Layout generator program ideas?

*edit* Layout generator is now available here.



Some of you may recall on the old EV I had a forum topic with a javascript program I'd made that would generate free semi-custom layouts for both basic and deluxe accounts. I still have the code for this, but with the new EV it needs a few changes. I thought I might take the opportunity to revamp it and make something completely new, so I thought I'd ask for everyone's opinions on what they'd like to see, and I'll try to incorporate as many of your suggestions as I reasonably can.

So far my idea for the layout is to have a simple full page layout with a background, a picture of their favourite horse/character/other hotlinked in the top centre of the layout, and below that a single large text box. They should be able to select some colours, provide the url of the image of their horse/etc and I'm tossing up the idea of them being able to select from a number of different pre-made backgrounds. I'm considering the possibility of them being able to enter the url of a background image they've made themselves, but this may be prone to problems if the image dimensions are wrong, so I may skip this. People can still do this manually if they know how to edit the code though.

A few things to note:
- Basic accounts can no longer use html, so this will now only be for deluxe layouts.
- Forums cannot use html or javascript, so this will be hosted offsite, and I'll instead just link to it on the forums when it's complete.
- Not everything is possible or practical, so please don't be too disappointed if a great or popular idea doesn't happen.
- This isn't quick to make, so the complete program won't be available for a while.

Last edited on 2016-03-02 at 02:45:55 by UlyssesBlue

I would love to have another layout generator! I had your old one bookmarked because it was such a nice thing.

I think your initial ideas have pretty much covered a lot of the basics.
I would really like to have a few different background images to choose from; just a few different simple textures or patterns. (Maybe a damask style pattern?) I think that might be a better route to go than having people input their own, since as you mentioned it could create a mess if it was the wrong size.
Personally I'd also like two available text boxes, rather than one. I like to have my game information separate from a little bio (or for players who want their art or character info separate from gameplay-related stuff, etc.) Perhaps one thinner, more vertical box to one side, and then a wider more horizontally-oriented box taking up more of the space on the page, under the picture? Not a huge deal; one box would still be grand and allow for plenty of customization.

I appreciate that you're considering making another generator! I know it's a lot of work, but it's a really nice thing to provide.

Thank you! I was indeed thinking of a damask type pattern for one of the pre-made backgrounds. I'll make sure that's one of the options. I'll also have its colour be a customisable option. I'd welcome more suggestions of possible backgrounds. :)

I can see how multiple text boxes could be useful, but I might go with two equally sized columns for greater flexibility, as opposed to unequal boxes. I'll see what people prefer with regard to one box or two, and either go with the more popular choice, or maybe make it possible to choose one or the other via radio boxes, if both options are reasonably popular.

I'll wait for more feedback before I decide.

As already said - different backrounds would be amazingly cool! Sorry, I don't actually have any new ideas but I loved your old layout generator! I'm sure I'll love the new one even more if it's done. :)

Other background patterns... something floral or viney, kind of like the background on EV. (Not exactly that image, just something with that feel.)

Marble?
Houndstooth?
Water?
Similar to the original generator's default, something with just a neutral texture?
If I think of anything I think would be good, I'll add it.

I can see that two equal sized text boxes would be more versatile, as well. It would also probably be easier to work around the header image that way.

I've put together a few images and so far I have:
- 2 different damask patterns (because I couldn't decide between two that I liked)
- a sort of floral grunge texture
- a watercolour texture
- an arabesque/geometric pattern
- a sort of cut diamond/crystal texture
- leopard/appaloosa spots (I needed something horse themed)
Can be viewed here with some example colours.
(Please excuse credits - I just dumped them anywhere, more for my own reference than anything else, so they're a bit ugly right now. The complete versions will display them more suitably.

I've tested them on a number of different colours, and they seem to work well. Essentially what I'm aiming for is a small quantity but a wide variety of designs which appeal to lots of different people.

I'd love to get opinions on them. What you like, what you don't, other options you'd like to see?

I like all of those! The crystal texture is a nice one I wouldn't have thought of. I also like the floral pattern you went with. My favorite is probably the second damask one, though the less traditional first one is a cool variation I don't remember seeing before.

I wonder if there are other good horse-themed textures... nothing comes to mind (and would honestly not be what I'd choose) but seems like a good thing to include. The appy spots work well, though.

I'm glad you like them! :)

I had made up another horse texture using a dapple brush, but I didn't like the way it turned out so I went with the appaloosa spots instead. I was also trying to put together a simple pattern with horse shoes, which was my first preference, but couldn't find any suitable stock. May come back to this concept though. I also considered a fur texture, but couldn't really get it to work with many colours, so abandoned this concept.

I honestly like the idea of there being two equal-sized text boxes. It makes the layout more organized and prettier.

When it comes to the designs you made, I think they are all splendid! ♥ I really like the water color, and I usually dislike any shade of pink. x3

I love those desings Ulysses! And I have to agree with Cheyenne. Nice work! :) Can't wait to create one pretty layout with your generator!

What about just a bunch of pony/horse silhouettes?
Either one style or walking/trotting/jumping/etc.
Maybe throw in some tack with the above idea?

Maybe a simple paper texture with a bit border?

Argyle pattern with horse silhouette in the diamond parts?

Galaxies are always popular

IDK.... *just shoots ideas*

Thanks for those ideas! I'll look into it. :D

I have a couple of patterns on my DA you can use. I'll link them when I'm on my computer. And when I finish my todo list and get a new tablet I would be more that happy to make some backgrounds that you can use 8D


Also, multiple boxes would be fabulous. I hope these textures are of any use ♥


Texture 1 aaannndddd Texture 2

Theres no need to credit either 8>

Last edited on 2016-02-23 at 08:03:31 by Very Merry Ruby

Thanks Ruby! That's amazing! I look forward to seeing them. :D

A big progress report for you all:

I've coded up a layout for the generator, and have it displayed on my account at the moment. I would very much appreciate it if you could have a look and tell me everything you like/dislike about it, no matter how tiny, and anything you'd like to see changed or added. I'll keep this online for a few days at least to get feedback.

I've purposely coded it up in a manner so that if other people come along and tweak the code, or add their own background, or make mistakes such as using oversized images or text, things are still going to display right, and it (mostly) won't break the entire layout. Despite this I've also kept most of the code reasonably simple, so it is possible for people who know a few basics about coding to come along and make changes as they see fit.