Customizing Category Menu

Hello,

We've recently lost our programmer, and as the remaining developer, I am trying to find out how I would approach the customization of the tree menu navigation for product categories.

First, of course, I find the +/- useless to our needs. However, since I'm no programmer, and minimally experienced in the javascript and asp side of things, I'm not sure what code I do and do not touch to remove it from the category list.

Secondly, I would like to have control over the sizing/styling of categories and subcategories. If I could have the font size smaller on subcategories, etc, that would greatly improve the look and usability of the store.

Last, and I am not convinced on this, I would like to have the option for all categories and subcategories to show without having to expand or contract. However, I'm not positive that it will be the best option in the end, so also being able to nicely style the menu WITH the expand/collapse feature is also important.

I know these changes can be made, but like I said, I haven't played with the tree menu before, so any tips on where to start would be much appreciated! Thank you!

Well thank you for your reply! I do see now the possibilities that arrive when customizing the navigation, however, since I've still no idea where to start, might you be able to point me in the right direction? For example, to add your classes to the categories and subcategories, what file did you edit?

Hi,
  There are lots of options open to you. Personally I'm quite a fan of the dynamic navigation menus available from the support centre :
http://www.earlyimpact.com/productcart/support/developers.as p

Mainly because we don't have to re-generate the navigation menus when updating a site. Styling is achieved with CSS and there are various options available.
If none of these suits your needs I recommend engaging someone to assist you (perhaps Greg ?? )  

Hi,
  I assume you mean  display_cat_subcat.zip  - file viewCategories4.asp
Please note - I haven't tested the changes below !

To remove the additional subcategories remove from Line 40 :
<% myCatStr="SELECT idCategory, categoryDesc FROM categories WHERE idparentcategory="& var_idCategory2

to lines 74-75 :
        <% rsCatObj3.moveNext
        loop %></td>

- leaving behind a
</td>

HTH

I've done this to remove a single category before but you can easily extend the method :-
This is customisation of the ASP code - so keep documentation of what you have done and a copy of the original file. Because this is an additional  piece of code rather that part of the base product you are fairly safe from updates over-writing your customisations, but it's best to be safe and also best practice.

Anyway -

Look for the lines in the format :-
<myCatStr="SELECT idCategory, categoryDesc FROM categories WHERE idcategory > 1 AND idparentCategory=1 ORDER BY priority, categoryDesc ASC"

You can add additional conditions to prevent certain categories being displayed.
e.g. to remove category 4 amend it to read :
 
<myCatStr="SELECT idCategory, categoryDesc FROM categories WHERE idcategory > 1 AND idCategory<>4 AND idparentCategory=1 ORDER BY priority, categoryDesc ASC"

The code in the sub-levels is similar so the same principle applies - but I suspect you will just need to amend the top level query to get what you want.