wayne on November 13, 2008 

Using the Blogger interface to pick a new template layout couldn't be any more simple.  This page is by far the easiest to understand, and perhaps one you might never look at again after establishing your blog.  However, there may come a time when you want to give your blog a new look.  On this page you can do just that.

Note to new visitors!  If you would like to know more about this series or view all available lessons, just follow the appropriate link.

Here's what the interface looks like:

The list area displays the various templates that Blogger provides to all bloggers.  And each template also provides a way to modify the colors.  The end result is a nice blend of options to create a blog that reflects your personality and style.

All you need to do is play around with the items.  When you make a color change, the sample will also change color to give you an idea of what you will get.  If you need more, there is a 'preview template' link that will open a new window and display your existing blog in the selection configuration.

If you find something you like, click the save template button and you're done.  I told you it was easy.

Important Note: If you have modified your template to include anything out side of the widget architecture, such as Analytics scripts or anything else, you will lose those items if they were not added via a widget.

Change Equals Opportunity

There are countless reasons why one makes a decision to change templates.  You might need to change the dimensions of your blog to make room for other features and components that you didn't see you would want or need when you originally set things up.  Or maybe you just want to create a fresh look. 

Whatever your reason may be, it is also an opportunity for you to make more of it than just a 'changing of the template'.  For instance, after you change your template, the first people that are going to notice are those that frequent your blog.  They'll most likely be your best critics too.  You have the opportunity to include them as part of the process, either on the front or the back of the change, and the experience can be quite rewarding if done correctly.

You know your audience and what they expect from you as a blogger.  Including them in the process can bring them closer to you, and help them to feel more like a part of you and your blog.  That can't be a bad thing.

Conclusion

There are a few things you should temper before just changing your template on a whim.  If you have any level of traffic beyond that of a new blog, you might want to consider the impact of changing your blog theme may have on your visitors.  You can also choose to include them in the process or exclude them entirely.  It's all up to you.

I hope that this series has helped you to learn a few new things and become more a more confident blogger using the Blogger.com blog system.

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