Bloggy Basics - HTML Code: Center

I was so envious of the blogs that had all their buttons lined up on the sidebar. Mine would zig-zag between the side and the center.  It looked unprofessional.  I didn't like it.

Thankfully, there is an EASY fix!

Once you learn this one simple HTML function, you will be able to apply it to all sorts of places in your blog!

HTML code may seem intimidating at first.  It really isn't all that difficult.  The basic rule you need to know today is that HTML has a beginning tag and an end tag.  Basically, a code "hug" around your feature.  The beginning tag is the code word in brackets like this: <center> and the end tag (or closed tag) is the same code but with a backslash like this: </center>.

Here is an example:

I want to center this sentence.

This is how I write the code.
<center>I want to center this sentence. </center>

This is the result.

I want to center this sentence.

Simple!

So, how can you fix your sidebar items?  Also simple!

First, decide if you want your items centered or not.  Next, go to your Design function (in Blogger).  Click to edit the gadget of your choice.  You will now see code.  If you are worried about losing your data, simply copy and paste what is in the box into a Word document as a backup.

Hint: If you are editing your gadget with buttons, each button will start with the code <a ....> and end with </a>.  That should help you figure out shat button is what. It is fine to put space between the button code by using the "enter/return" key - it won't alter the layout of the buttons on your blog.

If you want to center your buttons, simply add <center> BEFORE the button code and </center> directly after.

If you wish to remove centering, simply delete those two portions of code.

Hit save and view your blog!  

You can use this code tip to center images on your page.  Do you just have code for an image?  It will default to left justification. Want to center it? Click the Edit HTML tab and put the center code around the image code.

Have you adapted HTML code before?  Were you successful with altering code using these tips?



Read more from the Bloggy Basics series which started on my other blog here:

• Explanation of Bloggy Basics
• Networking
• Create Your Own Blog Button in 5 Steps
• Growing Readership in 5 Steps 

This post is linked up in Works for Me Wednesday, because DIY blog design works for me!