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"Absolute" function or tables? How do you know which to use?
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hoofbeats
Posts: 100
Joined: 12/10/2003
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"Absolute" function or tables? How do you kno... - 1/29/2004 20:18:36
I have been adding images and text boxes to my page and positioning them with the "Absolute" function, rather than putting them into tables to position them.
Many people have told me that some of my text was running into my images when they viewed my site. I've found the "Absolute" function is really easy and nice. I love just putting images and text boxes right where I want them, but are there problems with this type of formatting when viewed on the internet? If I used tables to hold images and text boxes, would these items be more likely to not run into each other on my website?
Sandy *who is being sucked into the world of web design and is afraid she'll never find her way out*
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Larry M.
Posts: 2721
Joined: 2/20/2003
From: Greenville, South Carolina, USA
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RE: "Absolute" function or tables? How do you... - 1/29/2004 21:58:15
Sandy,
"Absolute" is an unfortunate term because absolute positioning, ah, isn't. The variables of different browsers, operating systems, monitor sizes and resolutions doom this design method to a form of site visitor hell. I'm using CSS and tables although I've read somewhere the purists don't use tables. Since I'm still learning myself (who isn't?) I may look into this at some point if there is enough guidance on this forum.
In the meantime, go with tables expressed as percentages, create cells to hold your photos, avoid nested tables if possible and go ride your horse when you feel a tummy ache comimg on 
_____________________________
Larry M.
Indecision is the Key to Flexibility.
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gskywalkers
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RE: "Absolute" function or tables? How do you... - 1/29/2004 22:09:53
Tables r' Us........I think you will have much better results playing to the masses using tables rather than absolute positioning.
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hoofbeats
Posts: 100
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RE: "Absolute" function or tables? How do you... - 1/29/2004 22:32:40
Okaaaaaaaaay.... Larry. You just led me into another question, you evil person, you!
quote:
In the meantime, go with tables expressed as percentages, create cells to hold your photos, avoid nested tables if possible and go ride your horse when you feel a tummy ache comimg on
First thing... Tables expressed as percentages. I know what you mean as far as "where" in the table formatting options to select percentage size or pixel size. When you say "create cells" I assume you just mean that if I want to upload six pictures, then create a table with six columns (or six rows).
"Avoid nested tables." Does that mean DON'T put tables inside of tables?
And as to riding my horse.... I WISH I could be riding one of them! It's 18 below zero right now and I'm sitting here at my computer with a blanket around my legs and my feet sitting on a heating pad! LOL!
Sandy
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Larry M.
Posts: 2721
Joined: 2/20/2003
From: Greenville, South Carolina, USA
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RE: "Absolute" function or tables? How do you... - 1/30/2004 18:37:28
Sandy,
Expressing tables as percentages allows them to expand and contract depending on the visitor's screen size and resolution. Electing pixel width tells tables to stay that width regardless - used in frames or left oriented templates to limit pixel width to 760 +/-. Probably other applications I am not aware of.
A good example of "creating a cell" is when you want a table to display, for example, a graphic and text. Draw a line to contain the graphic and the rest of the table space can be used for text. Doing is learning here - create a scratch page and experiment/publish. No one else will see it.
Yes, nested tables are tables within tables. Avoid these if possible because the tables have to load separately with the parent table loading first. There are some situations where you have to use these, such as emphasizing a point by placing a bordered table in the midst of another table with different margins. If you're OK with load time, then go for it and test how the server reacts with each publishing event. I also avoid very large tables preferring to have two or three because they will load individually creating visitor interest until the entire page is served. In these situations, separate the tables with transparent, expandable gifs to keep them from running together in Netscape. If you don't have one let me know and I'll send direct by email attachment with instructions for use.
My horse ride equivalent is pounding golf balls. We have a large place so when I get fed-up, I go out and hit 20-30 as hard as I can. Cools me off so I can go back at it again. Being in a full time high public contact / sometimes designer capacity has its frustrations but also far outweighed by its satisfactions.
_____________________________
Larry M.
Indecision is the Key to Flexibility.
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