JavaScript Side Navigation Template Model

How to Java!

This Template Model uses a separate file to control the Side Navigation of your website.  This file is located in the _includes folder and is called SideNavMenuItems.js.   You can edit the file in most editor programs by a Double-Click on the file.  EW allows editing in this manner.  If your editor program does not allow editing, than open the file in Notepad to edit. 

Take a look at this PDF format of the Side Navigation file, SideNavMenuItems_js.pdf.
Print out the file and use it as a reference or mark-up tool while editing your Side Navigation Links.  

Side Navigation Code Screenshot

Here is a section of the JavaScript code, notice the instructions for entering your information and also the descriptions of each JavaScript array. All the information provided makes using this template model effortless, even for someone new to web development.

Customize the Navigation

You have the option of changing the logo in the Side Navigation to your unit logo or graphic.  Follow the guidelines for sizing as the logo should not exceed 150px X 150px.

The webpage links and name as well as the external links on the Side Navigation are simply provided as a reference guideline.  You are able to customize the Navigation links for your unit.  The most important thing to remember is not to duplicate any of the external links provided in the header and footer.  This is where planning and organizing play a key role in the final design. 

The Header, Footer and Side Navigation are not visible when you are designing each webpage.  So you will want to preview in a browser to view your webpage and get the whole picture.  In EW after saving the webpage you can hit the F12 key for a preview in your default browser.  Preview the Template here for a reference tool.

Publish often, don't wait until your website is almost finished to publish.  Whether you have a development URL to publish your site or just publish to a file location on your computer you'll want to publish often.  Here is a PDF for publishing your files with FrontPage 2003 or Expression Web. 

The JavaScript Side Navigation Template Model is great web design tool for the web manager.

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