Archived topic
Where Do I Start
5 replies · Started by Janine on September 1, 2020
Hiya.
I am a long-term GP customer.
I am starting a new website and, of course, I will be using GP as my theme of choice.
I know so much has changed since I first started with GP. Back then, it was hard for a newbie. I think it is easier now.
Can you give a simple road map that I can follow when installing GP on my new site?
Thank you!
Hi there,
My workflow is as follows:
1. Old school pen and paper sketches of the layout. This should identify the theme elements i require: Header/Nav, Columns or archives and Footer, Sidebars on posts etc.
2. Then i enable the Modules i require to cover those needs + the Colors and Typography as standard.
3. Set my color pallet up using this PHP Snippet:
https://docs.generatepress.com/article/generate_default_color_palettes/
https://docs.generatepress.com/article/adding-php/
4. Create a page for my Styles. To which i add a Paragraph including links, H1 - H5, a GP button and any other elements, such as block quotes, so i can now see them all in one place.
5. Set up my Body and Heading Typography customizer settings whilst viewing my Style page.
This is a real handy site if you want a nice typescale:
6. Now do the same for Customizer > Colors.
7. Then i move onto Customizer > Layout and set the Container, Nav, Sidebars and Footer requirements.
Does that help?
Thanks, David. I will try your workflow today!
One other question: How about the Site Library module? Is this a module you recommend I use to simplify the design process?
Thank you David.
Oh how could i forget the Site Library :)
Totally - the Site Library is the best way to get a quick start with building a new site.
We have added a lot of super lightweight Block based sites recently from our designer Mike Oliver.
Some of these will be using the Elements module to display elements in the theme:
https://docs.generatepress.com/article/elements-overview/
Which now includes Block Elements:
https://docs.generatepress.com/article/block-element-overview/
So any content you see that isn't editable in the post editor or not an option in the Customizer will be one of those. We're happy to walk through them if needed
Thanks, David. I am excited to get started!
You're welcome :)
