How do YOU create a second custom style?

[Overgrow]

I've been running vB since 1.1 but I've only ever had one style choice on my forum. I'd like to add a second but I can't figure out how most people do it?

When you add a second style, replacement set, and template set, it asks you if you'd like to make this user selectable. If you answer no, you can't select it to see how it's coming-- even as an admin! So you must answer yes and make it selectable so everyone, including all normal users, can see it too as you work.

Now I can go write a little code to fix this, but doesn't that seem odd? Shouldn't admins be able to see ALL styles no matter if they are user selectable or not?


...

And one more thing.. Why doesn't it copy all of my custom templates into the new template set? I have literally like 80 custom templates, I have to make manual duplicates? Or write a query?

Ugh, this is an annoying process for a heavily customized site, it's as bad as doing a full redesign when it should only be about making modifications.

[Steve Machol]

You're right - the only way to see the style is to enable it. Sorry but there's currently no other way around this - short of hacking.

The way I copy customized templates is to download the style set then upload it again. You then need to rename the uploaded style, replacement and template sets so they don't get confused with your existing ones.

[Overgrow]

Ah thanks that will save a bit of time. As always, Steve-O on the ball. I'm hoping someday to see your response time in the sub-2 second arena when vB is hooked up through a cortex tube..

[bjorkfan19]

One easy way I've found is to set up a private forum and make the new style its forced default. Here's a pic of what I'm talking about.

[Overgrow]

Ah so that will force the new style in that private forum even if it's not user selectable! Great workaround, thanks.

[Rose]

*nods* Having a "dump" or "test" forum that's hidden from members is great for testing new styles.

Also, I find it easiest to use one template set and use replacements for anything that needs to differ in the styles (other than of course the preset replacements for colors and such when you edit that ...). That means not having to apply hacks to numerous template sets and it also saves you from copying all your custom templ's.