Templates



Switching From BEACON to NE1:


As members move from the old BEACON web builder to the new NE1 web builder, we thought there may be some questions members would have. We'd like to use this page to help answer some of those questions up front and talk about some of the differences between the NE1 web builder's templates and the BEACON templates.


Understanding NE1 Templates

One of the biggest differences between the old Beacon Web Builder and the new NE1 Website Builder is in the appearance of the sites they create and with their templates. A website template defines the layout or structure of a website along with the elements of the website that are common to all pages like the header image, color scheme, and styling of the text.

The templating system was completely rewritten for the NE1 Website Builder, which means the templates themselves are new as well as the way members select and edit the template for their website. This page explains the differences between Beacon and NE1 templates. We think once you understand the improvements to the NE1 templates, you'll agree that the quality, selection, versatility, and custom options make the appearance of NE1-built sites far superior to Beacon.

1) Template Selection

Beacon has about 70 templates including approximately 15 Christian, 30 seasonal, 10 nature, 10 design, and 5 hobbies. NE1 currently has about 145 templates including 12 Christian, 3 seasonal, 10 nature, 30 people, plus dozens of technology and business templates. (There are probably way more business/technology templates than we need, but they came as a package deal)

2) New Templates

Every month for the foreseeable future, OCC will create 3 new templates based on our members' nominations and votes in the "Choose the Next Template" initiative. That means 36 new templates will be added over the course of the year. In particular we hope to add to the Christian and seasonal templates, but it will be up to our members.

3) Quality Templates

Beacon templates were designed 8-11 years ago. They admittedly look outdated. None of them incorporated photographs or pictures. The NE1 templates include contemporary designs with vibrant colors and images.

4) Versatile Templates

All Beacon templates the same basic layout - 2 columns, menu on the left, title at the top, one image centered below the title, and text below that image. NE1 templates are immensely more versatile. They can have 1, 2 or 3 columns. They can include a vertical menu on the left or right side or a horizontal menu above or below the header image at the top. Modules like news excerpts, blog articles, local weather, and Bible search can be placed anywhere in the NE1 templates.

5) Editing Templates

Because all Beacon templates have the same layout and elements, changing a template by swapping out the background image or changing text color could be done easily. The versatility of the NE1 templates makes them much more complicated. Templates include dozens of images, colors, and style settings. The number and name of these template elements vary from template to template making a Beacon-like system for editing templates impossible in NE1.

NE1 templates are HTML documents and are stored locally in each account. Therefore, for Gold, Silver, and Bronze accounts it is possible for the site administrator to modify the template file or replace the template images, but it's a task that requires a significant understanding of HTML.

6) Custom Template Services

With Beacon, we offered the option of purchasing a custom template, but that template had to have the same rigid layout as the rest of the Beacon templates and only the graphics and colors could be customized. With NE1, we offer 5 customizing options.
See the Custom NE1 Templates page for details.

7) SiteTools / Modules

Beacon templates included an optional "SiteTools" column on the right side, which could be configured by the web administrator to include local weather, Bible search, Christian Search, Google search, and a language translator. None of the existing NE1 templates has a "SiteTools" column, but the web administrator can add the same tools (called modules in NE1) to any page using the "Insert Module" feature. In Beacon the SiteTools were located in a column on the right and could not be moved, however, with the NE1 web builder, you can determine the location of the tool on the page so it’s not locked in the right column. Modules can also be added by OCC to a customized template so they appear on every page of a website.

Template FAQs

  Can I keep the template I have with my current (Beacon) site?

No, the NE1 templating system is so far advanced beyond Beacon that Beacon templates will not transfer, but there are more NE1 templates to choose from, with more layout options, and more vibrant designs we're confident most members will find an NE1 template they'll like even more than their current Beacon template.
  What if I don't like any of the NE1 templates?

Well, we think you probably will, but if not you have three options. First, you can use one of the available NE1 templates anyway. Second, you can suggest new templates and vote in our monthly "Choose the Next Template" initiative. Third, we can customize a template for you. See the Custom NE1 Templates page.
  Can I edit my template in the NE1 web administrator?

No, the NE1 admin does not include a way to replace the background image or change the colors of your site. Members with a Gold, Silver, and Bronze can edit their template file and FTP new template graphics, but we warn against doing this unless you understand HTML. Otherwise, our experienced web designers can edit your template as you like using purchased maintenance hours.
  Can I use more than one template in my NE1 site?

Yes. One of the most important aspects to giving your website visitors a good experience is to have a consistent layout and appearance throughout your website, so in most cases we strongly recommend using the same template for all pages. But you can import as many templates as you like and select a different template for each page.


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