How to Make Custom Child Nav Bars in WEBPLUS.
As developed by Peter O’R.
 

The actual work in progress site can be found at http://www.merriegroup.com – It is a work in progress so expect it to be broken now and then!

I've attached a version of the WebPlus X2 wpp file that has all of our info and any non WebPlus scripting/functions removed. PLEASE REMEMBER THIS FILE IS IN WebPlus X2 format.

I've deliberately used text only navigation, but the technique works with graphical navigation bars. The key thing is to ensure that whatever you use as your top level nav bar does NOT have child menus enabled. (Popup Menu Properties - Uncheck the "This navigation has menus" option.)

I've placed my Top level nav bar on my Master A page though you can place it on each Top Level page if you so wish.

I've placed my second level nav bar on each of the Top Level pages in my site structure. Please note, this is because I'm using a Document Frame on each of these pages to display the content of sub pages. If I wasn't using the Document Frame then there is no reason why the second level nav bar couldn't also be on my Master A page.

So, doesn't matter where your second level nav bar is - Either on your Master A page, or specifically placed on each of your Top Level pages. This nav bar must however be defined as "Child Level" in the Navigation Type page. I've also disabled child menus on this nav bar, you should set as you need.

The above Navigation Types relate to site structures where your initial Home Page shares the same level in your sites hierarchy as the rest of your Top Level Pages. The hardest thing for me to get to understand is the Navigation Type of any nav bar (Parent, Same, Child) is dynamic and is related to the level in your site hierarchy that the currently viewed page sits in. N.B. Top is always Top, where ever you are in your page hierarchy.

Issues.... I haven't yet figured out how/if I can get currently selected element in the top level menu to highlight (and STAY highlighted) in the say the same colour as the second level menu. Ideas anyone?

Despite me using the same "Fixed Width" and Left Aligning in both nav bars, the elements don't quite align... Ideas anyone?

I may in fact change the navigation and put the second level nav bar, the grey breakout box and the existing text area into a larger Document Frame - Though this would mean I'll have to duplicate the same grey breakout box - which I don't like. If I do this, I will need to change the Navigation Type to "Same Level".

Hope the above ramblings generate a few ideas about how to manipulate nav bars for your own ends.

Cheers
Peter

Peter’s WP X2 file can be downloaded here.