This really is pretty simple. I needed a way to get generic, per-weblog instructions in the control panel. So what this extension does is to create a non-editable note field type for adding general weblog instructions. The only thing required for this to really work is the jQuery JavaScript library. You can set the path for jQuery in the settings (see below). You ARE using jQuery, aren’t you?
Settings
Upload the extension and language file. Set the path to your jQuery file and optionally change the styles of the instruction box (color, border, background image…whatever you need). You can add as many styles as you need, but there are a couple in there to get you started, including one to float images to the left. One you’re done with the settings, create a custom field (or fields), and you will see a new field type in the dropdown: “Dulee Noted”.
Make a Custom Field…or two. Or three.
This field is applied to every entry in a weblog just like a regular custom field, but there is no textarea or text input - so it’s a way to get weblog specific instructions on your entries that really appear to be more a part of the Control Panel.
Have a super-long entry page? Segment your fields into areas, with some basic instructions for each area. Make a Custom Field, and select the “Dulee Noted” field type from the Field Type dropdown. Then put everything for the field in the Field Instructions. That’s it.
All I’ve done is basically kill any sort of input field on this field type, and gave the instructions a nice little call-out box through some styles. I also automatically send links made in the instruction box to a new window (unobtrusively), so you can still open those links in a new tab if you wish.
Once you’ve made your field(s), Use the Field Order link to put them where you need them.
Never Forget how the &%#$ you are doing something in a weblog
Never again forget that entries in your weblog are sorted by date, or that you have to remember to make an entry ‘sticky’ for it to be featured on your homepage, put in a reminder to select a category…whatever you need to remind your clients about you can put in one of these fields. As anyone who has done some tricky EE work knows, sometimes it can be tough to remember what everything does as a whole!
More ideas: Put in a link to another site or to a reference file (like a PSD file for making particular images). Put a picture in there. You can already do this with a regular field, but this way the field can’t be altered, and it looks more like a part of the clients’ installation. It’s more integrated with the Control Panel.
Until EE 2.0 arrives (or even after it arrives, as not everyone will be updating every install immediately, I’m sure) this will serve as a nice replacement for the upcoming “Accessories” - which will serve the same purpose as this type of field, but in a much more robust way.
I decided to realase it, ‘cause what the heck. If it works for you, great. I know I’ll be using it on every build I have happening right now!
You can download Dulee Noted from this page: Dulee Noted at Masuga Design.
