Standard Menu Settings

Web Communicator does allow you to easily set up your Standard menu, but it is recommended that you use the dynamic menu; it is much more customizable and modern, while the standard menu is becoming outdated. This section is unnecessary if you are going to be using dynamic menus.
 
Following are the main differences between a standard and a dynamic menu:

  1. A dynamic menu's sub-pages roll out underneath or beside the parent page link in the navigation bar, while in a standard menu you must go to the parent page and access the sub-pages there from the sub-page menu on the right.
  2. You may customize a dynamic menu further than you can with a standard.
  3. A standard menu is located along the left side of the screen; a dynamic menu can be either on the left or the top.

As you can see, a dynamic menu can do much more without being more complicated. If you have chosen to use a standard menu, than continue reading. If not, don't bother reading this section. The items required in a dynamic menu, some of which are explained here, will also be explained in the Dynamic Menu Styles page.

By filling in these fields and options you can modify the main menu properties as well as the sub-menu properties. A sub-menu refers to the menu that appears at the right side of the page and contains links to the page's sub-pages. The following modifications apply to both menu styles:

  • Heading Text SizeThe Heading Text Size determines the size of the text for headings only when the user is logged in. This applies to both the Public and Member's menu.  
  • Heading Text Colour: Using the color palette, this is the field into which the color code should be pasted. 
  • Menu Text Size:The size of font chosen here will be reflected in all the standard menus, both in the Public and Member's section (normal and when mouse is hovering). 
  • Box Width: This refers to the size of the box that will enclose your menu link. This value should be entered in pixels. Remember that in the Default Template/Logo settings, you entered a sidebar size in pixels. It's a good idea to double-check the sidebar size to make sure that your menu box size is less than the sidebar, otherwise, your menu size will exceed the sidebar and will not achieve the look you want. A menu size 30 pixels less than the sidebar is a good ratio. For example, if you had set the sidebar at 150 pixels, set your menu box size at 120 pixels. Save your settings and check out how the menu looks. You can easily change it if you don't like the result.
  • Border Style: Web Communicator allows you to customize the style of the menu buttons. Using the drop-down arrow, you can choose from the following styles: None, Solid, Double, Groove, Ridge, Inset or Outset. Try these different styles for a new look for your menu buttons. You can use a diiferent style for your normal and hover views, as well. 
  • Border Color: The color of the box surrounding your menu link can be easily changed; select your color from the color palette and paste the color code into the Normal field. You can use the same color for the Hover view, or you can change it. Use the same cut and paste procedure for the color code in the Hover field, if necessary. 
  • Border Width: You can vary the border width on the boxes surrounding the menu links. Click on the drop-down arrow to open the drop-down list. Choose from Thin, Medium or Thick width. 
  • Padding - Between text and box: This refers to the space between the menu box and the text. If you don't enter a value, the text will be pressed against the edges of the boxes, making the edges difficult to read on some browsers. The padding is measured in pixels. Generally a value between 1 and 4 works well. You can assign different values to the Normal and Hover views for emphasis, if desired. 
  • Border Width - Top and Left: Once you have selected your border width, you can 'play' with it, by changing the pixel size of the width to produce some interesting results. 
  • Border Width - Bottom and Right: As above but for the bottom and right. It is a good idea to view what you have selected.  A value of 1 is usually selected, if you are unsure of what to choose.

There are two additional options in the Sub-Menu Properties:

  • Heading Background Colour: Select the colour from the colour palette for the sub-menu heading background.
  • Menu Background Colour: Choose the colour for the sub-menu background.

As you can see, the number of text-related fields were not described here. If you would like to read about them again, see Text Properties. If you have any more questions about the standard menu fields, see Dynamic Menu Styles for more detailed descriptions.

Press "Update Standard Menu Styles" to complete the process.