I can't believe how long I took to learn image-mapping. In other words, I have a
new layout.
It was such an experience for me that I decided to write an image map guide of sorts.
There are three ways of creating the image-mapping effect (that I'm aware of):
1. Image-mapping proper. (
leggyslove and
elfverie. Beautiful layouts, too)
2. CSS and image positioning. (
homura)
3. The ugliest coding hack
ever seen, as done by self.
Incidentally, anyone with a free account can make a layout like mine. What I did works for the Generator style for a free account on the S1 system.
The Most Important Things I Found Out about Image Mapping the Way I Did It1. Background images in LiveJournal cannot be used as image maps. At least, not for free accounts.
I'm not sure what the status is with paid accounts, because I wasn't yet able to figure out the Variable Flow style. *hides from
homura*
Forgive me. *dies* Send you penguins? 2. For the LASTN_WEBSITE override to be used in LJ, you must first define a website on your Personal Info.
3. You don't have to image map by using the x- and y- coordinates.
This software does it. It's the Coffee Cup Image Mapper. It's a trial version, which only works for a month, but it's great.
Tutorials Every time I want to do something on LJ, I go everywhere I can to find out if there're tutorials to tell me what to do. And there were.
I relied extensively on tutorials from
ljdesigners for this tutorial. What these tutorials do is, they effectively conceal every element of a conventional Generator layout. The image-map you see on my layout is
in my userinfo box. You just can't see the box.
Generator TutorialsChanging the Website LinksHiding Entries Friends Calendar Removing the UsericonSilliest Thing I Found Out Links: active, visited, link text, body text, accent text - do not have to all be different colours. More a design thing than anything else, but yeah.
Other Tutorials I Use Shifting Journal Contents Downward Resizing and Realigning Content Background Images Apologies to
kanekoichi and everyone for my not being able to turn up today. My brother's home on vacation from Australia, and as I'm returning to London next Wednesday, my parents are in the Justify Your Every Reason for Not Spending Time with the Family mood.
You know... I'm still thinking about that screencap you did of Alan and Tim.
*smiles* No problem! I had so much trouble with it that I thought everyone else should benefit, too. You're more than welcome! *beams*
Love the JP icons, by the way! ; )
*huge grin* That's James Franco - he was Harry Osborn in Spider-Man. I loved the scene where he slaps Peter Parker. *hides*
And here is he again:
Come to think of it:
*hides* Couldn't resist!
Have a great last couple of days
*hugs*
I will! *hugs you again*