HTML Template Uses and Benefits

12-10 Oracle Fusion Middleware Users Guide for Oracle Portal

12.1.3 Comparing Template Types

Table 12–1 provides a concise description of where in the Oracle Portal user interface you can apply each type of template and a brief summary of the conditions governing the use of each type. Table 12–1 Comparison of Template Types Type Where to Apply Conditions Governing Use Portal Templates for Pages ■ Select a default template for the page group on the Configure tab of page group properties. ■ Select a template for a page on the Template tab of page properties. The default template you select at the page group level is applied to sub-pages in the page group only if page designers do not explicitly select a template when they create pages. Additionally, the page group setting Use Default Properties When Creating Page on the Configure tab of page group properties, under Page Defaults must be selected. If it is not selected, sub-pages inherit whatever template is specified for the parent pages page properties, rather than from page group properties. Use Portal Templates for pages on navigation pages, standard pages, or custom page types that are based on the standard page type. Portal Templates for Items Select a Portal Template for items on the Items tab of page properties but see Conditions Governing Use. ■ For this feature to be available, a Portal Template for items must be defined for the page group that owns the current page or for the Shared Objects page group. ■ For the template to be a Portal Template for items, it must contain an item placeholder-type item. ■ Default content for the item placeholder can be a file or a text item type. Files can contain either text or HTML. HTML Page Skins ■ Select a default template for the page group on the Configure tab of page group properties. ■ Select an HTML Page Skin for a page on the Template tab of page properties The option to use a page skin is selectable on a page’s Template tab only when at least one page skin is defined in the page group or the Shared Objects page group. HTML Content Layouts To select an HTML Content Layout: 1. Edit a portlet or item region. 2. Go to the Attributes tab. 3. Select the Use HTML Content Layout radio button. 4. Select a content layout template. The option to use a content layout is selectable on the Attributes tab only when at least one content layout is defined in the page group or the Shared Objects page group. Note: When a page group and the Shared Objects page group both have a template of the same name, the page group name is added to the template name in pick lists. For example: template_name page_group_name. This assists in distinguishing between templates on pick lists. Providing a Standard Look and Feel 12-11

12.2 Working with Portal Templates for Pages and Items

Use Portal Templates for pages and Portal Templates for items when you want your pages to display consistent layout, font, color, and auxiliary content when viewing a page or an item. This section provides information on using both types of Portal Templates. It includes the following subsections: ■ Section 12.2.1, Using Portal Templates with Pages ■ Section 12.2.2, Using Portal Templates with Items ■ Section 12.2.3, Copying a Portal Template ■ Section 12.2.4, Editing Portal Template Properties

12.2.1 Using Portal Templates with Pages

Portal Templates for pages enable you to enforce a standard look and feel on your portal pages. Keep in mind that a Portal Template for pages is rigorous in enforcing the layout, look, and feel it provides. For example, in most cases, you cannot add new regions to pages that are based on Portal Templates. Be sure the template contains the regions your content providers will require. There’s one exception to the no new regions rule. If the template includes a tab, users with edit or personalization privileges on a page can add more tabs on pages that are based on the template. Then they can create additional regions on the new tabs. Additionally, you can allow or prevent privileged users from applying a page style other than the one provided by the template. You can lock template regions to prevent anyone from adding content to those regions. And you can allow or prevent privileged users from defining page access rules other than those defined for the template. Use Portal Templates for pages on navigation pages, standard pages, or custom page types that are based on the standard page type. This section provides information on how to create, apply, edit, and detach Portal Templates for pages. It includes the following subsections: ■ Section 12.2.1.1, Creating a Portal Template for Pages ■ Section 12.2.1.2, Applying Portal Templates for Pages ■ Section 12.2.1.3, Editing Portal Templates for Pages ■ Section 12.2.1.4, Detaching a Portal Template from a Page

12.2.1.1 Creating a Portal Template for Pages

There are two methods for creating a Portal Template for pages: ■ Section 12.2.1.1.1, Creating a Portal Template for Pages Using a Wizard ■ Section 12.2.1.1.2, Converting a Page to a Portal Template

12.2.1.1.1 Creating a Portal Template for Pages Using a Wizard The template creation

wizard provides an easy-to-use interface for defining the underlying structure of your Portal Template. Use the template creation wizard to: ■ Specify whether the template should be available immediately or remain unpublished until it is complete