Title: Resource Archive Help Center
Cory - May 10, 2007 01:31 AM (GMT)
Welcome to the Help Center of the Resource Archive. The Archive is a one stop, user-friendly resource to assist you with codes, skins and help for your InvisionFree board. It contains an extensive listings to the thousands of code and skin topic links located on the official InvisionFree support board, and now includes a section for ZetaBoards codes and themes. In addition to the existing features, the Resource Archive will be augmented periodically with new listings to help you maintain and customize your InvisionFree or ZetaBoards board.
The Resource Archive helps you quickly locate the current codes and skins through several search methods. The code links are indexed into categories in an alphabetical format for easy access to the original topic. Additionally, all new codes and skins posted on the official support boards are continually indexed into our categories, and are updated on a daily basis, making all viable codes available to you. We hope you enjoy using our unique [doHTML]<a href="#pu">pop-up previews</a>[/doHTML].
Help Center Topics
The Resource Archive helps you quickly locate the current codes and skins through several search methods. The code links are indexed into categories in an alphabetical format for easy access to the original topic. Additionally, all new codes and skins posted on the official support boards are continually indexed into our categories, and are updated on a daily basis, making all viable codes available to you. We hope you enjoy using our unique [doHTML]<a href="#pu">pop-up previews</a>[/doHTML].
Help Center Topics
- [doHTML]<a href="#faq"> Resource Archive FAQ</a>[/doHTML]
- [doHTML]<a href="#oan">Organization and Navigation</a>[/doHTML]
- [doHTML]<a href="#so">Search Options</a>[/doHTML]
- [doHTML]<a href="#pu">Preview Usage</a>[/doHTML]
- [doHTML]<a href="#srk">Skin Rating Key</a>[/doHTML]
- [doHTML]<a href="#rbl">Report Broken Links</a>[/doHTML]
- [doHTML]<a href="#ccd">Code Category Definitions</a>[/doHTML]
Big Boards is pleased to have provided the original formatting and research for the current Code Index in the Code Snippets forum at the InvisionFree Support board.
All original content contained in the Resource Archive is copyrighted to Big Boards.
All original content contained in the Resource Archive is copyrighted to Big Boards.
HelenaZF - May 15, 2007 06:04 PM (GMT)
[doHTML]<a name="faq"></a>[/doHTML]Resource Archive FAQ
When viewing a topic, why do I receive a "You do not have permission to access this topic" error?
This error means the topic has been trashed and is no longer available for viewing, if you're logged in. If a topic you access has been trashed, please refer the link to us via the [doHTML]<a href="http://bigboardsresources.com/index.php?showforum=223" target="_self">Bug Reports</a>[/doHTML] forum so that it can be removed from the index.
How do I search for a specific code/skin, by keywords?
To search for a specific keyword within a page press Ctrl on your keyboard then press F (while holding down Ctrl). This is a browser shortcut key that will allow you to search the page you are currently viewing. To search the entire index of codes, click on the link in the Quick Links drop-down at the top of each page, access "View full index", and engage your browser search. For further search tips, click [doHTML]<a href="#so">HERE</a>[/doHTML].
When does the Skin and Code Archive get updated?
Both the Skin Archive and Code Archive are generally updated daily (weekly at the latest) with the new skins and codes that are added to InvisionFree's Code Snippets.
So, is EVERY code and skin posted in the Snippets forum archived here?
There will be some topics found in the Snippets forum at InvisionFree Support that will not be included in the archive. These include:
All questions and feedback concerning the archive can be addressed in the Your Views forum.
How do I report broken links?
Please make your report in the [doHTML]<a href="http://bigboardsresources.com/index.php?showforum=223" target="_self">Bug Reports</a>[/doHTML] forum. If you need further instructions for reporting links, click [doHTML]<a href="#rbl">HERE</a>[/doHTML].
When viewing a topic, why do I receive a "You do not have permission to access this topic" error?
This error means the topic has been trashed and is no longer available for viewing, if you're logged in. If a topic you access has been trashed, please refer the link to us via the [doHTML]<a href="http://bigboardsresources.com/index.php?showforum=223" target="_self">Bug Reports</a>[/doHTML] forum so that it can be removed from the index.
How do I search for a specific code/skin, by keywords?
To search for a specific keyword within a page press Ctrl on your keyboard then press F (while holding down Ctrl). This is a browser shortcut key that will allow you to search the page you are currently viewing. To search the entire index of codes, click on the link in the Quick Links drop-down at the top of each page, access "View full index", and engage your browser search. For further search tips, click [doHTML]<a href="#so">HERE</a>[/doHTML].
When does the Skin and Code Archive get updated?
Both the Skin Archive and Code Archive are generally updated daily (weekly at the latest) with the new skins and codes that are added to InvisionFree's Code Snippets.
So, is EVERY code and skin posted in the Snippets forum archived here?
There will be some topics found in the Snippets forum at InvisionFree Support that will not be included in the archive. These include:
- Codes which are really just small pieces of HTML or are more of a tutorial than an actual code.
- Incomplete or non-functioning codes.
- Skins or codes that have been ripped (posted without credit to or permission of the original creator).
All questions and feedback concerning the archive can be addressed in the Your Views forum.
How do I report broken links?
Please make your report in the [doHTML]<a href="http://bigboardsresources.com/index.php?showforum=223" target="_self">Bug Reports</a>[/doHTML] forum. If you need further instructions for reporting links, click [doHTML]<a href="#rbl">HERE</a>[/doHTML].
HelenaZF - May 15, 2007 06:06 PM (GMT)
[doHTML]<a name="oan"></a>[/doHTML]Organization and Navigation
Structure
The Resource Archive is easy to use. All items located in the Resource Archive are categorized and alphabetized. The name of the category group will lead you to a list of topics containing the specific code/skin you are seeking. For example, if you are looking for a member legend, the Member Legend Codes category would be the best category to access.
Categories
The code index contains topical categories for easier searching. The skin index is arranged by skin type categories. Each archive can be searched by more specialized indexes. For instance, in the pages of the skin archive alpha list, there are also indexes for the entire skins listing, and indexes for Light skins only. In the alpha list of code index pages, you have the option to search by full index of the whole listing, or a full index of only the Miscellaneous listings.
Navigation
There is a navigation drop-down box [Quick Links] at the top and bottom of each archive page. It includes a link to the Help Center, Search, Archive support topic, and a Go Back to Main Index link which will lead you to the original index you were viewing before you entered the category.
Structure
The Resource Archive is easy to use. All items located in the Resource Archive are categorized and alphabetized. The name of the category group will lead you to a list of topics containing the specific code/skin you are seeking. For example, if you are looking for a member legend, the Member Legend Codes category would be the best category to access.
Categories
The code index contains topical categories for easier searching. The skin index is arranged by skin type categories. Each archive can be searched by more specialized indexes. For instance, in the pages of the skin archive alpha list, there are also indexes for the entire skins listing, and indexes for Light skins only. In the alpha list of code index pages, you have the option to search by full index of the whole listing, or a full index of only the Miscellaneous listings.
Navigation
There is a navigation drop-down box [Quick Links] at the top and bottom of each archive page. It includes a link to the Help Center, Search, Archive support topic, and a Go Back to Main Index link which will lead you to the original index you were viewing before you entered the category.
HelenaZF - May 15, 2007 06:30 PM (GMT)
[doHTML]<a name="so"></a>[/doHTML]Search Options
Big Boards offers several ways to search the code and skin archives:
CODE ARCHIVE
By Category
Code topics are divided into related categories. By clicking on the category of your choice, you will be taken to listing of download and preview links for each code. Through viewing the preview, you will easily be able to assess whether to proceed with investigation of the code by activating the pop-up preview if available, and seeing how the finished installation will appear. (This is particularly helpful with member legend and announcement box codes, etc.)
Searching the Miscellaneous Category
This is simplified by the helpful hover tip provided. Hover your mouse over the page link in the Miscellaneous page listings. Two code topic names will appear. They are the first and last listings. That will let you know (alphabetically) if the topic you are looking for is on that page. You are also able to search the Full Miscellaneous Code Index--quite helpful if you are not sure of the code name.
By Full Index
With the help of your browser search (Ctrl + F) you will be able to search the entire code index for key words. So even if you do not know the category or the exact name of the code you are looking for, you can still find it by searching the full index. (Categories with more than one page also have their own full index listing available.)
SKIN ARCHIVE
By Category
Skin listings are grouped by Light, Dark and Themed categories. By choosing any page part in the category listing, you will be able to see not only the skin name, but the skin rating, creator and creation date: and will also be able to preview the skin through the pop-up preview link and download the skin topic. Skin codes that include a download for a button/marker image set will be marked with this icon:
In most cases, the icon will be a clickable link to the zip file download.
Searching the category sections
The pages of skin topics are arranged alphabetically. By hovering your mouse over the link of the page, you will see the names of the first and the last listing on that page. You will easily be able to tell if the title you are looking for is on that page.
By Full Index
If you know the name of the skin topic, you can use your browser search (Ctrl + F) to find it in the full index. Each skin category is also equipped with it's own full index. On the full index page, you also have the option to narrow your search by choosing the category you are searching (Light-Dark-Themed). That way, your browser search will begin at that point instead of at the very beginning of the list. There are also separate full indexes for each subcategory.
Big Boards offers several ways to search the code and skin archives:
CODE ARCHIVE
By Category
Code topics are divided into related categories. By clicking on the category of your choice, you will be taken to listing of download and preview links for each code. Through viewing the preview, you will easily be able to assess whether to proceed with investigation of the code by activating the pop-up preview if available, and seeing how the finished installation will appear. (This is particularly helpful with member legend and announcement box codes, etc.)
Searching the Miscellaneous Category
This is simplified by the helpful hover tip provided. Hover your mouse over the page link in the Miscellaneous page listings. Two code topic names will appear. They are the first and last listings. That will let you know (alphabetically) if the topic you are looking for is on that page. You are also able to search the Full Miscellaneous Code Index--quite helpful if you are not sure of the code name.
By Full Index
With the help of your browser search (Ctrl + F) you will be able to search the entire code index for key words. So even if you do not know the category or the exact name of the code you are looking for, you can still find it by searching the full index. (Categories with more than one page also have their own full index listing available.)
SKIN ARCHIVE
By Category
Skin listings are grouped by Light, Dark and Themed categories. By choosing any page part in the category listing, you will be able to see not only the skin name, but the skin rating, creator and creation date: and will also be able to preview the skin through the pop-up preview link and download the skin topic. Skin codes that include a download for a button/marker image set will be marked with this icon:
In most cases, the icon will be a clickable link to the zip file download.Searching the category sections
The pages of skin topics are arranged alphabetically. By hovering your mouse over the link of the page, you will see the names of the first and the last listing on that page. You will easily be able to tell if the title you are looking for is on that page.
By Full Index
If you know the name of the skin topic, you can use your browser search (Ctrl + F) to find it in the full index. Each skin category is also equipped with it's own full index. On the full index page, you also have the option to narrow your search by choosing the category you are searching (Light-Dark-Themed). That way, your browser search will begin at that point instead of at the very beginning of the list. There are also separate full indexes for each subcategory.
HelenaZF - May 15, 2007 06:32 PM (GMT)
[doHTML]<a name="pu"></a>[/doHTML]Preview Usage
SKIN PREVIEWS
BB's Skin Archive Pop-Up Previews greatly simplify the process of sorting through the nearly 2,000 skins posted on the IF Support board, and make it easy to see the colors and quality of a skin with one click.
By popping the preview link for a selected skin, you will see a screen shot of the skin preview that can be enlarged to full size. There is a preview for every skin posted--even ones that do not have a preview in the topic. You will also be able to tell from the preview if the skin is still complete, or if image links in the CSS coding are broken.
When you see a preview with one of these headers:
it has been made for one of these reasons:
CODE PREVIEWS
BB's pop-up code previews will allow you to see the end result of the code installation you are considering, and help you decide whether to proceed with investigating and installing the code. Changes made by activation of the code will be highlighted with red on the screen shots.
Additionally you may see one of these icons on the preview:
..........
The icon indicates that the code is not cross-browser and only functions on the browser indicated.
Some codes will not have previews available, as their effects are not photographable.
SKIN PREVIEWS
BB's Skin Archive Pop-Up Previews greatly simplify the process of sorting through the nearly 2,000 skins posted on the IF Support board, and make it easy to see the colors and quality of a skin with one click.
By popping the preview link for a selected skin, you will see a screen shot of the skin preview that can be enlarged to full size. There is a preview for every skin posted--even ones that do not have a preview in the topic. You will also be able to tell from the preview if the skin is still complete, or if image links in the CSS coding are broken.
When you see a preview with one of these headers:
it has been made for one of these reasons:
- Preview link in the topic is broken, missing, or has been removed
- Preview board is off-line and index page cannot be viewed
- Preview had been altered from the topic coding, or a different skin has been installed
- Preview board has been vandalized with profanity
- Size of the image files prevented screen shot of the preview board from being used (rare)
CODE PREVIEWS
BB's pop-up code previews will allow you to see the end result of the code installation you are considering, and help you decide whether to proceed with investigating and installing the code. Changes made by activation of the code will be highlighted with red on the screen shots.
Additionally you may see one of these icons on the preview:
..........The icon indicates that the code is not cross-browser and only functions on the browser indicated.
Some codes will not have previews available, as their effects are not photographable.
HelenaZF - May 15, 2007 07:23 PM (GMT)
[doHTML]<a name="srk"></a>[/doHTML]BB's 5-Star Skin Rating Key
Skins in the archive have been rated to help make your search for the right skin quick and easy. Skin ratings are found following the title listing and are interpreted by the following key:
Unavailable - Not yet rated
- Main images or backgrounds missing, cannot be rated
- We can't imagine anyone wanting to use this skin 
- Useable but problematic (colors don't work well together or text is hard to read)
- Basic design, but good flow of colors and text is readable
- Professional looking design, sophisticated graphics, well executed
- This skin has superior design and graphics. Stands above the rest. 
Some skins would qualify for a higher rating but have a small flaw that affects the overall quality. These will be given a half-star added to the lower rating. (A skin with a 3+ rating is either a professional looking skin with a big flaw, or a basic skin with just a bit of flair.) The best way to use the skin ratings is to find the general color or theme you are interested in in the lists, and then check the ones with the 4 or 5 star ratings first for the best ones. Skins with ratings below a 4 will range from very basic to completely unusable.
If you are the creator of a skin that has received a rating you do not agree with (or if you have restored the images missing in the preview) you may make a case for a change by sending a PM to Cory. We do not promise we will change the rating, but we will consider what you have to say.
Skins in the archive have been rated to help make your search for the right skin quick and easy. Skin ratings are found following the title listing and are interpreted by the following key:
Unavailable - Not yet rated
- Main images or backgrounds missing, cannot be rated - We can't imagine anyone wanting to use this skin - Useable but problematic (colors don't work well together or text is hard to read) - Basic design, but good flow of colors and text is readable - Professional looking design, sophisticated graphics, well executed - This skin has superior design and graphics. Stands above the rest. Some skins would qualify for a higher rating but have a small flaw that affects the overall quality. These will be given a half-star added to the lower rating. (A skin with a 3+ rating is either a professional looking skin with a big flaw, or a basic skin with just a bit of flair.) The best way to use the skin ratings is to find the general color or theme you are interested in in the lists, and then check the ones with the 4 or 5 star ratings first for the best ones. Skins with ratings below a 4 will range from very basic to completely unusable.
If you are the creator of a skin that has received a rating you do not agree with (or if you have restored the images missing in the preview) you may make a case for a change by sending a PM to Cory. We do not promise we will change the rating, but we will consider what you have to say.
HelenaZF - May 15, 2007 08:05 PM (GMT)
[doHTML]<a name="rbl"></a>[/doHTML]Report Broken Links
We depend heavily on our members to help us find broken or useless links in the Archive. Please report any of the following situations you may come across as you browse through the code and skin archives:
All Archive related reports should be posted in the [doHTML]<a href="http://bigboardsresources.com/index.php?showforum=223" target="_self">Bug Reports</a>[/doHTML] forum.
To immediately access a bug report posting screen, click [doHTML]<a href="http://bigboardsresources.com/index.php?act=Post&CODE=00&f=223" target="_self">HERE</a>[/doHTML].
We depend heavily on our members to help us find broken or useless links in the Archive. Please report any of the following situations you may come across as you browse through the code and skin archives:
- Broken link: Download link takes you to an error message or a wrong URL
- Broken link to actual code in topic: code is offered in zip file or at another URL, but cannot be accessed.
- Content Removed: the author or a mod has deleted the code.
- Invalid or incomplete code: parts of code are missing, or code just does not work for anyone.
- Wrong category: for instance, you find a black skin with gray text in the Light Skins categories.
- Other: There is some action needed on a code listing not covered by any of the above. For instance, you have proof that a skin or code has been ripped.
All Archive related reports should be posted in the [doHTML]<a href="http://bigboardsresources.com/index.php?showforum=223" target="_self">Bug Reports</a>[/doHTML] forum.
To immediately access a bug report posting screen, click [doHTML]<a href="http://bigboardsresources.com/index.php?act=Post&CODE=00&f=223" target="_self">HERE</a>[/doHTML].
HelenaZF - May 29, 2007 04:15 AM (GMT)
[doHTML]<a name="ccd"></a>[/doHTML]Code Category Definitions
Add-on codes: Really no basic description, except that all codes are something to be added on to your board....and a good way for the creator to get his code listed at the top of the alphabet.
Announcement, News, Welcome, Affiliate Codes: All manners of boxes that can be inserted on your forum pages, from the simplest formats to much more elaborate ones as templates for you to customize with your own information. Affiliate boxes are for featuring images and links from other sites.
Arcade and Game Codes: Codes which can be used to personalize the entertainment options on your board.
Battle, Money, Store, and Shop Codes: These codes allow you to set up items for "purchase" by forum points, often earned by posting numbers. Members can purchase icons, member personalizations, weapons, and other items you offer in your shop.
Chatroom and Shoutbox Codes: Users are often confused by these terms. The difference between them is that chatroom conversations are generally placed in an area that requires a link to access and are erased at the end of chat sessions. Shoutboxes retain a record of the "shouts" posted and are usually prominently visible so that shouts can be seen by everyone who visits. Codes here may utilized free software from other websites, or may be integrated into your forums.
Clock, Time and Date Codes: Codes for forum clocks that run off the users computer clock, or are independent and can be set to world time zones. You will also find count-down codes here.
Custom BB codes: Codes that allow users to personalize text formatting with new tags or even buttons that will deposit the tags into your posts.
Gallery and Skin Selector Codes: These codes will allow you to set up custom avatar and image galleries, and systems that will allow members to change the background colors of your board for their own viewing.
Language Codes: These codes enable the use of non-English languages on Invisionfree boards by installing special characters, etc, as needed.
Member Legend Codes: Codes that allow you to display a key that informs users of the different member levels you have set up on your board. Legends often are displayed in the board statistics area of your forum index and can be formatted in many different ways.
Menu Codes: Custom submenu bars, drop-down menus, and all kinds of navigation bar codes can be found in this listing.
Message board replica codes: These codes can mimic features of other popular message board styles with similar graphics, formatting and operations.
Miscellaneous Codes: Codes which do not fit in any of the other categories. You will find most codes listed here.
Music, Radio, and Jukebox Codes: Codes which allow you to place audio functions on your board. Includes codes for background music, and selection options for users.
Pop-up and Alert Codes: These codes allow you to put triggered pop-ups with your own custom messages on your board. Alerts can be pop-ups or they can be graphic changes which alert a user to something new.
Profile and Mini Profile Codes: Profile codes allow you to customize your user profiles, and request individualized information from new registrants. Mini profile codes allow you to customize the information in the space that contains the user's avatar.
Random Codes: Random codes take a list that is either provided by the code, or provided by you and display them randomly on your site.
Remove and Disable Codes: These codes prevent default board features from operating or displaying.
RPG Codes: Role Playing Games codes set up formats for playing these type of games. They often include special ranks, weapons, armor or other items needed to play the particular RPG.
Scrollbar and Cursor Codes: Codes that allow you to change scroll bar colors and install custom pointers (cursors) to be used on your site.
Search Codes: Different ways of adding search features to your board, often allowing you to place direct links to popular search engines on your site.
Add-on codes: Really no basic description, except that all codes are something to be added on to your board....and a good way for the creator to get his code listed at the top of the alphabet.
Announcement, News, Welcome, Affiliate Codes: All manners of boxes that can be inserted on your forum pages, from the simplest formats to much more elaborate ones as templates for you to customize with your own information. Affiliate boxes are for featuring images and links from other sites.
Arcade and Game Codes: Codes which can be used to personalize the entertainment options on your board.
Battle, Money, Store, and Shop Codes: These codes allow you to set up items for "purchase" by forum points, often earned by posting numbers. Members can purchase icons, member personalizations, weapons, and other items you offer in your shop.
Chatroom and Shoutbox Codes: Users are often confused by these terms. The difference between them is that chatroom conversations are generally placed in an area that requires a link to access and are erased at the end of chat sessions. Shoutboxes retain a record of the "shouts" posted and are usually prominently visible so that shouts can be seen by everyone who visits. Codes here may utilized free software from other websites, or may be integrated into your forums.
Clock, Time and Date Codes: Codes for forum clocks that run off the users computer clock, or are independent and can be set to world time zones. You will also find count-down codes here.
Custom BB codes: Codes that allow users to personalize text formatting with new tags or even buttons that will deposit the tags into your posts.
Gallery and Skin Selector Codes: These codes will allow you to set up custom avatar and image galleries, and systems that will allow members to change the background colors of your board for their own viewing.
Language Codes: These codes enable the use of non-English languages on Invisionfree boards by installing special characters, etc, as needed.
Member Legend Codes: Codes that allow you to display a key that informs users of the different member levels you have set up on your board. Legends often are displayed in the board statistics area of your forum index and can be formatted in many different ways.
Menu Codes: Custom submenu bars, drop-down menus, and all kinds of navigation bar codes can be found in this listing.
Message board replica codes: These codes can mimic features of other popular message board styles with similar graphics, formatting and operations.
Miscellaneous Codes: Codes which do not fit in any of the other categories. You will find most codes listed here.
Music, Radio, and Jukebox Codes: Codes which allow you to place audio functions on your board. Includes codes for background music, and selection options for users.
Pop-up and Alert Codes: These codes allow you to put triggered pop-ups with your own custom messages on your board. Alerts can be pop-ups or they can be graphic changes which alert a user to something new.
Profile and Mini Profile Codes: Profile codes allow you to customize your user profiles, and request individualized information from new registrants. Mini profile codes allow you to customize the information in the space that contains the user's avatar.
Random Codes: Random codes take a list that is either provided by the code, or provided by you and display them randomly on your site.
Remove and Disable Codes: These codes prevent default board features from operating or displaying.
RPG Codes: Role Playing Games codes set up formats for playing these type of games. They often include special ranks, weapons, armor or other items needed to play the particular RPG.
Scrollbar and Cursor Codes: Codes that allow you to change scroll bar colors and install custom pointers (cursors) to be used on your site.
Search Codes: Different ways of adding search features to your board, often allowing you to place direct links to popular search engines on your site.