Using The Extra Theme & Module Customizer

Using The Extra Theme & Module Customizer

Using The Extra Theme & Module Customizer
Using the theme customizer, you can adjust just about every part of Extra’s design.

Accessing The Theme & Module Customizers
The Theme & Module customizers give you control over just about every single element on your page. Want to adjust the size or spacing of text or an element of your website at the click of a button? The Customizer is where you want to start! To customizer panels can be accessed via the
Extra > Theme Customizer and Extra > Module Customizer links in your WordPress Dashboard. The Theme Customizer gives you control over site-wide theme elements, such as your menu & logo size or your body and header text styles. The Module Customizer gives you size & font controls over individual modules. Do you want to reduce the height of all the slider modules on your website? That can be done in just a few seconds via the Module Customizer! Let’s take a closer look.

Exploring The Theme Customizer
First we will explore the Theme Customizer. There are hundreds of options here, separated into different categories. When you first open up the customizer you will see several panels, such as “Header & Navigation” and “General Settings.” Opening these panels will reveal the options related to those areas of your website. As you adjust the settings within the customizer, you will be given a live preview of their effects. Once you save your changes, the new styles will be reflected on your live website.

You can do just about anything with the Theme Customizer without ever touching a line of code. For a more detailed look at some of the different customizer options, and some creative ways to use these options together, be sure to watch the instructional video above.
Exploring The Module Customizer
The Module Customizer works just like the Theme Customizer, except it focuses on the customization of individual modules as opposed to general website elements. When you open up the Module Customizer, you will see a separate panel for each of the Divi Builder modules. Opening up these panels will reveal customizer controls that can be used to adjust the spacing and typography of each module across your entire website.
For example, if you think that the FullWidth Slider Module’s default settings have too much padding, you can simply open the Fullwidth Slider panel and adjust the padding slider. Now whenever you add a new Fullwidth Slider to a page, the customized padding value will be reflected. There’s no need to use a Child Theme or adjust the Advanced Module settings for the individual module. The Module Customizer is a collection of global module controls.

Ratings & Reviews In Extra

Ratings & Reviews In Extra

Ratings & Reviews In Extra
Extra comes with an integrated user and author rating system that can be used for reviews.

Rating Systems
Extra comes with two different rating systems out-of-the-box: a system that lets you add a product
rating to any post, as well as a user rating system. Both of these features are perfect for fostering
reader engagement.

Product Ratings
You can add a Product Review to any posts that you like. When you create a new post, you will notice a box labeled “Review Box Contents.”. Within this box there are fields with which you can configure the content for the Product Review Box. If you do not want a Product Review Box to be shown below a post’s content, simply leave the fields empty.
Review Box Title
This is the text that will be used as the Review Box’s heading.
Summary
The text entered here will appear to the right of the products overall rating.
Summary Title
This is the text that will appear in bold before your summary.
Breakdown
Breakdowns are the components that make up the overall rating.
Title
This is the title text describing the breakdown.
Rating
This is your rating for the breakdown, it should be a number between 0 and 100.

User Ratings
Your site’s visitors can submit a star rating on any posts for which you haven’t explicitly disabled (hidden) Ratings. When you create a new post, you will notice a box labeled “Extra Settings”. To disable ratings for the post, simply select the option labeled “Hide Post Rating”.

A post’s overall star rating is displayed with it’s meta information (eg. Date, Categories, Tags, etc) in various areas throughout the theme. You can enable/disable the inclusion of ratings in post meta information globally for your site’s posts, pages, & archive pages from within Extra’s ePanel Settings.
You can also control the inclusion of ratings in posts’ meta information for any modules which display post meta (eg. Blog Module, Posts Modules, Portfolio Modules, etc). You can control it for all modules (globally) from within Extra’s Module Customizer as well as at the individual module level from within the module’s settings (while editing a post or page).

Projects & Portfolios In Extra

Projects & Portfolios In Extra

Projects & Portfolios In Extra
Extra’s project post type can be used to create an online digital portfolio.

Overview
Extra’s includes a custom project post type. One of the ways it can be used is to create an online digital portfolio. In Extra, a Portfolio is basically a group of Project posts, represented by their featured images and post meta information, that link back to the individual projects’ page.
There are five Portfolio layouts/styles included with Extra, including: Standard, Standard Grid, Fullwidth Grid, Masonry Grid and Fullwidth Carousel.
How To Create A New Project
Extra makes building a project fun and easy. When you installed Extra, a ‘Projects’ menu item was added to the main menu of your WordPress Dashboard so you can create Projects in the same manner as a Post or Page. You also have the option to use the basic project layout, or to use the Divi Builder to create truly amazing project layouts.

Creating Your Project

Title
Start off by defining your project title.
Content Editor
When using the basic project layout (instead of the Divi Builder), your featured image will appear at the top of the page above any content that you place in the content editor.
Categories
Project categories are separate from post categories so that you can have full control over what appears inside of your portfolios. Here you can add a new category or choose from existing categories.
Skills
Skills are to Project Posts as Tags are to Regular Posts. They provide another method of organizing your projects as well as an easy way for your site’s visitors to navigate and discover your portfolio content.
Extra Settings
Here you can configure various post options for your project such as which of your Sidebars should be displayed, the Sidebar display location, post meta visibility, etc.
Project Details Options Group
The options inside this settings box allow you to configure what is displayed in the Project Details area on the frontend.
Project Details Title
Here you can configure the title for the Project Details area. The default title is “Project Details”.
Project URL
When using the basic project layout (instead of the Divi Builder), your featured image will appear at the top of the page above any content that you place in the content editor.
Open In New Window
Choose whether or not the project URL should open in a new window.
Project URL Text
The text that will be used to create a link to your project URL.
Project Description Location
Here yo can choose where on the page the Project Details area will be displayed (eg. below content, in the sidebar, etc).
Project Short Description
A short description for your project to be included in the Project Details area.
Featured Image
Here you can select a featured image for your project by choosing/installing an image via the WordPress Media Library. This will be the image that will be used to create the thumbnail that represents your project in portfolios.
A thumbnail is a copy of an image that has been scaled and/or cropped to fit a predefined size. For best results when using a grid layout, we recommend that all of your project featured images have the same aspect ratio.
Project Gallery
The options inside this settings box allow you to configure an Image Gallery Slider for your project.
Add Images
This option allows you to use the WordPress Media Library to add existing photos to your project gallery and/or upload new photos.
Extended Layout
As an alternative to the basic project layout, you can use the Divi Builder to create extended layouts. In this mode, you have just as much creative freedom as you do when creating any other post/page with the Divi Builder.
NOTE: If you choose to use the builder, you will start from a blank canvas. That means all of the elements from the basic project layout (as described above) are removed (i.e. Title, Categories, Featured Image, Skills, and Date). However, you can still add this information to your project layout using the appropriate builder modules.

An Overview Of Post Formats In Extra

An Overview Of Post Formats In Extra

An Overview Of Post Formats In Extra
Extra supports all major post formats, giving your blog a wonderful variation of media.

Extra Supports All The Major Post Formats
When you write a blog post, you can apply one of 7 different post formats to the post: Standard, Video, Audio, Quote, Gallery, Link, and Map. Each of these formats structures your post differently, putting more focus on the type of content that the format represents.

When you write a blog post, you will notice a box to the right of your text editor labeled “Format.” Within this box are the 6 format options. Choosing “Standard” will result in a normally-formatted blog post, while each of the other options has a unique design associated with their format type.

Using The Video Post Format
For posts using the Video Post Format, a video is placed at the top of the post. Additionally, the post’s Featured Image will be replaced with an embedded video in post listings.
Upon selecting the “Video” post format from within the Format options box, you will notice a new settings box has been added in the left column. There you can define your video(s) by either copy/pasting a video URL (from providers like Youtube and Vimeo) or by installing your own HTML5 video via the WordPress Media Library.

Using The Audio Post Format
Posts using the Audio Post Format will display an audio player at the top of their content. The post’s Featured Image on index pages will be replaced by an audio player as well. Upon selecting the “Audio” post format from within the Format options box, you will notice a new settings box has been added in the left column. You can use the options provided there to define an Audio file for the post.

Using The Quote Post Format
Applying the Quote Post Format to a post will display a stylized quote at the top of your post. The stylized quote will also replace the post’s Featured Image on all index pages.
Upon selecting the Quote Post Format from within the Format options box, you will notice a new settings box has been added in the left column. You can use the options provided there to define a quote for the post.

Using The Gallery Post Format
An image gallery is displayed at the top of the post content when you apply the Gallery Post Format to a post. A gallery slider will replace the post’s Featured Image on all index pages.
Upon selecting the Gallery Post Format from within the Format options box, you will notice a new settings box has been added in the left column. You can use the options provided there to define your gallery images for the post.

Using The Link Post Format
Applying the Link Post Format to a post will display a stylized link at the top of your post. The stylized link will also replace the post’s Featured Image on all index pages.
Upon selecting the Link Post Format from within the Format options box, you will notice a new settings box has been added in the left column. You can use the options provided there to define a link for the post.

Using The Map Post Format
When you apply the Map Post Format to a post, a map centered on a location of your choosing will appear prominently at the top of the post content. This can be useful in various situations, especially for sites where posts might be connected to a physical location (a restaurant review site is one example that comes to mind).
Upon selecting the Map Post Format from within the Format options box, you will notice a new settings box has been added in the left column. You can use the options provided there to define a map point for the post as well as configure the map’s zoom level and positioning.

Google Maps API Key
An API key is required in order to use the Contat Page Template since it contains a google Map. To obtain an API key, log into the Google Developers Console, which will guide you through the process, and activate the Google Maps JavaScript API and any related services automatically. The first thing you will be asked to do is create a new project.

Next you will be asked to name your project. You can name the project anything you like. In this example, I simply called it “Maps.” You can also input your website’s domain name (add an * in front of it if you allow access from both www.domain.com and domain.com) to make sure to other website’s are allowed to your your API key.

After you have created an named your project, you will be presented with an API Key that you can use.

After you have obtained an API key, you must copy/paste it into the theme options panel by navigating to: Divi>>Theme Options>>General Settings>>Google Maps API Key

Using Extra’s Page Templates

Using Extra’s Page Templates

Using Extra’s Page Templates
Extra comes with a variety of page templates that can be used in various situations.

Using Page Templates
Extra includes a collection of page templates that can be used for a variety of purposes. You can apply any of these page templates to any page that you create. When you edit a page in your WordPress Dashboard, you will notice a Templates dropdown menu located in the Page Attributes box which appears to the right of the text editor. There you can choose from a list of available page templates.

Once a template is selected and if the selected template has configurable options, an additional settings box labeled
“ Page Template Settings”, where “>Theme Options>>General Settings>>Google Maps API Key
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An Introduction To The Extra Theme

An Introduction To The Extra Theme

An Introduction To The Extra Theme
Learn the basics of the theme in this complete video overview. Newcomers, start here!

What Is Extra?
The first thing you need to know about Extra is that it’s built on a rock-solid foundation, our Divi Builder. The Divi Builder allows you to create beautiful and unique post and page layouts visually, without touching a single line of code. It gives anyone the ability to create truly dynamic websites with ease.
In many ways, Extra was conceived as the counterpart to the Divi Theme. Extra does the things that Divi was never meant to do. Beautiful, versatile, magazine-like layouts that cater to a variety of blogs and online publications are Extra’s forte. Robust customization options that allow for unique and elegant post feeds with a focus on social interaction and user engagement are Extra’s second nature. The bottom line is this: Where Divi’s primary focus is on the page, Extra’s focus is on the post feed.
Extra’s Category Builder The Divi Builder: Extended
Extra extends upon its Divi Builder foundation with a brand new set of post-based modules. These modules bring the builder’s advanced drag-and-drop functionality to your home and category pages. Collectively, we call these new modules the Category Builder. Extra’s Category Builder gives you control over your home and category pages like never before, allowing you to completely build them from the ground up. This lets you break away from the standard, prebuilt category pages, so you can create unique experiences on a per-category-basis.

Category Builder Modules
Extra comes with a new set of Divi Builder modules built specifically for the needs of bloggers and online publications. These new modules can be used to build a variety of different homepage and category layouts. Now you can build a post feed to meet the needs of your unique content.
There are currently two main types of category modules with which you can display posts:
Widget Style
Posts
Posts Carousel
Posts Slider
Tabbed Posts
Feed Style
Blog Feed
Blog Feed (Masonry)
Through the combination of different column structures and modules, a wide range of category and homepage designs can be created. Whether you are running a personal blog or a huge online media website, Extra can be tailored to suite your needs.
Creating A Category Layout
Creating a Category Layout is done much in the same way as you would create a new page or post. You will start by navigating to Extra >> Category Builder in your WordPress Dashboard. You will then be presented with a list of your existing Category Layouts. To create a new layout, click the Add New button that appears at the top of the page, next to the title. Next, use the Divi Builder interface to create your layout. Hint: Start out by clicking “Insert Columns”.

Configuring A Category Layout
In the left column you will notice a box labeled Categories as well as a box labeled Layout Usage and a box labeled Extra Settings. They allow you to configure when and where your layout will be used on the frontend of your website and if/how the sidebar should be shown.

Products & Projects
In addition to standard blog posts, Extra includes full support for two other important areas: Projects and Products. If you are a designer looking to showcase your recent work, Extra makes it dead simple. Looking to sell products to your readers? Extra makes that easy as well with built-in WooCommerce integration.

Post & Product Reviews
Give your review posts some extra polish using Extra’s custom review system. It includes a built-in User Rating System allowing your site’s users to rate posts as well. This fosters user engagement and provides valuable insight.

The Extra Text Module

The Extra Text Module

The Extra Text Module
The most basic module, but with tons of different applications.

Module Overview

You can use the Text Module to insert text content into your category layouts. This can be useful, for example, if you need to display a disclaimer or notice for certain posts categories (like reviews, perhaps?).
View A Live Demo Of This Module
The Module Options

General Settings
Text Color
If your text is being placed onto a dark background the Text Color should be set to ‘Dark’. Visa versa, if your text is being placed onto a light background, the Text Color should be set to ‘Light’.
Text Orientation
This dropdown menu allows you to specify the orientation of your text to be Left Justified, Centered, or Right Justified.
Content
This field is where you can enter the body content of your blurb. Text content spans the full width of the column that it is in.
Admin Label
By default, your text module will appear with a label that reads ‘Text’ in the builder. The Admin Label allows you to change this label for easy identification.

The Extra Tabbed Posts Module

The Extra Tabbed Posts Module

The Extra Tabbed Posts Module
Tabbed posts are a great way to consolidate posts into a smaller area, allowing to tab through categories.

Module Overview

The Tabbed Posts Module is just like the Posts Module, but with one extra feature. It allows you to display a tab for each of the categories you enable, essentially making the posts filterable by category on the frontend.
View A Live Demo Of This Module
The Module Options

General Settings
Posts Limit
Define the number of posts to be shown in the slider.
Show Featured Image
Show the posts’ featured image.
Show Author
Include the author in each posts’ post-meta information.
Show Categories
Include categories in each posts’ post-meta information.
Show Comments
Include the comment count in each posts’ post-meta information.
Show Rating
Include the rating in each posts’ post-meta information.
Show Date
Include the date in each posts’ post-meta information.
Sort Method
Choose the method in which the posts will be sorted.
Sort Order
Choose whether the posts will be displayed in descending or ascending order.
Date Format
The format in which to display the date. This must be specified using a PHP date() format string.
Admin Label
This will change the label of the module in the builder for easy identification.
CSS ID
Enter an optional CSS ID to be used for this module. An ID can be used to create custom CSS styling, or to create links to particular sections of your page.
CSS Class
Enter optional CSS classes to be used for this module. A CSS class can be used to create custom CSS styling. You can add multiple classes, separated with a space.
Module Item Settings
You can add multiple tabs to a Tabbed Posts Module.
Category
Choose the category from which this tab should display posts.
Display Featured Posts Only
Yep, you guessed it! Enable this option to show only featured posts in this tab.

The Extra Posts Module

The Extra Posts Module

The Extra Posts Module
Display a basic feed of posts from specific categories and sorted by various different methods.

Module Overview

The Posts Module displays up to five posts with one being the primary/active post. The user can cycle through the posts (changing the current primary/active post) by clicking on any of the non-primary posts. Exactly which posts are shown in the module will depend on which categories you apply the layout to as well as how you configure the module’s settings.
View A Live Demo Of This Module
The Module Options

General Settings
Categories
Choose the categories from which this module should display posts.
Posts Limit
Define the number of posts to be shown in the slider.
Display Featured Posts Only
Yep, you guessed it! Enable this option to show only featured posts.
Show Featured Image
Show the posts’ featured image.
Show Author
Include the author in each posts’ post-meta information.
Show Categories
Include categories in each posts’ post-meta information.
Show Comments
Include the comment count in each posts’ post-meta information.
Show Rating
Include the rating in each posts’ post-meta information.
Show Date
Include the date in each posts’ post-meta information.
Heading Style
Choose a heading style.
Sort Method
Choose the method in which the posts will be sorted.
Sort Order
Choose whether the posts will be displayed in descending or ascending order.
Date Format
The format in which to display the date. This must be specified using a PHP date() format string.
Admin Label
This will change the label of the module in the builder for easy identification.
CSS ID
Enter an optional CSS ID to be used for this module. An ID can be used to create custom CSS styling, or to create links to particular sections of your page.
CSS Class
Enter optional CSS classes to be used for this module. A CSS class can be used to create custom CSS styling. You can add multiple classes, separated with a space.

The Extra Posts Carousel Module

The Extra Posts Carousel Module

The Extra Posts Carousel Module
Display a list of posts within a horizontal sliders that can be toggled through by your visitors.

Module Overview

The Post Carousel Module works by displaying a list of posts represented by their featured image in a carousel-style slider. It can be used for a multitude of purposes. For example, authors and writers could use it to showcase their most recent published works.
View A Live Demo Of This Module
The Module Options

General Settings
Categories
Choose the categories from which this module should display posts.
Posts Limit
Define the number of posts to be shown in the carousel.
Display Featured Posts Only
Yep, you guessed it! Enable this option to show only featured posts.
Show Date
Include the date in each posts’ post-meta information.
Enable Autoplay
Enable/disable the autoplay feature.
Heading Style
Choose a heading style.
Sort Method
Choose the method in which the posts will be sorted.
Sort Order
Choose whether the posts will be displayed in descending or ascending order.
Date Format
The format in which to display the date. This must be specified using a PHP date() format string.
Admin Label
This will change the label of the module in the builder for easy identification.
CSS ID
Enter an optional CSS ID to be used for this module. An ID can be used to create custom CSS styling, or to create links to particular sections of your page.
CSS Class
Enter optional CSS classes to be used for this module. A CSS class can be used to create custom CSS styling. You can add multiple classes, separated with a space.