YAML stands for "Yet Another Multicolumn Layout", which is a little understated. It is an extensive CSS framework for creating a wide variety of web page layouts that work with a variety of different web browsers. It takes a lot of guess work and hassle out of developing a custom web page design or template. I used it for some of the class and club web site temapltes and just recently for the new upcoming Alumnae Quarterly Blogazine. The Blogazine layout was inspired by a WordPress theme, but I use LifeType which utilizes a superior Smarty based template system. To save time, I use a basic YAML fixed 3 column layout for the basis of the template and built it up from there. Check out the cool online YAML builder which allows you to dynamically create a page layout online.
Another tool you may want to consider is Yahoo's YUI Grids CSS although it may not offer as many layouts. There is a online YUI Grids builder, too.
These are great tools for saving time andletting you concentrate on the design and content of your design. Don't reinvent the wheel.
09 January 2008, 20:12
Hi Ed, did you find that it was easy to manipulate your templates once you created them? Or does YAML create your template any it gives you the static files?
09 January 2008, 23:01
Jason, The YAML templates rea very flexible and easy to manipulate. It is just a matter of editing the correct CSS files.
10 January 2008, 00:45
Awesome. Thanks for your response. I'm going to have to check that out.
16 January 2008, 17:09
Mmm, I never tried the "online" CSS Editor for lifetype's YAML template set.
But it looks quite great, I also should give it a try.
16 January 2008, 21:45
Maybe I should have been clearer in my write up. There is no specific online CSS editor for LifeType's YAML template set. There is a template editor plugin that you can use to edit the CSS, but I prefer to use Coda from Panic Software. Sorry for the confusion. I highly recommend you read the documentation for the YAML template set.
06 May 2008, 15:47
This tool seems to be very interesting and can save a lot of time. I am going to give it a try.
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17 July 2009, 18:47
Web Site Design Companies use similiar tools to help speed the web site design along. These tools help save money and time. Thanks for a awesome post.
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08 September 2009, 06:57
I think this comment is too late already. Recently, I am interested in creating my own Wordpress themes. Do you still recommend using these tools, or are they outdated?
Thanks.