Before you even attempt to use the Custom Editor make sure you know enough HTML to add images and image links, text links, and know your tags. There are no shortcuts to adding anything in there. It's just you and the HTML.

To begin using the Custom editor in your new Tripod directory, go to http://homepager.tripod.com which is the Housekeeper page. Look down the page and click on "Homepage Housekeeper". It will ask for your password and member name, then you're in! That takes you to your directory. At the top of your directory you'll see a green navigation box, look for "Custom Page Builder". Click on that then the next thing you'll have to do is choose a file name.

What should I name my new Page?

Whats in a name? Well in this case you'll not be able to use @ or # or ! or any thing else like that. Just choose a word that gives you an idea of what the page is about or if you need a two word name you can use _ like this:

file_name.html

If you wish you can name it "file_name.htm" but how much trouble is it to push the "L" key!

After you've chosen the name for your new page you'll see a confirmation that says that the file has been named. Click on "Continue" and it will take you to the next step: Pure HTML!

Pure HTML

In the next page that loads you'll see a large blank field for you to write in the HTML code for your new page. There is no shortcuts as there is in the Quickpage editor. Your page will not be divided into sections either. You'll have to write in every tag you'll need for your page to work right. If you need help with this I would recommend using the Quickpage editor for a little while longer until you get the hang of HTML, or, if you insist on using the Custom page editor click here to get professional advice from the Zen master (mistress?), Dudette.

If you can proceed by using <title> and </title> tags and so forth, write your document and after you've added all the elements needed for your page, you then hit the "Use this HTML" button to save that page. On the next page that loads, you'll be able to veiw the HTML of the document you just created and also you'll be able to view the webpage you just built.

In the "Tripodisms" section of this segment I'll show you how to easily navigate and edit the custom page editor without mistakes. Don't get me wrong, the custom page editor is a good tool for making your pages. It just takes some know how to get it right. After some experimentation and good advice you'll be able to create anything you wish with just the custom page editor. I only use the custom page editor now for my website, it took me a while to get used to it just as it will you but never give up. Your website will reflect the work you put into it and one day you'll surf your own site and you'll be impressed with what you created.