Instructions on how to upload your custom mood theme...

ETA: If you are linking to these instructions on your own mood theme post, please READ THIS.

Aug 2 2006: After all the comments I've been getting about this, I've decided to combine the two instructions posts into one. Now that LJ has created a new free Plus account type, there is no longer any need to manually add your images and moods into each entry. Since the Plus account type has all the features of a paid account, you can install your mood theme like you would with a paid account, and if you wish to revert back to a Basic account later, your mood theme will still be installed on your journal.

If you currently have a Basic (free) account, then just go here and switch to a Plus account. You can skip the page that asks for your information for advertisements, unless you want to keep your Plus account later. Then follow the instructions below to install your mood theme. Once it's installed, you can choose to keep the Plus account or go back to Basic. Again, if you go back to basic after installing your mood theme, your mood theme will still be on your LJ. If you ever want to change it, you can just go back to a Plus account and make your changes.

INSTRUCTIONS

If you can, I'd suggest using the admin console. While the custom mood editor is nice in theory, it is very temperamental, and freezes your browser while it registers every image. But, if you're very patient, that might work for you. Otherwise, try the admin console first. It's not nearly as complicated as it looks.


Using the Admin Console

1. Download the zip file for the mood theme you want, and unzip it in winzip or a similar program.

2. Then upload the 132 mood images to your domain, or an image hosting site like Photobucket. If you're using Photobucket, I suggest you download Flock, which allows you to upload images in batches. There are more instructions on it here. Do not change the file names.

3. Go to the LJ admin console.

4. Now, in the text box, paste in the following:

moodtheme_create "Title of Theme" "Short Description of Theme"

Of course, replace the "Title of Theme" and "Short Description of Theme" text with the title and description. They can be anything you want, as long as you remember the title, because you'll need it for later. Once you're done, click "execute". If you're successful, the console will give you a number. Copy down this number!

5. Now, back in the zip file, open the "adminconsolecodes.txt" file (if you're using someone else's theme, right-click on the file name there and download the .txt file on its own). Using the "replace" tool in your notepad program, replace the 12345 number with the number the console gave you previously. Also replace the "http://www.hosting.com/" url with the url to the folder that stores the images on your domain, or the photobucket album.

6. Now, paste in the edited codes into the admin console, and click execute. You should be directed to a page with your accepted codes. If not, go back and re-do the steps again.

7. Now go to your customize page. If you're using s2 (if you don't know what that means, then you probably are using s2), go to the "Customize Selected Theme" button on the bottom right of the page. There should be a "Mood Theme" section on your new page - underneath it, there is a drop down menu. Use the drop down to find your new theme. Save changes.

If you're using s1, simply scroll down your customize page until you find the "Mood Themes" section. Use the drop down to find your new theme. Save changes.

And you're done! Your theme should now be up on your LJ.



Using the Custom Mood Theme Editor

1. Download the zip file for the mood theme you want, and unzip it in winzip or a similar program.

2. Upload the 132 mood images to your domain, or an image hosting site like Photobucket. Do not change the file names.

3. Go here. Underneath "Create a New Theme", enter in the name of the mood theme you are about to upload. Click the create button.

4. Now you need to use the URLs of the mood images that you uploaded earlier. Enter in the appropriate URL for each mood section. Make sure that the height and width for each mood image is entered and correct, otherwise that mood will not be saved. When you're done, click on Save Changes at the bottom. And you're done!

5. Now go back to your Mood Theme Editor. Your new theme should be included on your list of mood themes. When you find it, look to the right of the mood icons and click on the "Use" button. Save changes, and your mood theme should be up on your LiveJournal.

Before you comment with any problems with your mood theme upload, please READ THIS TROUBLESHOOTING POST.