Just a general Symbiostock update:
Symbiostock has undergone some huge revisions and with the help of the beta testers at www.symbiostock.org (http://www.symbiostock.org). Visuals have been overhauled and new features added.
Dragonfly Child Theme:
(http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t656/symbiostock/screenshot_zpsd971e30d.jpg) (http://www.symbiostock.org/topic/334/child-theme-symbiostock-dragonfly-11-different-looks/)
http://www.symbiostock.org/topic/334/child-theme-symbiostock-dragonfly-11-different-looks/ (http://www.symbiostock.org/topic/334/child-theme-symbiostock-dragonfly-11-different-looks/)
NOTE: Only use this with Symbiostock 2.8.2+
This child theme gives diverse options for appearance beyond what the new Metamorphosis version gives, which is already a lot. Between Metamorphosis and Dragonfly, you can make your site look however you want, for free, with relative simplicity (compared to the "old days" of symbiostock!)
See www.symbiostock.org (http://www.symbiostock.org) on setting up all of these things.
Dragonfly integrates 11 different base appearances for you to build on, taken from http://bootswatch.com/. (http://bootswatch.com/.) My personal favorites are Slate (shown below) and Unity (inspired on Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/))
(http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t656/symbiostock/1d325c17-d64a-473a-965b-e475dc7eccbf_zps40d0229f.jpg)
Symbiostock Metamorphosis Version (2.8.2)
(example: www.ClipArtIllustration.com (http://www.ClipArtIllustration.com))
(http://www.symbiostock.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/screenshot.png)
www.Symbiostock.com (http://www.Symbiostock.com)
Its named Metamorphosis because it is made to transform! That, and Symbiostock has grown from a little caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. Visual improvements are easy now, and don't require a knowledge in CSS.
New features:
- Customizer - Change the colors / appearance of major site elements easily. Admin->Appearance->Customize
- Front Page Generator - Easily set up a front page in an automated, guided environment: Admin-Appearance->Front Page
- Modern and responsive. Works well with devices.
- Sleeked out design and layout. Very refined!
- Menu Icons (http://www.symbiostock.org/topic/158/create-dropdown-menus-with-icons-new-feature/)
- Auto installs required and suggested plugins (Yoast, Front-page slider, etc)
There is much more to be said, but this is the coolest version yet. Also there will not be any major changes from here on except a few small insignificant things.
Converting from Previous Versions
Warning: If you are upgrading an existing Symbio-site (not a new install) don't just jump into it! This is a big adjustment!
Contact me leo [at] symbiostock.com to install for you if you wish. You will have to make me an admin account.
- Don't panic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_panic).
- Use this dedicated "Converting to Metamorphosis (http://www.symbiostock.org/topic/335/converting-to-the-metamorphosis-version-help/)" thread for questions about converting.
- Do it on a day off, or when you have time.
- If you've done an extensive child theme, re-integrate it piece by piece.
- If you are using "Clean Theme" contact me Leo [at] symbiostock.com for an updated / temporary version. Amanda is making a new one in the meantime.
Please submit any help requests at www.symbiostock.org (http://www.symbiostock.org).
A BIG THANK YOU!
This wouldn't have been possible without the very patient and dedicated help of a whole bunch of beta testers! Its hard to know the issues until they crash someone's web site! Trial-by-fire, this thing has turned out wonderful! Thanks everyone.
Leo
EXAMPLE SITES:
These people have just started using the Metamorphosis version. A few of them are still coming out of the cocoon, but have requested to be shown here as examples:
- http://www.clipartillustration.com/
- http://stockyimage.com/
- http://www.atstockillustration.com/
- http://semmickphoto.com/
- http://www.cidepix.com/
- http://www.flashstockphoto.com/
- http://bestnaturestock.com/
- http://stock.tdahlphotography.com/