How to Customize Your Blog Template on Blogger.com

When you register at Blogger.com, you are provided with a set of pre-designed blog templates. However, as you become more involved with your blog, you may want to customize your settings. Fortunately, Blogger.com offers many ways to let your blog refect your personal style.

Things You'll Need

• Email account
• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Create a User Account and Start Your Own Blog

1. Start by going to the Blogger.com home page (see the Resources section below).

2. Register if you are a new user by providing an email address, username and password to create an account.

3. Choose a title and address for your blog. Remember that your address is part of the URL that readers have to type in the address bar to get to your blog.

4. Select an initial template design to start a blog. Blogger.com offers numerous templates so you can start blogging right away. You can choose from simple patterns and colors, as well as more elaborate designs.

Change the Settings and Format of your Blog

1. Choose the 'Customize' link on your blog home page.

2. Change the page elements, fonts and colors or pick a new template.

3. Selecting the 'Page Elements' option allows you to edit your blog template using Blogger.com's drag-and-drop editing tools. Change the look of your blog template by moving headers and editing virtually every aspect of your blog's appearance.

4. Add a page element to your blog. You can add a list, ads, a logo, pictures or any Java or HTML script with pre-designed elements toyour template.

Customize Your Blog with More Advanced Techniques

1. Use your own knowledge of HTML to customize your blog. Advanced users can download a template to their own files or can use HTML codes to edit their blog template directly.

2. Consider selecting add-ons from third-party sites. There are many services you can use to add a hit counter or quiz to your blog.

3. Create widgets for your blog. Blogger.com also allows users to create original widgets to add to their blog home pages.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to the 'Help Resources' section of the Blogger.com home page to get assistance.

• Blogger.com recommends that you be over the age of 13 to set up your own blog account.