[HowTo] [3.5.0] Add a Left Column?

[Floris]

[HowTo] [3.5.0] Add a Left Column?

This template modification will guide you through the steps with clear instructions and visual examples on how to add a left column to your vBulletin forum version 3.5.0. Once added, you can fill the left column with your own XHTML code, for custom graphics, advertisements, links, etc.

Original thread by Jake Bunce for vBulletin forum software version 3.0.x:

http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101599

[HowTo] [3.5.0] Add a Right Column! -thread can be found here:

http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156410

NOTE: There is a lot of tweaking involved in modifying your layout like this. This code is just an example, minus the tweaking. I recommend you post on http://www.vBulletin.org/ for help with the tweaking aspect of editing your layout.


Installation Instructions
(click on the attached images to zoom in)

# Updating the 'header' template

Admin Control Panel (login as full admin) > Styles & Templates (section) > Style Manager (link) > Select from the dropdown: Edit templates



Select the 'header' template and click on the [Customize] button.



In the template, find this code:

<!-- content table -->

Above this code, on a new empty line, add these code lines:

<!-- Left column START -->
<table width="$stylevar[outertablewidth]" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="center">
 <tr>
 <td width="175" valign="top" class="page" style="padding: $stylevar[cellpadding]px;">
  YOUR CONTENT HERE
 </td>
 <td valign="top">
<!-- Left column START -->

Save Template in History: Yes [x] (Check the checkbox)
Comment: Added Left Column Code

Click on the [Save] button to apply the changes.




# Updating the 'footer' template

Admin Control Panel (login as full admin) > Styles & Templates (section) > Style Manager (link) > Select from the dropdown: Edit templates



Select the 'footer' template and click on the [Customize] button.



In the template, find this code:

<!-- /content area table -->

Above this code, on a new empty line, add these code lines:

<!-- Left Column STOP -->
</td>
 </tr>
</table>
<!-- Left Column STOP -->

Save Template in History: Yes [x] (Check the checkbox)
Comment: Added Left Column Code

Click on the [Save] button to apply the changes.




NOTE: The 'header' template now has this text: (load your forums to view it)

YOUR CONTENT HERE

Edit the 'header' template again and replace that text with your own custom XHTML code, be it a graphic or advertisement or links.

You are now done.