Managing own layouts

Every layout, no matter whether for weblogs, photoblogs or portals, consists of two areas: an outer part containing the actual design, and an inner part for entries, comments and user profile. Generally, "layout" always refers to the outer part, while the inner part is always specified as "entry layout", "content layout" etc.
The outer layout contains the structure for categories, favorites lists, RSS feeds, footer etc, while the inner part is always specific to its purpose (display entries, profile, etc). Each part can be uploaded separately.

See also:
What programming language do I need to create my layouts in?
Where can I find examples?

Each layout file is basically a pure HTML file. The weblog layout needs to define an HTML header, while the inner layouts merely contain HTML snipplets to be displayed within the body area of the outer layout.
All extensions to display dynamic data comprise loops, variables and conditions and are explained in more detail in this help section. Each expression needs to be limited by $ symbols.

See also:
What is the structure of a layout?
What is the syntax for loops?
What is the syntax for conditions (if-then-else)?
How can I display values?
Where can I find examples?

A loop is defined as follows:
$[loop l$
   $l.value$
$loop]$
"loop" is the (predefined) name of the loop, while "l" is the user-definable loop counter.

Please note: this is not a scripting language but a markup language. Thus, you cannot define your own loop or variables, but merely display existing structures.

See also:
What is the structure of a layout?
What is the syntax for conditions (if-then-else)?
How can I display values?
Where can I find examples?

A simple condition is defined as follows:
$[condition$
   some text
$condition]$
"condition" is the (predefined) name of the condition. If "condition" is true, "some text" will be displayed in this example. If "condition" is false or does not exist, nothing is displayed.

An if-then-else statement is defined as follows:
$[condition$
   some text
$]condition[$
   other text
$condition]$
"condition" is the (predefined) name of the condition. If "condition" is true, "some text" will be displayed in this example. If "condition" is false, "other text" is displayed. In case "condition" does not exist, nothing is displayed.

Please note: this is not a scripting language but a markup language. Thus, you cannot define your own loop or variables, but merely display existing structures.

See also:
What is the structure of a layout?
What is the syntax for loops?
How can I display values?
Where can I find examples?

Values can always be displayed using the name of the variable surrounded by $ signs.
Example: $weblogRootURL$ displays the URL of the respective weblog.
Please note: this is not a scripting language but a markup language. Thus, you cannot define your own loop or variables, but merely display existing structures.

See also:
What is the structure of a layout?
What is the syntax for loops?
What is the syntax for conditions (if-then-else)?
Where can I find examples?
What variables are available everywhere?

Examples for each file are available at the page where you can upload those files. Thus, look at "Layouts" and select your own layouts. Warning: if you are still using a predefined template, all your layout settings will be reset.
Also, there is a tutorial available online that describes the template language in more detail.

See also:
What is the structure of a layout?

The following variables can be used anywhere in your layout files:
$g_host$ - Portal URL, here: www.21publish.com
$g_companyName$ - Name of company/group/organization, here: 21Publish Inc.
$g_companyNameShort$ - Short for the above name, here:
$g_brandName$ - Brand name, here: 21Publish
$g_mailToAbuse$ - E-mail contact for cases of abuse
$g_about$ - About the portal, here: About 21Publish
$g_webmaster$ - Webmaster address
$login$ - Username of the user currently logged in, here:

See also:
How can I display values?

Usually its because of a single $ sign that is missing in an expression. If your expression is $weblogName for example, the closing $ sign is missing and is causing the display problems. Alternatively, you might have added an additional $ sign, causing the same problems. Example: $weblogName$$ would cause problems.

See also:
What is the structure of a layout?
What is the syntax for loops?
What is the syntax for conditions (if-then-else)?
How can I display values?
Where can I find examples?