Question

PatternSkinCustomization says that template file code can be overridden (in a file referenced) by USERLAYOUTURL. However, PatternSkinCssCookbook says that this variable is used to specify a CSS file.

So, which is it? Can the file include both TWiki template code and CSS? If so, what are the commenting rules (etc)?

If not, what is the Right Way to override template files? Simply editing them in place seems like a Bad Idea, as it could get clobbered by upgrades...

Similarly, editing WebTopBar seems to be asking for trouble. I tried editing WebTopBar, but that doesn't appear to override the TWiki version. Am I missing something?

Environment

-- RichMorin - 13 Nov 2006

Answer

Updated PatternSkin docs are available in SVN, see the web version here.

In most cases you have 2 options: change the information of the page (in templates) or change the appearance of the page (in CSS). It depends on your situation. If you want to hide the left bar for instance it is better to not make it appear in the first place, because just hiding it with CSS will still render all links which is costly.

About your top bar question: could you give some more details what you would like to achieve?

-- ArthurClemens - 13 Nov 2006