme. I hate them, so I select NONE and "force this on your friends". It doesn't get rid of the actual mood, just the bouncy or gross cartoon next to it. You can do what you like!
CUSTOM TAB This is the place where you will put your overrides.
This is a bit different then s1 Custom overrides. Here you need to select whether your layout calls for 1 column, 2 columns with Left or Right or three columns. Follow the instructions on the layout. Here you can fiddle some of the things you can edit.
If you want something else written for links, here is where you would change it. Follow layout instructions for "Use Base Weblog Stylesheet". Every case is different.
Here, either link to the .css file (hosted on your own server) or copy and paste the CSS code. It looks very different from s1 layouts.
ADVANCED TAB This is for if you have a paid layout. If you're very interested making layers, check out here.
Once you've pasted in your overrides, check your journal. Click your links, make sure all the links work right. If they don't, go to the layout post and ask your questions.
Some good practices to have: Make sure to upload the pictures provided to your own server. Tinypic is good, but does not always suffice. A personal photobucket is always best. Hotlinking is a definite No No. Don't be afraid to fiddle. Save your "working" layout and then change the size of things and stuff. Some layout makers leave instructions (the stuff between /*these*/) telling people what the CSS bits do. If you make something go wonky, just ctrl-z it or start over with your saved working layout. Careful not to save over it! Always credit! Please do, especially if makers ask. It's not really for pride reasons (not ALL of it at least) but mostly so people know where to look for other layouts. Don't be afraid to ask questions!