Introduction

This page explains how to setup Firedrop2 to use as a blog tool. It assumes you have successfully installed Firedrop2 and all the dependencies. If you haven't done this yet, turn to the Introduction.

If you have done these things, then you're ready to create your blog.

Create a Site

The first step is to create a new site. This involves choosing (or creating) a local directory where the site files will be kept. (The blog you create is actually a directory, not just a file.)

Choose the "New site..." option from the "File Menu".

Next, choose content type 'Weblog'. (Article Collections and Item Lists are set up in the same way).

Next you need to choose, or create a directory, and hit "Ok".

Some default files and templates will be created in the directory you have chosen. When you make entries they will be saved there as well (in a text format).

Having created your site, Firedrop2 will ask you if you want it opened. If you select Yes then you can skip the next step and go straight to Configuring Firedrop.

Open Your Site

Having created your site, you can't use it until you open it. Choose the "Open site..." option from the "File Menu". Every time you want to work on your blog, this is the option to choose.

You can also use the "Open" button from the GUI. This brings up the same dialog to choose your site directory.

Having created and opened your blog, you need to configure it. Turn to Configuring Firedrop.

Choosing a Theme

In Firedrop2 0.2.2 Stewart Midwinter added the Themes Plugin.

Firedrop2 comes with four built in themes :

• bluerobot2
• default
• midtoad
• rossp

Unsurprisingly default is the default one.

From the themes plugin you can see a preview of the four themes, and choose one to apply to your newly created blog.

When you choose a theme, the appropriate templates are copied into your blog directory. (Overwriting the ones already there - so be careful.)

For the full details see the Themes Plugin Manual.