Themes are being created from base theme codes by putting a base theme's css code in it's ENTIRETY in a text editor and then just making the wanted changes in the entire code.  (Which might just be one small change).  Then the ENTIRE theme's code (altered and unaltered sections) is being pasted in the CSS EDITOR. This is the incorrect way to use this feature.

You don't need to install the base theme code into the CSS Editor box because it's already installed.  You just don't see the code in your CSS Editor box.  It's installed behind the scenes for you already.  That's why you already have a theme showing which is the base theme you chose.

The CSS Editor Feature here was added for users to put SECTIONS OF EDITED code to override sections of base theme css code (for those sections allowed) to give a site a different look or feel.  It was not designed to paste in code that a base theme ALREADY has installed when you initially choose the base theme that your customized theme will be designed from.  This is why you MUST first choose your base theme.  To install a certain amount of criteria and instructions automatically to display this base theme before/if you make any further alterations or customizations.

Now that theme designing has become so prevalent, both for the user and to share with others in theme groups, it has been discovered that themes are being designed by posting both EDITED and UNEDITED (ALREADY INSTALLED WHEN YOU CHOSE YOUR BASE THEME) code to be pasted into the CSS EDITOR (Giving the appearance of the entire code for a theme)  

This is incorrect, and is not only the wrong way to do it but can cause code not to pass validation or theme/site/feature issues that can't be resolved until code passes validation or completely removed.

Even worse - people are altering others' theme codes, which can be wrong or have errors and then sharing and using a theme full of errors.

The CORRECT  way to use the CSS EDITOR feature is to put in only the EDITED code (code that is altered from the base theme code).  A theme with few changes will be a short theme code.  Maybe only a few lines long.  A more complicated theme with many changes will be lengthy.  Do not include the unedited code.  It's already installed when you chose your base theme.

You will notice that when you install a customized theme, you are required to choose a designated base theme that code is edited specifically for THAT base theme.  This installs the default code for that base theme automatically. 

Please remember when posting and using a theme, that you ONLY need the EDITED portion of CSS (altered from what the base theme has already installed) pasted in the CSS EDITOR.



Now that Multiply has installed a code validator (see the checkbox under your CSS EDITOR), paste in only your EDITED code, and validate it first.  You can bypass the validation but  AT YOUR OWN RISK.  You will notice that the validator will tell you if you have errors and what those errors are.

If you still need assistance in correcting a code error, you may post in notes at multiplydesign .  These groups, muds, usersupport, and customizedthemes are not CSS and Customization support groups. 

You can paste the snippet of code that will not validate and we will assist you at multiplydesign.  (Please do not post your entire css there since we can see your css by going to your site)  You can post a snippet of code that won't validate though.

I hope that this information will clear up what appears to be a misunderstanding of how to make, use and share a theme.

IF YOU USE UNVALIDATED CODE and you have any feature issues, USER SUPPORT will not be able to assist with your feature issues unless your css code validates or you remove your css before you ask your question there.

If a customized theme from a theme group does not validate, you will need to use another theme and contact the theme author to correct and validate their  theme before sharing.

REMEMBER:  THE CSS EDITOR FEATURE HERE IS AN EDITOR AND NOT DESIGNED FOR THE ENTIRE BASE CODE THEME.  ONLY THE EDITED PORTIONS FOR A THEME.

When you make a theme to share, you only need to post this edited portion up as the theme's code.  When you state the base theme to install from, the user has then already installed the base code.  It is recommended of course that you test and validate any theme designs you are sharing or using with Multiply's Validator (check the box on the CSS page)

What is validation?  It is a tool that checks your code for errors that could disable features on your site.  In some more serious cases, Customer Service has had to correct or remove code because the errors in CSS prevented access to the CSS section to remove the code along with disabling other features. 

So you can see where this tool will become invaluable to each user.  However, the CSS Validator is the only change there. 

The CSS Editing Feature was always there for edits only .  This is only to clear up the misconceptions that have been realized about this feature for theme designers and users who make their own themes.  Because base themes are updated by Multiply on a regular basis as necessary, using unedited portions (the entire base theme) has never been recommended for this reason.

However, if you wish to view the current base themes at any time, for the purpose of learning the portions of css code that are already installed when you choose a theme,  CLICK HERE.  Then, click on the image of each theme and the link is there to the base theme codes that Multiply maintains.

Once again - this is not a change.  This has always been the purpose of the CSS Editor Feature.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, support and answers to your questions, CLICK HERE.  THANK YOU.

If you have a question on how to change your theme look and feel, Multiply.Desgin group will help to solve it.

There are many ways to customize your site here on Multiply. But if you're tired of the one-click customized themes that are currently available on Multiply, and you're ready to step out and try something new, then click on over to the Customized Themes group here on Multiply.

This group is a place to share themes. It is not a "how to" group. So if you have questions about how to create your own theme, you might first want to check out this thread right here in the New To Multiply group.

But if you have a redesign that you're willing to share, or if you want to come and find a refreshing new look for your site, come check out the Customized Themes group.

There are several CSS tutorials online. This is one that I've found helpful, although I think each tutorial I've looked at has it's own strengths and weaknesses and I tend to look between several different places when trying to figure something out.

Please add links to tutorials that you've found and liked.