Cobalt 2.0 phpBB Template

Manual and Installation Guide

By Jakob Persson (http://www.jakob-persson.com)
Copyright © 2002-2006 Jakob Persson

 

 
Table of Contents
 
 
 
Last revision: 6th of January 2006

 
Template Information
 

Thank you for installing Cobalt 2.0. This is the second incarnation of the hugely popular Cobalt template for phpBB 2. This new version improves on the old one with an improved look and feel as well as fixes for a number of problems and bugs.

Before you start using this template please read this whole document as it contains important information. It's important that you understand the license as you by installing Cobalt are legally bound to it.

With that in mind I hope you'll have much fun with this template and that it'll make running your own Internet community even more fun.

- Jakob Persson, 7th of January 2004

 
Details  
Template name: Cobalt 2.0
Template version: 2.0.3
Compatible with: Tested with phpBB 2.0.19
Author Jakob Persson
Template description: A high-tech template in blue with brushed metal style buttons and details.
Localization: English language graphics included. An image set is available for those interested in creating translated graphics, available for download at the download section of my website.
 
Questions
Questions by email will not be answered. Instead I suggest you post your question in the Styles Development forum at http://www.phpbb.com/phpBB. If I am unable to help you it's likely someone else there will be able to.
 
Comments
Comments are always welcome. If you find an error, encounter a problem or have general ideas or suggestions, feel free to contact me by email (see my website for contact details) or by sending me a private message at the phpBB.com forums (my nickname is Kail).
 
Version history
All dates are in European format (yyyy-mm-dd).

v2.0.3 (2006-01-06)
- Updated to phpBB 2.0.19-compatability.

v2.0.2 (2005-12-13)
- Updated to phpBB 2.0.18-compatability.

v2.0.1a (2004-01-10)
- Second major release, revision 1 alpha. This version includes fixes for a number of minor visual glitches. The final 2.0.1 release will be available in a few weeks.

v2.0 (2004-01-07)
- Second major release.

v1.0 (2002-10-16)
- First release.

 

 
Installation
 
Installing the template should be fairly easy. I suggest you read this howto on installing templates. If you experience problems during installation, post at the phpBB support forums. Include a detailed description of the problem. Remember, the key to getting a good answer is asking a good question.

 

 
Blank Logo and Extras
 
Blank forum logo
In order to make it easier for you customize the forums with your own logotype I've attached a blank logo. Right-click here and select "Save as..." to save it on your hard drive. It's a lossless PNG file and can be edited with most common graphics editing applications such as Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro.

Rank Images
Cobalt 2.0 includes five rank images (rank_1.gif through rank_5.gif). These are located in the images folder.

Template files for popular MODs
My friend Rivers has modified a few popular MODs to work with Cobalt, these include Acyd Burn's file attachment, the advanced quick reply, shop, points, lottery, bank and Smartor's Photo Album. You can download these files here. Do not regard the code as in any way complete, rather as a shortcut and a way to save time. Installing a MOD takes time and manual work and you should always remember to backup your files before attempting to modify your phpBB installation.
Please note that I am not responsible for any of the files that are released by Rivers and hosted at his site. Please refer to him if you have questions.

I will soon make files available at my website, if you're interested make sure to check it regularly.

 

 
Frequently Asked Questions
 

May I edit or alter the page footer?
You may neither remove nor alter the page footer. Removal or alteration is strongly prohibited.

However, I have on a number of occasions allowed removal of the footer credits for a fee. If you're interested, contact me. Please be aware that this will merely allow you to remove the visible notice, comments in HTML may not be removed. Important to know is that this does not constitute a transfer of intellectual ownership, it is merely an esthetic modification

*** Removal or alteration without buying said permission will revoke your privilege to use the theme at your forums! ***


May I have the graphics source files?
Source files are not made available but can be purchased. Price will be discussed upon inquiry but do not contact me unless you're serious.


I love this theme! Can I use it for my own website?
See below.

May I modify this template for use at my forums?
See below.

I would like to use parts of this design for my website/design/theme, may I?
Yes, you may. Providing the the page footers carry a clearly visible notice saying: "Design based on Cobalt phpBB theme/template by Jakob Persson, copyright © 2005 Jakob Persson", the notice must be linked to http://www.jakob-persson.com. Please use the code available here: http://www.jakob-persson.com/faq.php


Can you provide me with TPL files for MOD Y?
Generally, no. However, all MOD-related TPL files that I know of will be made available at the download area of my website. If it isn't there then I don't have it. Also, if you've adapted a MOD to use with this template I'd appreciate it if notify me so that I can make it available for more people to use.


 
Terms of Use and Disclaimer
 

The following terms apply to all versions of this template and replaces any previous license included with the download files:

  • All free templates and all files included in the distribution packages are Copyright © 2002 -2005 Jakob Persson unless else stated.

  • WARNING: Do not delete the credit notice in the page footers and source code! Removal of the phpBB copyright notice or the template credit and copyright notice revokes your privilege to use this template.

  • Your privilege to use thess templates, parts of them or any template derived from this template, can be revoked at the author's (Jakob Persson's) sole discretion. It is very unlikely that I'll take such action but in the case I find my designs being used at unsuitable websites that I do not wish to be associated with I retain the right to do so.

  • This template is provided free of charge, however some exceptions apply (see below), with no warranties whatsoever. I do not guarantee the quality of this work nor can I be held responsible what problems it may cause you. Use it at your own risk. Be careful, backup the database, backup the files before making any major changes to your phpBB installation, including installing templates!

  • If you wish to use parts of these templates for your own creations, designs, skins, themes, templates or anything else you must receive an express, written consent from the author (Jakob Persson). Note that"parts" include visual design, layout and shapes of objects and elements. Simply put, using different files does not make it exempt from requiring permission or being considered a derivative work in regards to applicable law.

  • You may not create derivative works without having obtained permission to do so. You may not hire, lease, sell or distribute these works, parts of them or works derived from them without an express, written consent from the author, Jakob Persson.

  • By downloading or using this template you acknowledge having read and understood the terms of the license agreement and understand that you are legally bound by them.

For questions regarding the license and its terms, view the FAQ or send me an email.

 

 
Donate

If you like my work please consider making a donation. It helps me cover costs of software licenses and hardware and helps me release more themes to the public.

Donors will be recognized for their contribution unless they choose not to.

Click here to proceed to the donations page.


Credits
 

I'd like to thank the people who have helped by supporting my work and offering advice and suggestions.


Rivers - for his work providing modified template files for Cobalt.

CyberAlien - has offered advice and suggestions and helped me with some of the coding. He is also a team colleague of mine in the phpBB Styles Team.