Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
We are finally nearing the end of development (well, the major parts, anyway), but want to have multiple 'sections' that are each under different main headings. For example, we want to list 'products' as a main section, where all catalog categories are placed. Then, we would like a separate heading to handle categories for informational purposes, links, etc. We would also likely want to put in a third section, but obviously taking us from the single section that we see standard in AC to two sections can simply be repeated if we wish to add a third.
The other question is if we can add non-catalog pages that maintain the same basic look and feel. For example, if we want to add a time-in-transit map, we do not really need to do this on a catalog page. Or, is it easiest to simply build a catalog page and not add any items to it, and that will create the non-item pages?
The other question is if we can add non-catalog pages that maintain the same basic look and feel. For example, if we want to add a time-in-transit map, we do not really need to do this on a catalog page. Or, is it easiest to simply build a catalog page and not add any items to it, and that will create the non-item pages?
- jmestep
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Short of hard-coding links in the nav for things that aren't categories, the only thing I was able to figure out to get to work was to create a "category" display page that would hold content like the web page. Then use that display page for non-categories that still needed to show up as top links in the left nav. You can use the web pages to display other content, but they can't be displayed at the same level as the top category, hence the work-around.
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
I am a bit lost. Do you mean that you hard coded the 'category grid' file so that it was not auto-generated, and used that file instead of the default file for displaying categories?
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
What I was talking about was if you wanted to add a content page that would show up on the leftnav without being under a category. If you want them to all be under categories, you can add webpages the same way you add categories or products, then put the content into them. For example, this is a category page:
http://www.directpaintball.com/Help-Desk-C4230.aspx
and this is a webpage under that category
http://www.directpaintball.com/Shopping-W2C4230.aspx
http://www.directpaintball.com/Help-Desk-C4230.aspx
and this is a webpage under that category
http://www.directpaintball.com/Shopping-W2C4230.aspx
Judy Estep
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
What I am really looking to do is set up with a heading (preferably a graphic) as a heading for all product based categories. Then a second heading, with other links (catalog, privacy policy, etc.). Basically the same as the left nav bar on our other site
(http://
www.
brewhaus.
com),
where different 'sections' can have their own descriptive heading. In the software that we use to run our Brewhaus site, we can set up multiple sections and select which section a given category is listed under. From what I can tell, Able only allows for a single list of categories, under one heading. I just want to separate them out. In reality, if I must, I can list the link page, privacy page, etc., as categories, and just code what we want to show in the 'Description' section.
(http://
www.
brewhaus.
com),
where different 'sections' can have their own descriptive heading. In the software that we use to run our Brewhaus site, we can set up multiple sections and select which section a given category is listed under. From what I can tell, Able only allows for a single list of categories, under one heading. I just want to separate them out. In reality, if I must, I can list the link page, privacy page, etc., as categories, and just code what we want to show in the 'Description' section.
Last edited by Brewhaus on Wed Nov 05, 2014 12:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
You can get that behavior by configuring each left nav heading as a top-tier category and using one SimpleCategoryList control for each:
Use CssClass to place a graphic in the heading...
-Nick
Code: Select all
[[ConLib:SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="1" HeaderText="Industry"]]
[[ConLib:SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="2" HeaderText="Campaign" HeaderCssClass="shiny" ContentCssClass="blue"]]
[[ConLib:SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="3" HeaderText="Category"]]
-Nick
Nick Cole
http://www.ethofy.com
http://www.ethofy.com
Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
So, the code that you show will create headings, correct? Do we then put the categories listed below as members of the top level cats? And if so, how do we manipulate the category grid file to show first and second level categories? Also, would doing this not leave us with each top level category running a live link?
Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Sample site at http://www.oemsalescenter.com
Just shows that you can make an entry point to the category tree anywhere. Note that the CssClass lets you completely hide the header too - something I did need to take advantage of. For behavior of grid pages, you've got 4 stock objects to choose from - pick the one that works best for your app. I wound up making some additional mods in category grid to display category image and text as page banner. Being able to assign this on a category-by-category basis was most useful. The only issue I encountered was some randomness in how the breadcrumb trail was generated when a product is in more than one category, but I believe that's fixed in the current release.
-Nick
Just shows that you can make an entry point to the category tree anywhere. Note that the CssClass lets you completely hide the header too - something I did need to take advantage of. For behavior of grid pages, you've got 4 stock objects to choose from - pick the one that works best for your app. I wound up making some additional mods in category grid to display category image and text as page banner. Being able to assign this on a category-by-category basis was most useful. The only issue I encountered was some randomness in how the breadcrumb trail was generated when a product is in more than one category, but I believe that's fixed in the current release.
-Nick
Nick Cole
http://www.ethofy.com
http://www.ethofy.com
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Thank you for posting this. On your demo site, what did you put for the Product Families section? I'm trying to figure out how to implement it on a site, but my problem might be the category display page I'm using.
Judy Estep
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708-653-3100 x209
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Not sure what you're asking here. Can you provide more details?
-Nick
-Nick
Nick Cole
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http://www.ethofy.com
- jmestep
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
I have put this into a left sidebar using a category # that is one of the main categories, but the menu doesn't show up- I can get the header to show up or not, but I have to take the category id out for the links to show up
[[ConLib:SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="xx" HeaderText="Category"]]
[[ConLib:SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="xx" HeaderText="Category"]]
Judy Estep
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jestep@web2market.com
http://www.web2market.com
708-653-3100 x209
New search report plugin for business intelligence:
http://www.web2market.com/Search-Report ... -P154.aspx
Web Developer
jestep@web2market.com
http://www.web2market.com
708-653-3100 x209
New search report plugin for business intelligence:
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Hmm. I added that functionality in RC1 based on this post: viewtopic.php?f=44&t=5426&p=21752&hilit ... ist#p21752
I thought that change entered the AC7 codebase in RC2 when SimpleCategoryList was also split into asp/code files, but I could be wrong.
-Nick
I thought that change entered the AC7 codebase in RC2 when SimpleCategoryList was also split into asp/code files, but I could be wrong.
-Nick
Nick Cole
http://www.ethofy.com
http://www.ethofy.com
- jmestep
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
OK, thanks. I will check that out and post back. The conlib parameters for the SimpleCategoryList.ascx in RC3 don't show it, but I'll compare the codes with the post.
<conlib>
<summary>A simple category list which shows the nested categories under a specific category.</summary>
<param name="CssClass" default="section">Css style sheet class.</param>
<param name="HeaderCssClass" default="header">Css style sheet class.</param>
<param name="HeaderText" default="Categories">Title Text for the header.</param>
<param name="ContentCssClass" default="content">Css style sheet class.</param>
</conlib>
<conlib>
<summary>A simple category list which shows the nested categories under a specific category.</summary>
<param name="CssClass" default="section">Css style sheet class.</param>
<param name="HeaderCssClass" default="header">Css style sheet class.</param>
<param name="HeaderText" default="Categories">Title Text for the header.</param>
<param name="ContentCssClass" default="content">Css style sheet class.</param>
</conlib>
Judy Estep
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708-653-3100 x209
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708-653-3100 x209
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- jmestep
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Well, it works if I put in the the header, but not in the left nav. So I'll try to format that.
Thanks.
Additional note - now it works in the standard sidebar if I use category 0, which is what I wanted anyway.
Thanks.
Additional note - now it works in the standard sidebar if I use category 0, which is what I wanted anyway.
Judy Estep
Web Developer
jestep@web2market.com
http://www.web2market.com
708-653-3100 x209
New search report plugin for business intelligence:
http://www.web2market.com/Search-Report ... -P154.aspx
Web Developer
jestep@web2market.com
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708-653-3100 x209
New search report plugin for business intelligence:
http://www.web2market.com/Search-Report ... -P154.aspx
Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Does that mean that you managed to get the left nav column to display headers for multiple 'sections' in the category list?
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
I quit yesterday because I was confusing myself. I just tried it to day and I was able to get it to work. I don't know what was happening yesterday.
Judy Estep
Web Developer
jestep@web2market.com
http://www.web2market.com
708-653-3100 x209
New search report plugin for business intelligence:
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http://www.web2market.com
708-653-3100 x209
New search report plugin for business intelligence:
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Can you share? I have gone around in circles on this with no success. 

- jmestep
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Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
In RC3, I took Logan's code exactly since the existing SimpleCategoryList didn't "seem" to work for me- to eliminate any possibilities of my errors. I made a new control with it called SpecialCategoryList.ascx in the Conlib/Custom folder. That file has all his code in it instead of using a code-behind.
Then I put this in the Standard Sidebar 1- the category ids are two of my test categories picked at random, but they have categories under them.
[[conlib:Custom/SpecialCategoryList CategoryId="745"]]<br/>
[[conlib:Custom/SpecialCategoryList CategoryId="1480"]]
Then I put this in the Standard Sidebar 1- the category ids are two of my test categories picked at random, but they have categories under them.
[[conlib:Custom/SpecialCategoryList CategoryId="745"]]<br/>
[[conlib:Custom/SpecialCategoryList CategoryId="1480"]]
Judy Estep
Web Developer
jestep@web2market.com
http://www.web2market.com
708-653-3100 x209
New search report plugin for business intelligence:
http://www.web2market.com/Search-Report ... -P154.aspx
Web Developer
jestep@web2market.com
http://www.web2market.com
708-653-3100 x209
New search report plugin for business intelligence:
http://www.web2market.com/Search-Report ... -P154.aspx
Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Yay! Got it to work. Now another question- is there a way to replace the word 'Categories' as a default header for each section with something a tad more specific? Ultimately, I would like to replace that with a graphic, but at least with the name of the header category.
Nevermind on that- a little playing and I figured out how to remove the word "Category" and replace the heading with a graphic.
Nevermind on that- a little playing and I figured out how to remove the word "Category" and replace the heading with a graphic.

Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Okay, after putting a bit of thought into this everything came together and made sense, so I thought that I would share so that others who are unsure will understand how this works.
First, you do not need to change the SimpleCategoryList.ascx file. When the penny finally dropped I tried it, and everything works fine with the default file.
By default, under Content and Layout, Standard Sidebar 1 has its content set to [[conlib:SimpleCategoryList]]. When you click a category in your store, the nav menu changes to show the categories listed below the category page that you have just entered. Changing to [[conlib:SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="0"]] maintains the 'main' list on all pages. This is because, if you check your SQL tables, all categories not moved under another category will remain in the top level listing (a parent category of "0")
Given that, it makes sense that [[conlib:SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="10"]] would maintain a consistent nav menu through all pages, with all categories listed in category 10 being listed.
Sorry if this all sounds too elementary, but seeing as there seemed to be such a difficulty in getting this functioning, I thought that spelling it out in very basic terms may help someone else as dense as I am.
First, you do not need to change the SimpleCategoryList.ascx file. When the penny finally dropped I tried it, and everything works fine with the default file.
By default, under Content and Layout, Standard Sidebar 1 has its content set to [[conlib:SimpleCategoryList]]. When you click a category in your store, the nav menu changes to show the categories listed below the category page that you have just entered. Changing to [[conlib:SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="0"]] maintains the 'main' list on all pages. This is because, if you check your SQL tables, all categories not moved under another category will remain in the top level listing (a parent category of "0")
Given that, it makes sense that [[conlib:SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="10"]] would maintain a consistent nav menu through all pages, with all categories listed in category 10 being listed.
Sorry if this all sounds too elementary, but seeing as there seemed to be such a difficulty in getting this functioning, I thought that spelling it out in very basic terms may help someone else as dense as I am.

Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
I've tried the above methods and still can't get it to work. I have a parent category called Store Information (at the end of my product categories) that has a couple of couple of subcategories (Shipping info, FAQ, etc). I would like these sub categories to appear on their own as selections in a second parent category group called, Quick Links.
So this is how I would like it to look. When I tried to apply the conlibs, the store information doesn't get pulled at all.
>Categories:
>>My Product 1
>>My Product 2
>>My Product 3
>>Store Information (contains subcategories when clicked, but I don't want customers to see "store information' to appear here, so do I hide it?)
>Quick Links: (these are the subcategories of the parent category store information. This is what I want to see, but can't get to appear at all...)
>>Shipping Info
>>FAQ
>>etc.
So this is how I would like it to look. When I tried to apply the conlibs, the store information doesn't get pulled at all.
>Categories:
>>My Product 1
>>My Product 2
>>My Product 3
>>Store Information (contains subcategories when clicked, but I don't want customers to see "store information' to appear here, so do I hide it?)
>Quick Links: (these are the subcategories of the parent category store information. This is what I want to see, but can't get to appear at all...)
>>Shipping Info
>>FAQ
>>etc.
AC 7.0.7 build 14600
Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Take a look at our site
(http://
www.
hotsaucedepot.
com)
and let me know if this is what you are looking to do. If so, maybe I can pull my notes and explain it a little better.
(http://
www.
hotsaucedepot.
com)
and let me know if this is what you are looking to do. If so, maybe I can pull my notes and explain it a little better.
Last edited by Brewhaus on Wed Nov 05, 2014 12:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
yes, that's exactly what i'm trying to do. thanks!Brewhaus wrote:Take a look at our site (http://www.hotsaucedepot.com) and let me know if this is what you are looking to do. If so, maybe I can pull my notes and explain it a little better.
AC 7.0.7 build 14600
Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
Do you have access to your SQL files, or can you find the category ID's? If you cannot pull them from the SQL tables directly, you can find them from the Admin interface by browsing the catalog and selecting the categories that you want as your main listings, then checking the URL. The category ID will be shown at the end of the URL. These are the ID's that you will use for your listings. All categories directly below the main category will be shown.
I have learned to not customize the stock layouts. So, from the Admin menu, under Website, select Content and Layout. Under Add Scriplet, select Sidebar, and name it something simple, such as Sidebar 2. Now, you can either copy the layout from Sidebar 1, or you can start from scratch. Skipping the ScanAlert / McAfee logo, search box, and currency dropdown menu, my scriplet is as follows:
<p><b><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS">[[conlib:Custom/SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="48"]]</span></span></b></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><b><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"><img height="62" alt="" width="118" src="/Assets/Sauce-of-Month.gif" /></span></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"><font size="2">[[conlib:Custom/SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="52"]]</font></span></span></b></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><b><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"><font size="2"><img height="26" width="118" alt="" src="/Assets/Hot-Stuff.gif" />[[conlib:Custom/SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="50"]]</font></span></span></b></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><b><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"><font size="2"><img height="26" width="118" alt="" src="/Assets/Links.gif" />[[conlib:Custom/SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="53"]]</font></span></span></b></p>
[[ConLib: Custom/SubscribeToEmailList]]
You can enter something like this or customize it in the HTML editor.
For the page(s) that you want to have the customized sidebar active, from the Admin interface click on 'Store'. Near the bottom you can select Edit for the Mode. This will open up a few options for the page layout. For the sidebar, you will need to select the new, customized sidebar that you have created.
I have learned to not customize the stock layouts. So, from the Admin menu, under Website, select Content and Layout. Under Add Scriplet, select Sidebar, and name it something simple, such as Sidebar 2. Now, you can either copy the layout from Sidebar 1, or you can start from scratch. Skipping the ScanAlert / McAfee logo, search box, and currency dropdown menu, my scriplet is as follows:
<p><b><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS">[[conlib:Custom/SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="48"]]</span></span></b></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><b><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"><img height="62" alt="" width="118" src="/Assets/Sauce-of-Month.gif" /></span></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"><font size="2">[[conlib:Custom/SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="52"]]</font></span></span></b></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><b><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"><font size="2"><img height="26" width="118" alt="" src="/Assets/Hot-Stuff.gif" />[[conlib:Custom/SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="50"]]</font></span></span></b></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><b><span style="font-size: larger"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"><font size="2"><img height="26" width="118" alt="" src="/Assets/Links.gif" />[[conlib:Custom/SimpleCategoryList CategoryId="53"]]</font></span></span></b></p>
[[ConLib: Custom/SubscribeToEmailList]]
You can enter something like this or customize it in the HTML editor.
For the page(s) that you want to have the customized sidebar active, from the Admin interface click on 'Store'. Near the bottom you can select Edit for the Mode. This will open up a few options for the page layout. For the sidebar, you will need to select the new, customized sidebar that you have created.
Re: Multiple 'main' category headings, adding non-catalog cats
brewhaus, thanks!, your post was very helpful. By looking at what you did, I realized I set up mine wrong. Originally, all I had was the specific webpages (FAQ, About Us, etc) under the category quick links, and zero subcategories.
So, I made a subcategory for each one (FAQ, About Us, etc) and put my text and code directly into the description field of the specific category. When I tried to put a webpage into each subcategory, it would display as my products do, where you have to click the link to get to the information. Ideally, I would like it so when the customer clicks on the FAQ link on the homepage, they get taken directly to the FAQ page.
The only way I found to do this so far and sort of get it to display correctly was to put the text and code in the description field directly into that specific subcategory and not have any webpages inside that subcategory... Any ideas?
Thanks again!
So, I made a subcategory for each one (FAQ, About Us, etc) and put my text and code directly into the description field of the specific category. When I tried to put a webpage into each subcategory, it would display as my products do, where you have to click the link to get to the information. Ideally, I would like it so when the customer clicks on the FAQ link on the homepage, they get taken directly to the FAQ page.
The only way I found to do this so far and sort of get it to display correctly was to put the text and code in the description field directly into that specific subcategory and not have any webpages inside that subcategory... Any ideas?
Thanks again!
AC 7.0.7 build 14600