Different header pics for different forum categories

[ScottiG]

Probably a completely newbie question, but is it possible to have the header image(s) change in relation to a forum's category/subcategory?

In other words, I am building an automotive forum that is NOT make/model specific, and would like the header image(s) to change with each category/subcategory - Is this possible? If so, how?

The problem is, someone with a Mustang probably wants to see something either Mustang, or at least Ford related, in the header - Not a Mitsubishi.

Thanks in advance!

[Bradley_Wint]

Yup it is, just make a child theme from your parent theme and customize the header (of the child theme), then go to the forum configuration and set it to the respective child themes you made.

[ScottiG]

Thanks for the unexpectedly quick reply!

I just looked in the admincp and could not find the "themes" feature you mention. Is this a 3.7 feature (I am running 3.6.8)

Thanks again!

[Bradley_Wint]

Step 1 - Make Child Theme
go to Admin CP > Styles & Templates > Style Manager and you will see the themes you have installed listed.

Say the theme name was Custom, just click the drop down menu for the Custom theme and choose Add Child Style. Name it to whatever you want and save.

Step 2 - Configure Header
You will see your child style template listed under the main one. Choose Common Templates from the child drop down menu box. You will now get the HTML code for the header, footer, etc. In the header template, edit the HTML to display your new header, whether it be changing the image itself or re-writing the entire header to suit your needs.

Save that.

Step 3 - Applying Style to Subforums
Now go to Forums & Moderators > Forum Manager

Go which ever forum you want the theme applied and click the edit button.

Go to the Style Options and choose your child style from the drop down in the Custom Style for this Forum field. I recommend overriding user choice if you don't want members to choose the theme while browsing (if you want a set theme per forum). Save the changes...Do the same for each forum respectively.


You can make any number of child themes to suit your needs. You can even make totally new custom templates and have different designs for each forum. The possibilities are endless. Also, the templates and themes are not limited to versions. Most themes can be used for many different version of vb3.x.x but there might be minor differences but the steps are the same nonetheless.


Innovative URL name btw.

[ScottiG]

WOW, that's a detailed response! Thank you VERY much!

Honestly, I did see that in the styles selections, but I was unsure what affect that feature had, but now that you have outlined it, it makes perfect sense! - Again, thank you very much!

Your site looks great! How long has it been up?

[Bradley_Wint]

4 days lol. I've been doing other things, that I didn't really have use for my copy of vb but I decided to pull it out of the dusty archives and start a little community.