Administrators will see a paint pallet icon in the header (if using standard icons) of their iGrOOp, or "HOMEPAGE EDITOR" in the footer if using custom full-size header. These link to the homepage editor, which contain the tools that dictate the overall look and feel of the iGrOOp.
Much of the design aspects are explained in detail on the site design page.
You can use this tool to make changes "on the fly", meaning updates take effect immediately. However, you may need to press the "F5" key to refresh your browser to see the changes due to your "cache" on your local PC.
There are many options in this area, most of which are explained briefly in the right hand column of the page. This document does go into greater detail.
Some of the options mentioned in this document appear in the pro option only, not the free option.
A note on the expanding menus: the majority of the content is hidden to keep the look clean and simple. Make sure when you click the menu to expand the sections, you allow enough time for your browser to download the content and redraw the screen.
Pro Package Features
These are some of the features that are exclusive to the PRO package users.
Header / Footer / Navigation
This section allows iGrOOp administrators to "hide" iGrOOps from the members, or at least make it more difficult for them to realize that their group is part of iGrOOps, and create a look and feel that is unique.
Due to technical reasons, you cannot completely hide iGrOOps from your members -- unless you choose a dedicated server, custom label solution. This is due to the fact that parts of iGrOOps must run on our secure URL, and some software such as the chat clients are licensed to the "igroops.com" domain only. Dedicated solutions start at $750 per month. Ask us for more details if you are interested in this option.
Small Left Header Image. If you choose the "classic" style iGrOOp look, the one where the icons are used across the top, you have some space on the left top for a small logo or group name. This can be no taller than 50 pixels and should be no wider than about 350 pixels. This is the easiest customization option since only one small logo is needed.
Make the background color of your image the same exact color as the background color of the top header. This will give your logo a nice "blended" look.
example of a header image mixed in with the icons -- notice background of image is same color as background of the header -- cool!
Full Header Image and Full Footer Image. This is the option you would use to really customize the look and feel of your group. This is explained in great detail on the site design page.
Favicon. The "favicon" is the tiny image that appears to the left the URL in the address bar. Using a custom image is a great way for even more band recognition. Creating a favicon cannot easily be done with standard image software, rather special online tools can be use. Here is a great free online tool that does a wonderful job creating these icons.
Site Icons / Links. Unlike a custom website, your iGrOOp has several important links that are necessary for smooth navigation. Some of these links can be hidden and some cannot. You can choose to hide some of these links/icons from members and/or non-members or those who are not logged in.
Some links that you choose to hide will hide those links that may appear elsewhere. For example, if you choose to hide the "applications" link, the link to applications that would normally appear at the top of the page when viewing an application will no longer be there.