FAQ: Design Issues/Questions
- I've never written anything for the web, how do I know what's appropriate?
- The left-side navigation is in an order I don't like, how do I change it?
- Why does the font always shows up as Arial even though I've changed it to Verdana?
- My images are way too big, they're taking up all the content space!
- How do I create PDF forms that can be filled in online?
- How should I name files? Are there any rules?
- How do I create a "Back to Top" link?
- My text is appearing larger than normal and/or is all bold. What do I do to fix it?
I've never written anything for the web, how do I know what's appropriate?
If you've never written anything for the web, you should read some of the CMS Style Guides documents before you begin designing your TeamSite. As a new comer to web publishing, the "Writing for the Web" article will probably be the most helpful to you.
The left-side navigation is in an order I don't like, how do I change it?
To manually arrange links in the left-side navigation, follow the directions for manually editing the navigation file in the "Working with the Navigation File".
Why does the font always shows up as Arial even though I've changed it to Verdana?
The CMS has some default settings that cannot be changed in Text Blocks or other elements that you may add to your forms. These defaults were selected by the University to create a universal look for the website that makes it easier for users to navigate. Another part of this universal look is the top part that is included on every page created in the CMS. If you are constantly changing text, but it's not showing up when you preview the page, then there is something in the CMS that prevents that attribute from being changed.
My images are way too big, they're taking up all the content space!
Any image over about 800 pixels wide, will take up all of the content area (or more) on the average screen. To avoid this problem you should always resize your images. Check out the "Image Sizes: Working with Pixels" style guide to help you figure out the best image size for your site. Also check out the instructional guide, "Working with Images" for more tips on the best way to display images online.
How do I create PDF forms that can be filled in online?
Unfortunately the built in conversion system used by the CMS does not allow for the creation of PDFs with fields that can be filled in online. To create such a form, contact ITS for assistance ((810)762-3123).
How should I name files? Are there any rules?
There are several naming conventions that you should observe when naming any file that will be placed in the CMS. Please refer to the Proper Naming Conventions style guide for more details.
How do I create a "Back to Top" link?
To create your own "Back to Top" link you will need to use an HTML Block Element. For detailed directions on how to create "Back to Top" links on your page please refer to the "Using the HTML Element" instructional document.
My text is appearing larger than normal and/or is all bold. What do I do to fix it?
Sometimes VisualFormat (the feature used to edit Text Blocks) interprets formatting in strange ways. If a page in your TeamSite is experiencing problems with extra large font or bold type where it doesn't belong, please refer to the "VisualFormat" instructional document.