I have Installed the demo, and I like all the database/administrative stuff, my questions are about the store front design
 
I read all the documentation, and I like the way I can choose my own menus, but I want to make it look exactly like my existing web site. In the documentation it explains the templates, and how each page is constructed, but in the demo version it all seems to be disabled.
 
Are the template files enabled in the commercial version? I'm used to seeing the typical simple dynamic page setup for php (includes, header, body, footer, etc.) I don't recognize any of this in the files that I have looked at so far. The CSS includes even look different. Is there a more detailed manual that explains the setup of these pages so I can make sense of them? Of course, it's very possible I'm missing something that's right in front of me.
 
I have tried other 2 other carts, 1 whose administrative capabilities did not have all the functions we needed, and 1 that forced using their storefront templates with only minor modifications without paying their "web design team." I need to be sure that ViArt will work before I spend any more money.
 
Thanks in advance for your patience
 

The templates are available for changing in the paid version. They are also available for change in the demo version.
 
You may not recognize the template files because they are not full of PHP. That's how templates should be. You must be coming over from OsCommerce or something.
 
Viart templates use html and like element tags. Its the easiest thing ever. I got tired of fighting with shopping carts with a bunch of PHP in the templates. You mess up one thing and the whole script doesn't work.
 
This one is better. So, dig in there. The CSS is the same too, it's just not formatted like most CSS documents are. I went through it and formatted it to look like a regular CSS document just so I could see where everything was.
 
Viart works nicely. Just check out the live site showcase.
 
I bought a template from templatemonster.com and integrated it with this cart. Now I'm doing it for someone else after I told them to buy this cart.

Had a look on the template website but couldnt see any templates fir viart?

They don't specifically make templates for Viart but what I meant was you can use any of the html templates for Viart. You can even use any of the OsCommerce, CRE Loaded, and Zen Cart templates IF they also come with the HTML version. It's just easier with the HTML version.
 
But don't get too intimidated. Making your site look like one of those templates is so very easy with VIART. You don't even have to alter every single template file. Just the ones you need.
 
Basically, what I did was buy a HTML template from template monster. Then I just added what was in the default Viart CSS file to the bottom of the CSS file that came with the template I bought. This way you can get everything needed for both the script and the template in one file and you can weed through it later.
 
Then I just took whatever I wanted to stay static on all pages and put it in the header. And did the same with the footer.
 
Then I went to work on the middle where all of my changeing content would be. I tweaked my boxes with simple CSS, etc. it was just super easy....
 
For instance, I went through the live sites and noticed that the site:
 
www.zawadibooks.com
 
used this template monster template:
 
http://www.templatemonster.com/website-templates/6827.html

this was interesting, thanks!

Hi,
How to add Site Menus to custom Page.
Thanks

Hi PiedPiper,
If I buy a template from templatemonster, could you make the template suitable for viart for me? If you can do, how much should I pay to you for it?

If any of you guys want to buy from Templatemonster, try my company www.templatehood.com, and for the same templates you will save your self 10%. Let me know so i can give you coupon codes to save you money.
 
Thanks