Change Your Blog Template and Keep Widgets

I'm no expert in computer programming, HTML, XML, PHP or anything like that. During my high-school years I attended a few HTML classes but all I remember is that the software interpreting the HTML code does not take spaces into consideration. So as long as you write your code within the right tags (header, body, etc) you will get the desired effects. Of course there's more to that but that's only what I remember...

Since I started this blog, I've learned about different features one can add to his/her blog. Some may want to add new columns or to split one column; also the columns can be either on the lateral sidebars or they can be placed together at the left or right side of the posting area; link tabs, columned footer, borders, shades - all these can enhance the look of one's blog.

Therefore, with so many free templates out there why would somebody even bother about HTML code? It all comes down to your gadgets and widgets. Many bloggers lost their widgets after uploading various themes and templates. Of course they can be installed again but the most concerning problem is you loose all records of previously installed widgets. For example I tried not to loose my followers coz I want to regularly check on their blogs; the same thing is with the blogroll. There are tips and tricks on how to upload a new template and still keep your gadgets but they don't always work so well. Thus, understanding a bit of HTML code will let you make the design changes exactly where you want them, being able to modify your template without dismissing you gadgets and their records.

You'll always see advice like:

• Save your current template
• Make your trials and errors on a different blog

and you should follow them!

Here's my list of resources from where I gained a little bit of knowledge about blog design:

• http://www.blogbulk.com/2008/11/borders-in-blogger-template.html
• http://www.bloggerbuster.com/2007/07/create-three-column-blogger-template.html#comment-form
• http://www.bloggerbuster.com/2007/08/create-your-oen-recent-comments-widgets.html
  
• http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/10_chat_widgets.php
  
• http://www.bloggerbuster.com/2007/10/how-to-add-three-columns-to-your-footer.html
  
• http://beautifulbeta.blogspot.com/
• http://tips-for-new-bloggers.blogspot.com/2007/02/three-columns-blogger-template.html
• http://minibox-template.blogspot.com/
• http://bloggerindraft.blogspot.com/
• http://bloggeruniversity.blogspot.com/
• http://themelib.com/2009/03/contact-forms-for-blogger/
• http://www.mayvelous.com/2009/02/19/adding-contact-form-on-blogger-or-blogspot-blogs-with-google-form/?wscr=1280x800
• http://cutewriting.blogspot.com/2008/06/special-post-how-to-add-favicons-to.html
• http://bloggingforbread.blogspot.com/2008/02/add-blogger-read-more-expandable-posts.html
  
• http://www.anshuldudeja.com/2009/01/horizontal-navigation-menu-links-for.html

The last URL directs you to a site that teaches you how to add link tabs in your blog - really cool feature! Also, don't miss this and this, which shows you how to add a contact form in your blog.


I hope you will find all this info useful. Perhaps you'll get new ideas on how you want your blog to look. Give it a try!

Happy blogging!

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