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	<title>Official Sothink Blog &#187; Web Menu</title>
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		<title>Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus</title>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Apr 2011 07:36:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Annie</dc:creator>
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		<category><![CDATA[web navigation]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Good navigation is the main cornerstone of an effective  website. In practice, however, it’s often a tough challenge to come up with a  meaningful, unambiguous way to organize, arrange, and display content to users;  and it’s often not much easier to find a visually interesting solution either.  The wide adaption of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Good navigation</strong> is the main cornerstone of an effective  website. In practice, however, it’s often a tough challenge to come up with a  meaningful, unambiguous way to organize, arrange, and display content to users;  and it’s often not much easier to find a visually interesting solution either.  The wide adaption of JavaScript libraries like jQuery is making it increasingly  easy to add various kinds of sleek animations to navigation design. For  instance, many recent promo websites are essentially single page websites with  an array of animation effects used to make navigation a smoother and richer user  experience.</p>
<h3>Parallax and Scrolling</h3>
<p>Parallax is an animation effect that allows layers to move in response to a  particular viewpoint. The effect is used to add a three-dimensional depth  illusion to the design and make interaction more responsive and interesting.  Recently, this technique has been frequently used to animate background images,  as in the famous <a href="http://www.nikebetterworld.com/">Nike Better World</a> site.</p>
<h4>Nike Better World</h4>
<p><strong>Rich graphics and parallax 3D effects</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nikebetterworld.com/en"><img src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/www.nikebetterworld.com-2011-3-11-20_18_20.jpg" alt="Www Nikebetterworld Com-2011-3-11-20 18 20 in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="492" /></a><span id="more-3723"></span><br />
<em>Vertical scrolling navigation with parallax background  effects</em></p>
<p>On the <a href="http://www.nikebetterworld.com/en">Nike</a> page, the effect  is visible when a user scrolls the page vertically. The background images seem  to overlap, as if they were piled up in a slide deck. This effect is  particularly strong when you click on the circles in the right area of the site.  Notice the dashed horizontal and vertical lines which are displayed as you  scroll the page. They vividly connect parts of the site and help to create a  more consistent user experience.</p>
<p>One drawback of the navigation here is that the navigation controls are very  subtle. In fact, on many sites which use this technique, the strong emphases are  on the rich, detailed illustrations which make it a bit more challenging to  actually find the navigation. In this example, perceiving the dots on the right  side as navigation and not mistaking them for part of the design may take a  while. Still, a very original and memorable design.</p>
<h4>Rosso Carmilla</h4>
<p><strong>Horizontal parallax animation</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.rossocarmilla.com/"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/www.rossocarmilla.com-2011-3-11-16_11_2.jpg" alt="Www Rossocarmilla Com-2011-3-11-16 11 2 in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="315" /></a><br />
<em>Horizontal scrolling with  parallax animation</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.rossocarmilla.com/">Rosso Carmilla</a> features an  interesting twist on a combination of the Parallax-effect and scrolling  navigation. The designer uses a horizontal rather than a vertical orientation,  with a classic navigation menu at the top. As the user hovers over visual  elements, they seem to move, creating the illusion of depth. The limited color  palette and original illustrations work very well with the animation to create a  memorable experience. The subtle animations are visible only when the user  hovers over the content area.</p>
<p>The idea is very interesting, and the execution is done fairly well. However,  a larger font size and additional navigation controls for a smooth transition  between sections might improve the overall usability of the site: the horizontal  scroll bar at the bottom of the page isn’t easy to notice and isn’t very  comfortable to use.</p>
<h4>Discover Tennessee Trails &amp; Byways</h4>
<p><strong>Horizontal scrolling navigation, clarified.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://tntrailsandbyways.com/"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/tntrailsandbyways.com-2011-3-11-16_15_37.jpg" alt="Tntrailsandbyways Com-2011-3-11-16 15 37 in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="451" /></a><br />
<em>Horizontal scrolling with  parallax animation and clarified navigation</em></p>
<p><a href="http://tntrailsandbyways.com/">Discover Tennessee Trails &amp;  Byways</a> incorporate a “trail viewer” navigation for their users. The  designers of the site use the same idea of horizontal scrolling navigation with  a Parallax animation, but they decided to explain to users first how to use the  navigation on the site. Usually, this is not a sign for an effective navigation,  but it works quite well in this example, especially because the overall design  appears to be very novel, playful and experimental to users anyway. In the case  of uncommon or particularly innovative design techniques, this kind of  instruction might be necessary until users understand the paradigm of the new  navigation pattern.</p>
<p>When the user clicks on a trailer icon, further related details are displayed  in a lightbox. Also notice how the “map” with trailer on the right side moves  when the user uses the main “trail viewer” navigation. The other interesting  navigation menu on the site is the one displayed at the bottom of the page; when  a user selects an area, secondary options are displayed in the menu on the right  side and this selection doesn’t change wherever the user’s mouse is. This  navigation menu is also very nicely integrated in the overall site’s design.</p>
<h4>Siebennull</h4>
<p><strong>‘Cluttered desk’ meets Parallax</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.siebennull.com/"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/www.siebennull.com-2011-3-11-16_18_33.jpg" alt="Www Siebennull Com-2011-3-11-16 18 33 in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="280" /></a><br />
<em>A unique and original take  on the ‘cluttered desk’ style</em></p>
<p>Strikingly original, <a href="http://www.siebennull.com/">Siebennull</a> features a’cluttered desk’ style wooden theme, along with a 3D feel provided in  part by shadows and other realistic graphics and in part by the Parallax effect  which is applied to the whole page. The overall effect feel very interconnected  without too much clutter.</p>
<p>One pitfall with an animated background, however, is that the background  doesn’t necessarily hold still while the user is viewing something in detail,  whether in a model box or a simple zoom-in. This can make it more difficult to  read large blocks of text. The page does feel a bit difficult to focus on due to  a strong Parallax-effect. This is probably an example of the Parallax-effect  being used too strongly, thus deteriorating the purpose of navigation.</p>
<h3>Storytelling</h3>
<p>It’s common practice to keep the design as simple and intuitive as possible,  making it very easy for the user to click from one page to the next, almost  mindlessly — “don’t make the user think” is the rule. However, you could as well  engage users on your site, making them think about what’s going on in the page  and involving them in the experience on a deeper level. For instance, you could  employ storytelling to <strong>increase the engagement</strong> on your site by  telling a story that your users would like to pursue or interact with.</p>
<p>One way to make your visitors feel involved is to turn the website into an  interactive journey. While users interact with the page, they can learn  something along the way, being baffled by the originality and uncertainty of the  site. This technique is probably best-suited to promotional landing pages rather  than content-heavy websites. If a story is intriguing and presented in an  interesting, perhaps unconventional way, it will capture users’ attention and  encourange them to continue through to your site’s call to action. A few fine  examples of these types of navigation are highlighted below.</p>
<h4>Ben the Bodyguard</h4>
<p><strong>A narrated landing page</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://benthebodyguard.com/index.php"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/benthebodyguard.com-2011-3-11-16_27_0.jpg" alt="Benthebodyguard Com-2011-3-11-16 27 0 in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="723" /></a><br />
<em>An exciting user experience,  creating user-engagement with design and effects</em></p>
<p>The designers of the <a href="http://benthebodyguard.com/index.php">Ben the  Bodyguard</a> landing page have chosen a very memorable metaphor for their main  character. Instead of presenting a generic “coming soon” page with a description  of the upcoming service, the site effectively tells a story. The main tagline of  the page is “A Frenchman protecting your secrets. Yes, seriously.” Next to this  statement, a description of the tool is presented <em>subtly</em>. The  mysterious character is displayed in the background, yet it very well captures  users’ attention and interest.</p>
<p>The actual interesting part of the page happens when you scroll the page  slowly. If you pay attention to illustrations and read all the details  presented, you can watch as a story unfolds. While the narrator walks down the  street, he gives you some explanation, but only enough to raise your interest.  As you keep scrolling, the story reaches its climax and ends with a prominent  call-to-action buttons. Notice that the design is responsive and the  illustrations adjust to the user’s viewport. On the whole, it’s not classic  navigation, but it’s not a traditional site either. Ben the Bodyguard is a  remarkable website and storytelling works very well in this context of a  promotional piece. That’s the reason why the site has received so much attention  when it was initially released.</p>
<h4>Youzee</h4>
<p><strong>Smooth, gentle storytelling</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://youzee.com/"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/youzee.com-2011-3-11-16_21_26.jpg" alt="Youzee Com-2011-3-11-16 21 26 in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="459" /></a><br />
<em>Smooth, gentle parallax  animation</em></p>
<p><a href="http://youzee.com/">Youzee</a> is another example of a smooth,  vertical one-page scrolling navigation which employs storytelling. The page has  the main navigation at the top, yet it is not linked to separate pages, but  rather to the sections of the loaded page. In fact, each section slides up  neatly, with a bit of animation but not enough to make the user dizzy.</p>
<p>Notice how carefully the designers use storytelling to involve the user in a  story and engage them in learning about the tool. Opposite to Ben the Bodyguard,  the design doesn’t rely heavily on a character, but rather uses more familiar,  existing metaphors to unfold the story. The main area on the top isn’t saying  what the service is about; the user learns it along the way as he scrolls the  page. Also notice how well designers use the “Turn on” metaphor for the button  on the top of the page; it looks as if it wanted to be clicked on and responds  appropriately to a click. Well done, guys, well done.</p>
<h3>Scrolling Navigation</h3>
<p>Tried and true, scrolling navigation is a simple and elegant way to guide  users through your content. Many designers are experimenting with scrolling  navigation on single page designs which accomodate the full information of a  website on one page rather than spreading it across multiple pages that would  load separately. Usability studies are required to determine if this navigation  pattern is more effective than a classic one, and it would be wrong to apply it  to contexts without verifying its usefulness first. Some ways of making your  scrolling navigation unique are highlighted below.</p>
<h4>Polecat</h4>
<p><strong>Back to the basics</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://ipolecat.com/"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ipolecat.com-2011-3-11-16_28_16.jpg" alt="Ipolecat Com-2011-3-11-16 28 16 in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="792" /></a><br />
<em>Simple solid scrolling  navigation</em></p>
<p><a href="http://ipolecat.com/">Polecat</a> is a yet nice example of a single  page site with scrolling navigation. The primary navigation in the upper right  corner is very minimal, plain text almost, but it works well because it’s not in  the way; it’s clearly available and makes the user feel like they know exactly  where they are. The illustrations are unique and engaging. When you visit the  page for the first time, you might feel overwhelmed with a number of information  items thrown at you, but this feeling goes away shortly after the site is  explored in more detail.</p>
<p>When a navigation item is clicked, the page smoothly scrolls to the chosen  section of the page. The interesting part is that various parts of the page are  clearly divided using distinctive background colors, so the user always knows  exactly where a section begins and where it ends. Also, each section is vividly  illustrated, leaving a lasting and memorable impression. It has a more  interesting and engaging design for a portfolio website than many of the similar  websites out there.</p>
<p>The main drawback: at first glance, it’s not quite clear which elements are  clickable and how the navigation works, which can be a bit confusing at  first.</p>
<h4>Cornerd</h4>
<p><strong>Simple vertical scrolling navigation</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://cornerd.com/"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/cornerd.com-2011-3-11-16_29_28.jpg" alt="Cornerd Com-2011-3-11-16 29 28 in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="552" /></a><br />
<em>Simple vertical scrolling  navigation</em></p>
<p>Very much like Polecat, <a href="http://cornerd.com/">Cornerd</a> features  lots of illustrative eye-candy. The monster theme is working very well and  subtle eye movements of the monsters create an inviting, playful atmosphere. The  designer Denise Chandler does not take herself too seriously and this is exactly  what invokes empathy and sympathy on the site, making it easier to develop trust  for designer’s ability to produce engaging and attractive work.</p>
<p>The sections of the page work well, but a fixed navigation at theop might  really help to establish more of a sense of freedom, especially in the long  sections like the portfolio section. Instead of that, the user is only provided  with the option to move back <em>up</em>.</p>
<h4>Curious Generation Group</h4>
<p><strong>Single page scrolling with a twist</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.curiousgenerationgroup.com/"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/curiousgenerationgroup.com-2011-3-11-16_34_53.jpg" alt="Curiousgenerationgroup Com-2011-3-11-16 34 53 in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="735" /></a><br />
<em>Single page scrolling with a  twist</em></p>
<p>While clean and organized, <a href="http://www.curiousgenerationgroup.com/">Curious Generation Group</a> feels  a bit unexpected with its colorful round shapes. A simple static navigation bar  at the top is both subtle and plays well with the overall design of this  website. Sometimes a fixed navigation bar can feel clunky and distracting, but  this one feels light and airy with its transparency. The positioning of the  content works well with the animation of the scrolling and does a good job of  leading your eye through the website. Notice that all single areas are  interconnected: for each area, there is a sidebar navigation displaying further  navigation options. A very vivid, colorful and memorable design.</p>
<h4>Eric Johansson</h4>
<p><strong>Riding on a scooter</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://ericj.se/"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ericj.se-2011-3-11-16_25_45.jpg" alt="Ericj Se-2011-3-11-16 25 45 in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="280" /></a><br />
<em>Riding on a scooter,  featuring parallax animation</em></p>
<p><a href="http://ericj.se/">Eric Johansson</a> does a couple of things that  make the exploration of his site interesting for the user. The page provides  subtle cues on how to use the navigation and there is also a (kind of)  horizontal scrollbar which appears within the context of the page. It’s a small  difference, to have a scrollbar a few pixels above the bottom of the window as  opposed to using the browser scrollbar itself, but it provides almost enough  distinction to make it clear that the user is supposed to click and drag.</p>
<p>As the users scroll the page, they need to look out for arrows and handles  that need to be clicked on in order for further navigation options to be  displayed. Eric is playing with the users, and does so in a very unique way.  Users that do not feel comfortable with it are nevertheless provided with the  option to <em>View the extended &amp; “normal” site</em>. The graphics on the  page could be improved a bit to make the design look a bit realistic, but maybe  it is designed this way on purpose. But it would be great if the users could  scroll the page without necessarily using the integrated scroll bar on the  bottom of the page (see <a href="http://css-tricks.com/snippets/jquery/horz-scroll-with-mouse-wheel/">Scroll  Page Horizontally With Mouse Wheel</a>).</p>
<h4>Haunted Cathouse</h4>
<p><strong>Vertical scrolling navigation with storybook graphics</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://portfolio.hauntedcathouse.org/"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/haunted_cathouse.png" alt="Haunted Cathouse in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="234" /></a><br />
<em>Vertical scrolling  navigation with storybook illustrations</em></p>
<p><a href="http://portfolio.hauntedcathouse.org/">Haunted Cathouse</a> is a yet  another, very detailed and very illustrated page which breaks the flow of the  page by displaying unique illustrations between the sections of the page. As the  user scrolls vertically, he can either see the current section, jump to the  previous one or to the next one.</p>
<p>Clicking on the little owl in the lower right corner reveals a slide in  navigation bar at your service wherever you are on the site, a better indicator  however may save the visitor some time. While some users may be happy to start  scrolling away on their mouse to get to the content, in this particular design  it might be useful to provide multiple options. A top-level navigation bar also  provides a way to highlight what kind of content users can expect to find  below.</p>
<h4>Sam Web</h4>
<p><strong>Horizontal scrolling within horizontal scrolling</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.samweb.com.br/"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/www.samweb.com_.br-2011-3-11-16_36_42.jpg" alt="Www Samweb Com Br-2011-3-11-16 36 42 in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="484" /></a><br />
<em>Horizontal scrolling nested  within horizontal scrolling</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.samweb.com.br/">Sam Web’s</a> horizontal scrolling  panels, while a fairly classic navigation model, are very cleanly executed. It’s  also nice that some sections slide horizontally while the contact link scrolls  to the bottom, since that element is present globally.</p>
<p>The interesting thing here is the nested horizontal scroller on the portfolio  page. Since it scrolls in the same direction as the main content area, but isn’t  controlled by the same navigation, it has some potential to confuse users. The  left and right arrows are visual indicators that something is different about  this section, but it also might benefit from being a slightly different kind of  scroller, or using some other interaction to navigate that content. It’s a  tricky thing, finding a slick way to add navigation to subcontent already inside  of some sort of interactive navigation.</p>
<h4>Denny’s Restaurant</h4>
<p><strong>Too much of anything is bad for you</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.dennys.com/#/home"><img style="display: inline;" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_smash/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/dennys.jpg" alt="Dennys in Showcase of Creative Navigation Menus: Good and Bad Examples" width="500" height="376" /></a><br />
<em>Combined horizontal and  vertical scrolling</em></p>
<p>The designers of <a href="http://www.dennys.com/#/home">Denny’s  Restaurant</a> probably overshot when searching for a way to accommodate a lot  of content. The combination of horizontal and vertical scrolling is rather  disorienting than helpful. Without the small hint on the home screen, the user  may even miss the content only reachable through the extra vertical scroll.  Additional content is hidden in sliders and it seems easy to get lost. In  addition to being confusing, the site is not very friendly to mobile users,  looking to order or find a restaurant on the go. The site might create a feeling  of “fluid content” which is a bit difficult to grasp and focus on, since  everything is moving; everything is interactive and everything is changing. The  design could use a bit more calm.</p>
<p>From: <a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/04/19/showcase-of-creative-navigation-menus-good-and-bad-examples/">http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/04/19/showcase-of-creative-navigation-menus-good-and-bad-examples/</a></p>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:20:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>zjx</dc:creator>
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Great news! If you need stylish flash drop down menu to navigate your website or blog, it’s your day! On Nov 23 (PST time), we offer free license of Sothink Flash Menu on Twitter. For that whole day, we will give away this $49 value Flash menu builder for every user who follows us on [...]]]></description>
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Great news! If you need stylish flash drop down menu to navigate your website or blog, it’s your day! On Nov 23 (PST time), we offer free license of <a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" target="_blank">Sothink Flash Menu</a> on <a title="https://twitter.com/sothinkmedia" href="https://twitter.com/sothinkmedia" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. For that whole day, we will give away this $49 value Flash menu builder for every user who follows us on our <a title="https://twitter.com/sothinkmedia" href="https://twitter.com/sothinkmedia" target="_blank">Twitter account</a>.<br />
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<p>So long as following our twitter account <a title="https://twitter.com/SothinkMedia" href="https://twitter.com/SothinkMedia" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/SothinkMedia</a> on Nov 23, 2010, you will get an instant message includes registration key and download link. All the followers of our account (previous followers and new followers) can join this campaign.</p>
<p><strong>What is Sothink Flash Menu?</strong></p>
<p><a title="http://www.menu-flash.com/" href="http://www.menu-flash.com/" target="_blank">Sothink Flash Menu</a> is an ultimate Flash menu builder, which creates stylish &amp; stunning cross-browser Flash drop down menu in clicks. With 46 built-in templates, 50 amazing special effects, 35 preset styles and image library of 4 categories, it can easily make SE friendly web menu without Flash and ActionScript skills. Fully customize menu style; show Flash menu above web elements. WYSWYG Flash menu builder enables you to preview Flash menu instantly.</p>
<p><strong><a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/samples/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/samples/" target="_blank">Flash menu Samples</a></strong></p>
<p><a title="Flash menu samples" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/samples/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3505" title="flash-menu-samples" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/flash-menu-samples1.gif" alt="flash-menu-samples" width="488" height="234" /></a></p>
<p><a title="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" href="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" target="_blank">Download Sothink Flash Menu right now &gt;&gt;</a></p>
<p>Just one day to get a free license of Sothink Flash Menu, <a title="https://twitter.com/SothinkMedia" href="https://twitter.com/SothinkMedia" target="_blank">follow us on twitter</a> to catch the only opportunity to experience Flash menu builder and create stunning Flash menus.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.sothink.com/blog/get-free-flash-menu-builder-on-twitter/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Maximize your imagination &#8211; customize everything for your Flash menu</title>
		<link>http://www.sothink.com/blog/maximize-your-imagination-customize-everything-for-your-flash-menu/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sothink.com/blog/maximize-your-imagination-customize-everything-for-your-flash-menu/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:36:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>zjx</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sothink Flash Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash drop down menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu builder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Navigation Bar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Menu]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=3456</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The same menu contents and identical menu structure in Flash menu, but website designers create so many
attractive Flash drop down menus of different styles for various websites. It owes to diverse menu styles to do a magic trick on Flash menus, which makes web menus amazing and stunning. Using CSS can control menu
styles if you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The same menu contents and identical menu structure in Flash menu, but website designers create so many<br />
attractive Flash drop down menus of different styles for various websites. It owes to diverse menu styles to do a magic trick on Flash menus, which makes web menus amazing and stunning. Using CSS can control menu<br />
styles if you are proficient in HTML code; if not, <a href="http://www.menu-flash.com/" target="_blank">Flash menu builder</a> will be the better way to customize everything for your Flash menu.</p>
<p>In <a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" target="_blank">Sothink Flash Menu</a>, the program provides preset menu styles which can be applied to menu item in one click; to get extremely the same Flash menu with your imagination, you can customize menu styles in this program, which creates thousands combinations of menu display, special effect, background, distance, space, color, font, image, cursor, separator and icon. Let’s take a close look to see how Flash menu builder changes your menu style:<br />
<span id="more-3456"></span></p>
<p>1.    Reset menu display to get a brand-new menu. Modify horizontal menu to vertical menu.<br />
(Check “Top-level Menu”, and enter “Popup Menu &gt; General” to choose “Horizontal” option)</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3457" title="menu-style1" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/menu-style1.gif" alt="menu-style1" width="601" height="527" /></p>
<p>2.    Set properties for Flash menu and its items to build a totally different web menu, these properties<br />
include background, color, special effect, font, etc.<br />
(Select the menu item and popup menu, enter “Menu Item” and “Popup Menu” panel to set their properties.)</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3458" title="menu-style2" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/menu-style2.gif" alt="menu-style2" width="534" height="383" /></p>
<p>3.    Set position of menu item and distance between items to layout Flash menu.<br />
(Select menu item, you can enter “Menu Item &gt; Position” to set item position; Select popup menu, you can enter “Popup Menu &gt; Position” to set position for popup menu.)</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3459" title="menu-style3" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/menu-style3.gif" alt="menu-style3" width="565" height="334" /></p>
<p>4.    Add graphics to customize the cursor, icon and separator images.<br />
(Select the menu item and popup menu; enter “Menu Item” panel to set icon, “Global &gt; Cursor” panel to set cursor image; insert separator and select it, enter “Separator” panel to set its properties)</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3460" title="menu-style4" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/menu-style4.gif" alt="menu-style4" width="524" height="284" /></p>
<p>5.    Embed the font to create Flash menu, which make sure all the visitors enjoy the exactly the same<br />
Flash menu, even though the used font in Flash menu is not installed on the computer.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3461" title="menu-style5" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/menu-style5.gif" alt="menu-style5" width="467" height="195" /></p>
<p>6.    Set font and menu contents in one menu item, Flash menu builder will auto-adjust width and height for<br />
each menu item, and make the whole Flash menu perfect.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3462" title="menu-style6" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/menu-style6.gif" alt="menu-style6" width="547" height="349" /></p>
<p>7.    Flash menu can play sound when mouse interacts with item. <a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/samples/sound-menu.htm" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/samples/sound-menu.htm">View Flash menu sample of playing sound</a>.<br />
8.    One Flash menu can be inserted to multi-page and one page can include multi-menu.<br />
9.    Set menu width in percentage to layout the website design.<br />
10.   Show sub menu by mouse event.</p>
<p>If you are not satisfied with your Flash menu, why not to try Flash menu builder to create Flash menu of your<br />
mind？Now, <a title="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" href="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" target="_blank">download Sothink Flash menu</a> to make it come true.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.sothink.com/blog/maximize-your-imagination-customize-everything-for-your-flash-menu/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to create a float Flash menu for your website?</title>
		<link>http://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-create-a-float-flash-menu-for-your-website/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-create-a-float-flash-menu-for-your-website/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:32:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>zjx</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sothink Flash Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash drop down menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu builder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Navigation Bar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Menu]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=3449</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Float Flash Menu is a web menu used for site navigation, which locates in a fixed position on the webpage. This Float Flash menu enables to scroll along scroll bar, and always keep visible no matter how long your page is and how viewers change the window size. Generally, Flash menu is done by HTML, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Float Flash Menu is a web menu used for site navigation, which locates in a fixed position on the webpage. This Float Flash menu enables to scroll along scroll bar, and always keep visible no matter how long your page is and how viewers change the window size. Generally, Flash menu is done by HTML, CSS and jQuery; but it is a difficulty to create such a float Flash menu for web design newbies or if you face urgent design task while time is limited. Maybe, using Flash menu builder is an easy way for all of us to build float menu in minutes.</p>
<p><a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" target="_blank">Sothink Flash menu</a> is an ultimate Flash menu builder; it can build Flash menus with simple steps. Besides float menu, Flash Menu enables to create lots of functional menus, like scroll menu, highlight menu, multi-column menu, and disable items and separators and non-English menu. Now, let’s create float Flash menu in the program:</p>
<p>View <a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/samples/float-menu.htm" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/samples/float-menu.htm" target="_blank">float menu sample</a>, and it stays visible even if you scroll down a web page. They’re animated, so they move up and down as you scroll the browser window up or down.</p>
<p><span id="more-3449"></span></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3450" title="float-menu" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/float-menu.gif" alt="float-menu" width="522" height="694" /></p>
<p><strong>Steps: </strong></p>
<p><strong>1.    Start Flash menu from Built-in Template.</strong></p>
<p>Launch <a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" target="_blank">Sothink Flash Menu</a>, choose “Distinctive10” from Distinctive category in “Startup” window. This is a static menu currently; preview menu to get the same above static menu.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3495" title="floatmenu-1" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/floatmenu-1.gif" alt="floatmenu-1" width="573" height="395" /><br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>2.    Set menu type as Float to create Float menu</strong></p>
<ul>
<li> Check “Global &gt; Menu Type” in Tasks panel, and enter the property panel on the bottom. Input name for this menu and check “Float” option here.
<p><img title="float-5" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/float-5.gif" alt="float-5" width="552" height="207" /></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Check “Global &gt; General” in Tasks panel, and enter the property panel on the bottom. Input value as coordinate to float menu on web page. Now preview menu, you will see the menu placed in a fixed position.
<p><img title="float-6" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/float-6.gif" alt="float-6" width="552" height="207" /></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Still in this panel, check two “Auto-scroll” options to make float Flash menu scroll along scroll bar.
<p><img title="float-7" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/float-7.gif" alt="float-7" width="552" height="207" /></li>
</ul>
<p>Creating float Flash menu is so easy in <a title="http://www.menu-flash.com/" href="http://www.menu-flash.com/" target="_blank">Flash menu builder</a>. To build more functional menus, <a title="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" href="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" target="_blank">download Sothink Flash Menu</a> to make them in minutes.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-create-a-float-flash-menu-for-your-website/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to use XML/HTML/image as menu item of your Flash menu?</title>
		<link>http://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-use-xmlhtmlimage-as-menu-item-of-your-flash-menu/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-use-xmlhtmlimage-as-menu-item-of-your-flash-menu/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:20:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>zjx</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sothink Flash Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash drop down menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu builder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Navigation Bar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Menu]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=3481</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Get a brand-new attractive Flash menu from other navigation bars just in steps! Believe it or not, Flash menu builder can work with various authoring files to create stylish Flash menu based on the existing menu contents and menu structure:

Copy &#38; paste the related menu items in one or two Flash Menu windows to reset [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Get a brand-new attractive Flash menu from other navigation bars just in steps! Believe it or not, <a title="http://www.menu-flash.com/" href="http://www.menu-flash.com/" target="_blank">Flash menu builder</a> can work with various authoring files to create stylish <a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" target="_blank">Flash menu</a> based on the existing menu contents and menu structure:</p>
<ul>
<li>Copy &amp; paste the related menu items in one or two Flash Menu windows to reset menu sequence;</li>
<li>Import menu items from <a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/" target="_blank">Sothink DHTML Menu</a> or <a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/treemenu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/treemenu/" target="_blank">Sothink Tree Menu</a> to get the same menu structure and contents from JavaScript menu/ tree menu;</li>
<li>Attach XML file to generate Flash menu and modify it by outside file, which edits XML file to upgrade Flash menu later.</li>
</ul>
<p>To make your Flash menu creation effectively; you can use one of above-mentioned methods. To make your Flash menu special, you can apply HTML code or image in Flash menu as menu item, which gets great result that the plain text menu can never surpass.</p>
<p><span id="more-3481"></span>Now, let’s view which elements can be use as menu item:</p>
<p><strong>Use XML to create Flash menu:</strong></p>
<p>1.	Select the menu item in Menu Panel, and check the &#8220;XML&#8221; option in &#8220;Menu Item &gt; General&#8221; property panel; then click the button &#8220;Folder&#8221; to browse and choose XML file, or type XML file&#8217;s path, the menu will appear in the preview window.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3485" title="xml-menu1" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/xml-menu11.gif" alt="xml-menu1" width="529" height="379" /></p>
<p>Add the same-level menu item or parent-level menu item for this XML menu.</p>
<p>2.	In Menu panel, choose this &#8220;XML menu item&#8221;, click “Insert Item After” button to add the same-level menu item; or choose &#8220;Top-level Menu&#8221;; and click “Add Sub Menu Item” button to add the same-level menu item.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3483" title="xml-menu2" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/xml-menu2.gif" alt="xml-menu2" width="578" height="250" /><br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Use HTML code as menu item</strong></p>
<p>Check the &#8220;HTML&#8221; option in &#8220;Menu Item &gt; General&#8221; property panel after selecting the menu item in Menu Panel; input HTML code in it to use as menu item</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3484" title="xml-menu3" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/xml-menu3.gif" alt="xml-menu3" width="507" height="246" /></p>
<p><strong>Use image as menu item</strong></p>
<p>Pick up the menu item in Menu Panel, and check the &#8220;image&#8221; option in &#8220;Menu Item &gt; General&#8221;; and then re-enter &#8220;Menu Item &gt; Image&#8221; property panel, click “Image Library&#8221; or “Folder&#8221; button to browse and choose image file, or type image file&#8217;s path, the image menu item will appear in the preview window.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3486" title="xml-menu4" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/xml-menu4.gif" alt="xml-menu4" width="507" height="286" /></p>
<p>Besides general text, Flash menu builder provides more options to generate menu items. They enrich contents and simplify update steps for Flash menu, which gives us a wonderful journey to build Flash menu.</p>
<p><a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/samples/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/samples/" target="_blank">View more Flash menu samples &gt;&gt;</a><br />
<a title="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" href="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" target="_blank">Download and try Sothink Flash Menu &gt;&gt; </a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Create a Thanksgiving Flash Menu in 5 Minutes?</title>
		<link>http://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-create-a-thanksgiving-flash-menu-in-5-minutes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-create-a-thanksgiving-flash-menu-in-5-minutes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:46:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>zjx</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sothink Flash Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash drop down menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu builder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Navigation Bar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Menu]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=3435</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The annual Thanksgiving Day is close to us, this holiday is cheerful and grateful. Everything will be decorated with beautiful and lovely objects, which shows the sense of family harmony and joy. I guess you have designed Thanksgiving theme for your website, what else to decorate Thanksgiving website? Flash menu is not only an essential [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The annual Thanksgiving Day is close to us, this holiday is cheerful and grateful. Everything will be decorated with beautiful and lovely objects, which shows the sense of family harmony and joy. I guess you have designed Thanksgiving theme for your website, what else to decorate Thanksgiving website? Flash menu is not only an essential element to decorate and navigate the website, but also an amazing object to interact with viewers.</p>
<p>To create unique personalized Thanksgiving Flash menu, we will share some tips with you:</p>
<p>1.	Include graphics contain delicious food in Flash menu.<br />
2.	Use warm color as background for Thanksgiving Flash menu.<br />
3.	Add some special effects to attract the viewer and decorate your Flash menu.<br />
4.	Navigate the viewers to next exciting page by Flash menu.</p>
<p>Using <a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" target="_blank">Sothink Flash Menu</a>, you can apply preset resources to create Thanksgiving Flash menu in five minute s following to above-mentioned tips. Let’s start building navigation bar like this:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3444" title="flash-menu" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Snap31.gif" alt="flash-menu" width="457" height="260" /></p>
<p><span id="more-3435"></span><strong>1.	Start Flash menu from Built-in Template.</strong><br />
Launch <a title="http://www.menu-flash.com/" href="http://www.menu-flash.com/" target="_blank">Sothink Flash Menu</a>, choose “Distinctive05” from Distinctive category in “Startup” window.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3493" title="flashmenu-1" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/flashmenu-11.gif" alt="flashmenu-1" width="554" height="403" /></p>
<p><strong>2.	Choose or customize Background image from image library.</strong><br />
Expand the items in Menu Tree, choose “Top-level Menu”; and enter “Popup Menu &gt; Background” to set background for the whole Flash drop down menu.</p>
<ul>
<li> In below property panel, click “Image Library” button to open window.</li>
<li>Click “Add” button to choose favorite image from local disk to image library window, and choose this image to Flash menu as background.</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3446" title="image library" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Snap41.gif" alt="image library" width="625" height="482" /></p>
<p><strong>3.	Select proper effects from special menu effects.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li> Pick up popup menu(s) in Menu Tree, and enter “Popup Menu &gt; Effect” to set special effects for popup menu(s).</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #c0c0c0;">Note: Press Ctrl/Shift button on the keyboard, and click menu items to select many items at one time.</span></p>
<ul>
<li> In below property panel, choose “Expand Down” and “Fade” as showing and hiding effect respectively.</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3439" title="special effect" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Snap25.gif" alt="special effect" width="564" height="188" /></p>
<p><strong>4.	Select the appropriate menu style from preset styles.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li> Pick up menu item(s) in Menu Tree, and enter “Menu Item &gt; Style” to apply prepared style for menu item(s).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> In below property panel, double click the wanted style to apply the selected menu item(s).</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3440" title="Snap26" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Snap26.gif" alt="menu style" width="552" height="180" /></p>
<p><strong>5.	Edit the menu items and add separators.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Add or delete the menu item(s) in Menu Tree directly; Modify the text contents and add link for them, you can enter “Menu Item &gt; General” property panel to set</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Choose a menu item, you can add separator behind it in Menu Tree; Modify the separator property, you can enter “Menu Item &gt; Separator” property panel to set.</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3443" title="tree panel" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Snap29.gif" alt="tree panel" width="229" height="306" /></p>
<p><strong>6.	Setting Font for menu items.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li> Pick up menu item(s), and enter “Menu Item &gt; font” to set font for menu item(s).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> In below property panel, choose the suitable font setting for the selected menu item(s).</li>
</ul>
<p>An attractive Flash menu is finished in five minutes because of rich resources. <a title="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" href="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" target="_blank">Download Sothink Flash Menu </a>to get more free resources to customize your Flash menus.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to make a search engine friendly Flash menu?</title>
		<link>http://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-make-a-search-engine-friendly-flash-menu/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-make-a-search-engine-friendly-flash-menu/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:44:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>zjx</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sothink Flash Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash drop down menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu builder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Navigation Bar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Menu]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=3422</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[SEO is a hot topic for website design all the time, since the majority of website traffics come from search engine instead of visual attractiveness. Every element in website design should take SEO into consideration. As for navigation bar, website designers usually choose SE friendly Flash menu to get crawled easily by spider and together [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>SEO is a hot topic for website design all the time, since the majority of website traffics come from search engine instead of visual attractiveness. Every element in website design should take SEO into consideration. As for navigation bar, website designers usually choose SE friendly Flash menu to get crawled easily by spider and together with stunning menu effect to attract the viewers.</p>
<p><a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" target="_blank">Flash menu</a> can be search friendly to search engine spiders by three ways:</p>
<ul>
<li>Generate the SE friendly code and insert it to webpage</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Make XML sitemap and submit it to main-stream Search Engine</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Generate sitemap to help navigate site and make it to be indexed by Search Engine</li>
</ul>
<p><span id="more-3422"></span></p>
<p>As Flash menu builder, <a title="http://www.menu-flash.com/" href="http://www.menu-flash.com/" target="_blank">Sothink Flash menu</a> not only enables to create the attractive Flash drop down menu, but also provides the useful tools to make Flash menus SE friendly. Let’s check out these SEO tools:</p>
<p><strong>1.	Search Engine Friendly Code Maker</strong></p>
<p><strong>Intro</strong>: This tool enables to generate special codes which are readable for web crawlers; and these SE friendly codes can enhance the presence and visibility of a website on search engine listings. The maker will behave like sitemap if JavaScript is forbidden in the browser, which the menu is shown in text link.<br />
<strong>Usage</strong>: After publishing the menu into page, you can check button in the program to open dialog, and click “Copy All” button to copy these codes, and paste them behind the menu code between <!-- BODY-->tag within webpage.<br />
<strong>Button</strong>:<br />
<img title="seo-1" src="../wp-content/uploads/2010/11/seo-1.gif" alt="seo-1" width="243" height="70" /></p>
<p><strong>Dialog</strong>:</p>
<p><img title="seo-2" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/seo-2.gif" alt="seo-2" width="453" height="452" /></p>
<p><strong>2.	Google XML Sitemap</strong></p>
<p><strong>Intro</strong>: This tool can generate XML sitemap, which is special for Google search engine. This XML sitemap makes good use of the search engine spiders&#8217; time by make the engines index pages from your site efficiently; and provides the opportunity to make search engines know priority, update time and change frequency.</p>
<p><strong>Usage</strong>: Finishing the menu configuration, you can check button in the program to open dialog; input your website link and check the related options to set sitemap; click “Save XML” button to save XML sitemap to defined path. At last, submit this XML sitemap to Google.<br />
<strong>Button</strong>:</p>
<p><img title="seo-3" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/seo-3.gif" alt="seo-3" width="245" height="70" /></p>
<p><strong>Dialog</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3426" title="seo-4" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/seo-4.gif" alt="seo-4" width="576" height="408" /></p>
<p><strong>3.	Generate Sitemap</strong></p>
<p><strong>Intro</strong>: Sitemap allows search engine crawlers index the website easily; it enables to make SE find all the pages. Even some internal links, sitemap still improves Page Rank or link popularity to all pages it links. Also sitemap helps with usability and site navigation based on existing menu structure used in website.<br />
<strong>Usage</strong>: Completing the menu creation, you can check button in the program to open dialog; choose theme, attach CSS and check the related options to set sitemap page; click “Save…” button to save HTML page to defined path.<br />
<strong>Button</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3427" title="seo-5" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/seo-5.gif" alt="seo-5" width="134" height="62" /></p>
<p><strong>Dialog</strong>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3428" title="seo-6" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/seo-6.gif" alt="seo-6" width="505" height="398" /></p>
<p>We have introduced above-mentioned SE friendly ways in Flash menu creation. You can choose the best way based on your website.</p>
<p><a title="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" href="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" target="_blank">Download Sothink Flash Menu</a>, and get and try these SE friendly tools.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Which Builder Can Create Flash Menu in Minutes?</title>
		<link>http://www.sothink.com/blog/which-builder-can-create-flash-menu-in-minutes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sothink.com/blog/which-builder-can-create-flash-menu-in-minutes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2010 02:50:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>zjx</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sothink Flash Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash drop down menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menu builder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flash menus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Navigation Bar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Menu]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=3385</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A stunning Flash menu will lighten the website, and impress the  visitors. Web designers would like to use Flash menu as web navigation  because of its cool visual effects, high-quality animation and great  interaction. Flash menu has the feature of extensive cross-browser compatibility, which is  well-supported on various browsers and diverse [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A stunning Flash menu will lighten the website, and impress the  visitors. Web designers would like to use Flash menu as web navigation  because of its cool visual effects, high-quality animation and great  interaction. <a title="../../product/flash-menu/" href="../../product/flash-menu/">Flash menu</a> has the feature of extensive cross-browser compatibility, which is  well-supported on various browsers and diverse OS, and Flash drop down  menu can be viewed correctly by anyone so long as Flash plug-in is  installed, it is operating system and browser independent. Compared with  to CSS menu and DHTML menu, Flash menu will be more attractive web menu  for all of us.</p>
<p><span id="more-3385"></span></p>
<p>Generally speaking, there are two tools to create Flash menus: Adobe  Flash and Flash menu builder. As we know, any tool has its positive and  negative aspect, let’s view their effectiveness in creating Flash menu.</p>
<p><img title="flash-menu-chart" src="../wp-content/uploads/2010/11/flash-menu-chart.gif" alt="flash-menu-chart" width="536" height="231" /></p>
<p>In a word, Adobe Flash is a powerful Flash builder,  which enables to ad, banner, movie, etc, but it is not ideal Flash menu  builder. If you want to create Flash drop down menu in easy and quick  way, please resort to professional Flash menu builder.</p>
<p align="left">
<p align="left">Next, let’s approach to <a title="../../product/flash-menu/" href="../../product/flash-menu/">Sothink Flash Menu</a> and get more info:</p>
<p><a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3395" title="flash-menu-logo" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/flash-menu-logo.gif" alt="flash-menu-logo" width="77" height="87" /></a>Sothink  Flash Menu is an ultimate Flash menu builder, which allows us to create  attractive &amp; amazing cross-browser Flash drop down menu in clicks.  Built-in templates, fascinating Flash menu with special effects, diverse  preset styles and image library, we can make SE friendly Flash menus  without coding. Fully customize web menu style. Intuitive interface  brings better user experience.</p>
<p align="left">
<p align="left">
<p>Free built-in templates provide wonderful Flash menus like below:</p>
<p><a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/samples/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/flash-menu/samples/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3396" title="flash-menu-samples" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/flash-menu-samples.gif" alt="flash-menu-samples" width="523" height="236" /></a></p>
<p align="left">
<p align="left">
<p align="left">
<p align="left">
<p align="left">
<p align="left">
<p align="left"><a title="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip" href="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sfmenu.zip">Download Sothink Flash Menu</a> to try all features in it.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>DHTML Menu 9.6 Supports IE9 Beta</title>
		<link>http://www.sothink.com/blog/dhtml-menu-9-6-supports-ie9-beta/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sothink.com/blog/dhtml-menu-9-6-supports-ie9-beta/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 02:34:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>zjx</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sothink DHTML Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DHTML Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drop Down Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[javascript menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Navigation Bar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[navigation menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Menu]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=3317</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sothink DHTML Menu supports IE9 beta in its new version of 9.6. With Microsoft IE9 Beta release, you can freely use this powerful IE browser later, which is optimized in performance, HTML5, Graphic and Browser. As an essential web element, JavaScript menu/DHTML menu needs to be compatible with the main-stream browser of IE9 to get [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-ima&lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt;ge-3330" title="IE9" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/1.png" alt="IE9" hspace="20" width="180" height="179" /><a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/" target="_blank">Sothink DHTML Menu</a> supports IE9 beta in its new version of 9.6. With Microsoft IE9 Beta release, you can freely use this powerful IE browser later, which is optimized in performance, HTML5, Graphic and Browser. As an essential web element, <a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/" target="_blank">JavaScript menu</a>/DHTML menu needs to be compatible with the main-stream browser of IE9 to get better browsing experience. Sothink DHTML Menu enables you to create cross IE9 beta navigation bars without any skills; and 100+ built-in templates are available to be applied to your website directly.</p>
<p><strong>What is Sothink DHTML Menu? </strong><br />
Sothink DHTML Menu is a drop down menu builder, which assistant you in making cross-browser menu, fast-loading menu and SE friendly menu in clicks. 100+ templates &amp; 30 styles included; integration with main-stream web editors; support database driven menus; fully customize menu style.</p>
<p><span id="more-3317"></span></p>
<p><strong>Main features</strong>:<br />
* Full cross-browser compatibility, support IE9 beta.<br />
* Seamlessly integrates with DW, FP, EW and GoLive.<br />
* Supports database driven navigation menu with ASP, PHP, JSP, ASP.NET, ColdFusion.<br />
* Creates functional navigation menu, such as tab menu, highlight menu, scrolling menu, cross-frame menu, multi-level/multi-column menu, custom menu, floating menu, etc.<br />
* Offers 100 + free templates, 30+ preset styles; and provides image library for menu design.<br />
* Publish wizard guides you to publish the drop down menu to website step by step.<br />
* Customize web menu properties, like font, icon, background, border, cursor, tool tip, etc.</p>
<p><strong>Check some samples of DHTML Menu: </strong></p>
<p>1.	<a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" target="_blank">Anchor chain drop down menu</a></p>
<p><a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3318" title="DHTML Menu " src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/1.GIF" alt="DHTML Menu " width="641" height="219" /></a></p>
<p>2.	<a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" target="_blank">Grass green web menu</a></p>
<p><a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3319" title="drop down menu " src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2.GIF" alt="drop down menu " width="564" height="184" /></a></p>
<p>3.	<a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" target="_blank">Notepad navigation menu</a></p>
<p><a title="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" href="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/samples/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3320" title="navigation bar" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/3.GIF" alt="navigation bar" width="564" height="208" /></a></p>
<p><a title="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sdmenu.zip" href="http://www2.sothink.com/download/sdmenu.zip" target="_blank">Download Sothink DHTML Menu</a> to create a well cross-browser menu.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.sothink.com/blog/dhtml-menu-9-6-supports-ie9-beta/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Sothink DHTML Menu Supports Adobe Dreamweaver CS5</title>
		<link>http://www.sothink.com/blog/sothink-dhtml-menu-supports-adobe-dreamweaver-cs5/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sothink.com/blog/sothink-dhtml-menu-supports-adobe-dreamweaver-cs5/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 07:56:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>zjx</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sothink DHTML Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DHTML]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DHTML Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drop Down Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[javascript menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Navigation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Navigation Bar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Navigation Menu Builder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Menu]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=3022</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On June 18, 2010, SourceTec Software released Sothink DHTML Menu 9.4. In this version, DHTML Menu builder keeps its top rank in menu maker industry to support Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 in the first time, and the cross-browser menu works perfectly in Safari 5 on Windows &#38; Mac OS X. Meanwhile, DHTML menu builder optimizes the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3026" title="dhtmlmenu" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/dhtmlmenu.gif" alt="dhtmlmenu" hspace="10" width="80" height="147" />On June 18, 2010, <a href="http://www.sothink.com/">SourceTec Software</a> released Sothink DHTML Menu 9.4. In this version, DHTML Menu builder keeps its top rank in menu maker industry to support Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 in the first time, and the cross-browser menu works perfectly in Safari 5 on Windows &amp; Mac OS X. Meanwhile, DHTML menu builder optimizes the preview window to make it save background color in authoring files, which is convenient to edit files for next time; and 18 new built-in templates are added to application.</p>
<p>Sothink DHTML Menu is an easy-to-use drop down menu builder, it can create SE friendly and fast-loading JavaScript menu without coding. Rich templates &amp; styles enable you to create cross-browser menu in clicks. Seamless integrates with main-stream web editors, Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 supported. With this navigation menu builder, you can easily make functional menus, database driven menus. Menu appearance can be fully customized too.<img title="More..." src="../wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" alt="" /><img title="More..." src="../wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" alt="" /><span id="more-3022"></span>Main features of drop down menu builder:</p>
<ul>
<li>Full cross-browser compatibility: supports IE, Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Safari (<strong>Support Safari 5 on Win &amp; Mac</strong>).</li>
<li>Seamlessly integrates with Dreamweaver (<strong>support CS5</strong>), FrontPage, Expression Web and Adobe GoLive as add-ons.</li>
<li>Supports making database driven JavaScript menu with ASP, PHP, JSP, ASP.NET, ColdFusion and more.</li>
<li>Creates functional JavaScript menu, such as tab menu, highlight menu, scrolling menu, cross-frame menu, multi-level/multi-column menu, custom menu, floating menu, etc.</li>
<li>Offers 80 + templates, 30+ styles; and provides image library for background, icon, arrow and separator.</li>
<li>Enables to save background color of preview window in authoring files, which make it convenient for editing next time.</li>
<li>Publish wizard guides you to publish the drop down menu to website step by step.</li>
<li>Customizes web menu properties, like font, icon, background, border, cursor, tool tip, surround, effects, alignment, transparency, size, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p>Please visit <a href="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/index.htm">Sothink DHTML Menu</a> for more information.</p>
<p>For Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 users, you will be prompted to auto-install Dreamweaver extension during Sothink DHTML Menu builder installation.</p>
<p>Download <a href="http://www.sothink.com/product/dhtmlmenu/download.htm">Sothink DHTML Menu</a> and enjoy 30-day free experience.</p>
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