View Tab

The preview displays the colors in the currently active palette or formula in an HTML template.

To edit the template switch to the HTML / CSS tabs.

You can force the preview to be regenerated by clicking on the refresh toolbar button.

If you see an error each time the preview is generated then there may be some HTML code in the template that the preview control doesn't recognise. For example sections of javascript that call out to an external service. (e.g. urchin stats).

Description Tab

The description tab contains basic information about the template.

If creating a template it's always best to enter at least a short title and one line description - you can also use the comment box to fill in any extra information that's relevant. For example, it may be useful to provide details of how the colors are mapped to the palette and the minimum number of colors to see the preview at its best.

Use handcrafted CSS file Check Box

In most cases you'll only need to change this setting if your creating a new template from scratch. Ticking the box creates a separate CSS file and displays it for viewing and editing in the CSS tab. When the box is not checked ColorCache automatically generates a css file - see the HTML tab help for more information on how to use this.

Local Images Tab

This provides details and paths for all images used by the template.

When creating a new template (or editing and existing one) be sure to include any images that your HTML refers to here. If your HTML expects to see it in a certain sub-directory enter the relative path to that sub-directory into the "Partial path for preview! edit box.

So for example, if you want to store all images in a sub-folder named "images" you should enter "images" (without the quotes).

HTML Tab

Displays the raw HTML for the currently selected preview page.

Right click in the editing area for extra tools and options including 'Find' and 'Go To Line...'

Important Considerations when Entering or Editing HTML

HTML templates are used to display the output from a color formula or the contents of the currently active palette in a web page.

Each template is written in standard HTML, and must include a special placeholder link to a stylesheet - this can either be a custom style sheet created by the template author, or one that ColorCache produces internally. All color information MUST be contained in the stylesheet. Color information that's specified in the HTML file will not be changed to reflect your chosen color scheme.

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