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Is it possible to export a layout that I created, for use on another website? If so, how is this done?
Chris
Hi Chris,
Yes. Please open the page you wish to export and click the layout in the page builder toolbar. Then click Import/Export and then download the layout. Do the same for the site you wish to import too but this time, upload the exported layout.
Please note that if you haven’t specifically set an external URL for an image, it won’t be visible so you may need to manually move images over and set those up again.
Thanks, @Alex S!
I believe that there is a word or phrase missing in the first line of the second paragraph of your response, perhaps after the word “an.”
When I tried what you suggested, it did download a JSON file. Is that the correct format? I wasn’t able to open that file. Is there a tool that you can recommend that will allow me to view the file, other than by uploading it to a website?
Thanks again!
Hi Chris,
Actually, it was a mistype. I’ve corrected it and adjust it for clarification purposes.
Yes, JSON is the correct format. You can view it in pretty much any text editor (Notepad for instance) as it’s a text file. I would not suggest editing said text file as doing is likely to break it.
Thank you for the quick reply, @Alex S!
I have been using WordPress for a few years now, but there are still some things that I am not familiar with. so would you please explain how I would set an external URL for an image and how I would choose that URL?
Would viewing the JSON file in something like Notepad allow me to see it as it would look in a website? If not, is there a way to do that? I am trying to avoid using trial-and-error to select a saved layout for another website.
Hi Chris,
It makes sense that you wouldn’t be familiar with such a field. Basically, in the case where you specially select an image, for example a background image.
See where I’ve added that URL? That’s an external image URL field. It’s not available for every area but in the areas where it is, you should ideally set it so you don’t have to manually move over an image.
No. Nothing will let you preview it as without our plugin it’s basically meaningless json – nothing can process it. I would recommend exporting and then renaming said export with a descriptive name so you know what it is.
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On a semi related note. Are you kind of familiar with PHP? (do you know what an array is, how to use a function, etc) If so, there may be a better option for you.
Forgive me for being so dense, but are you referring to adding a background image in the “Design” section of a widget or row? I looked there and I am not seeing what you displayed in your reply.
No, I am not familiar with PHP. I am not a coder. I avoid fooling around with that kind of stuff, except to maybe insert an alignment snippet (e.g. ) or adding some Custom CSS, using a CSS plugin.
In an unrelated matter, can you tell me if you are aware of any compatibility issues between Siteorigin, the Siteorigin Widgets bundle and the other widgets bundles, like those offered by CodeLights or Livemesh? I have installed the Siteorigin Widgets Bundle, but was hoping to add other options.
Also, what are recommended dimensions for the slider images?
Lastly, has the Hero widget been discontinued? I don’t have it in my widgets bundle.
I apologize for all of these questions, but I couldn’t resist taking advantage of your expertise while I had your attention.
THANK YOU!
Hi Chris,
As mentioned, very few things actually have that field. Anything with an image form field will though. This means things like the SiteOrigin Hero widget background image, The SiteOrigin Image Widget, etc. Basically, if you don’t see the buttons to the left of the external field, it doesn’t have an external URL field.
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That’s fine mate. I was asking as there is a way to build dedicated layouts (much in the same manner as the layouts directory – although not remotely) but you need to have an understanding of PHP to do that.
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The Livemesh Widgets Bundle has no known issues and is highly recommended by us. It’s actually built on the SiteOrigin Widgets Framework so you know you’re definitely getting the most out of the widget.
There are compatibility issues with SiteOrigin Widgets by CodeLights but they’re pretty obscure for the most part. For one thing, you cannot use their widgets on a custom home page on any of our themes (or any theme that integrates with the custom home page from Page Builder). Outside of that, they don’t use the SiteOrigin Widgets framework so they may need to release a compatibility patch when we make large updates.
Another widgets bundle that’s awesome is the Widgets for SiteOrigin plugin. This plugin is built on top of our framework and has the best blog widget out there in my opinion. It also includes a nifty visibility option so that you can easily hide widgets depending on screen size or orientation. There are no compatability issues.
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There are no recommended dimensions outside of using an image larger than 500px wide. This is purely so it doesn’t look distorted at larger resolutions. Be aware that you’ll need to factor in a sort of (print) bleed so be sure to keep important things closer to the middle and not on the sides as they may be cropped due to CSS “features”.
I would recommend using the image search to get an idea of the typical dimensions of images that are typically used. You may also find it very handy. :)
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Definitely not. Please navigate to WP Admin > Plugins > SiteOrigin Widgets and ensure the hero widget is activated.
Thanks for all of this info, especially on the widgets! I didn’t realize that the widgets had to be enabled on an individual basis. I thought that the ones that appeared in the Widgets area when I activated the plugin were the extent of the offerings.
I will check out the Widgets for Siteorigin plugin.
Thanks again!
Hi Chris,
Sorry about that! :( We’re definitely trying to find ways to make that page more known to users. Do you have any suggestions or general feedback? :)
Happy to help!
At this point, I don’t have any feedback for you, as I have only started using Siteorigin in the last few days. I will definitely keep your request for feedback in mind, though.