Just a general Symbiostock update:
Symbiostock has undergone some huge revisions and with the help of the beta testers at
www.symbiostock.org. Visuals have been overhauled and new features added.
Dragonfly Child Theme:
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 on setting up all of these things.
Dragonfly integrates
11 different base appearances for you to build on, taken from
http://bootswatch.com/. My personal favorites are Slate (shown below) and Unity (inspired on
Ubuntu)
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
- 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.
- Use this dedicated "Converting to Metamorphosis" 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.
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: