Installing S2 Codes and Using Public Layers
Ever wish you could use Flexible Squares, Smooth Sailing, MixIt, etc. layout codes, but you CAN'T because IJ doesn't have them? Here's the work around...
The following is Tutorial for creating a public S2 layout or theme. It is followed by a tutorial for using S2 style layer and theme IDs for your journal layout. Note that on Insanejournal this will only work for PAID ACCOUNT USERS. On Scribbld, it's another story. This tutorial was originally written for Scribbld and there might be some discrepancies in the screenshots because of this, but I will try to answer any questions that you may have.
Part 1: Creating Public S2 Layouts and Themes
Before You Begin: -- Have the source code the layout or theme you wish to install readily available. -- Make sure your working style system is set to S2.
1. Go the journal customization area. Screen Capture. *Note: If this is not the window you are brought to when you select "Customize" from the side-bar, then you are not in style system S2.
2. Scroll down and follow the link to the "Developer Area".
The Advanced Customization page should have loaded.
3. Select follow the "Your Layers" link. Screen Capture.
4. On the Your Layers page: Screen Capture. -- If you are creating a layout, select "Layout" as the Type under "Create top-level layer". Hit Create. -- If you are creating a theme/user layer, select the "Theme" or "User" and select a layout (the layout the layer is meant for) under "Create layout-specific layer". Hit Create.
5. The layout or layer that you just created should now be available for editing. Click "Edit" next to the appropriate layer. Screen Capture. *Note: You'll notice, on the left-hand side of the table there is a column labeled "LayerID". This is the ID number(s) that you will need for distribution once you have made the layout or theme available as public.
You will now be presented with the S2 editing console.
6. Paste your S2 layout or theme code into the right-hand side of the console. Add the following lines to the top level: Screen Capture
*Note: Second line is optional. Use it only if you wish to make the source code viewable to other users.
7. Click Save&Compile. If there are no errors, return to the Advanced Customization "Your Layers" page if you need the layer ID # (which is now public).
Congratulations! You've created a public ID for a S2 layout or theme.
Part 2: Using Public IDs for S2 Styles and Themes
Before You Begin: -- Have the S2 layout and/or theme ID(s) you wish to use readily available.
1. Go the journal customization area. Screen Capture. *Note: If this is not the window you are brought to when you select "Customize" from the side-bar, then you are not in style system S2.
2. Scroll down and follow the link to the "Developer Area".
The Advanced Customization page should have loaded.
3. Select follow the "Your Styles" link. Screen Capture.
4. On the Your Styles page, give your new style a name and click "Create". Screen Capture.
5. On the Edit Style Page: Screen Capture. -- To use a public LAYOUT ID, select "Other...". Input the public LAYOUT ID number into the "Layerid" field. (Note: Do not use a # before the number you input.) Click "Change". -- If you are NOT using a public LAYOUT ID, select the specific layout that your theme or user public layer ID is for and click "Change".
6. If NOT using a theme or user layer ID #, skip this step. -- In appropriate field (Theme or User) for your layer ID, select "Other...". Input the public THEME or USER ID number into the "Layerid" field. (Note: Do not use a # before the number you input.)
7. Click "Save Changes".
You should be brought back to the Your Styles page.
8. The Style you just created should now be listed. Click "Use" next to the style you wish. Screen Capture.
Congratulations! Check out your journal page. You've just used a public style ID.
Feel free to hit me up with questions.
ETA: If you want to do Part #1 for any Layout besides Flexible Squares, you're going to have compiling issues and unless you know your way around the code, you won't be able to fix it. HOWEVER, if you would like to use, say, a MixIt or Smooth Sailing layout, I am working on getting Public Layer IDs for working versions of these Layouts. You can actually see MixIt in action right now, with CSS customization from ~thefulcrum on Livejournal, on my journal wastintime. The Public Layer ID is #141191 and it IS public so you should be able to use it in Part #2 above.
If there are other layouts besides Flexible Squares and MixIt that you would like for me to setup as Public IDs, please, let me know and I will get on it. Your list of options is here.