Is it ok to use layers ?

They have: 80 posts

Joined: Feb 2003

Hiya all

I have to build a site for someone who has a catalog of 80+ pages, I have found a script(P7 magic menu) that uses layers, what Im trying to do is have the catalog list out as pages in a table of 8x10 rows and coloums when some1 hits the product button on a collapable menu, I think I have heard from someone a while ago to stay away from layers, but I cant seems to see a way round my problem without using it, can someone give me some advice ?

Also will this have a negative effect when I try to optimise for search engines by using layers?

Many thanks

Roo's picture

She has: 840 posts

Joined: Apr 1999

Are you talking about using current standard css or the old tags that were only supported by Netscape ?

They have: 5,633 posts

Joined: Jan 1970

The only thing I feel I need to warn you about is crappy browsers. If someone goes to the site with windows 95 or less it will run very slow if at all. There are people out there with text only browsers too.

They have: 80 posts

Joined: Feb 2003

Thanks for your replies

This is the link

http://www.badservices.co.uk/layertest/index1.htm

Is the layers ok for normal standard browsers ?

Thx a mill

They have: 5,633 posts

Joined: Jan 1970

About 98% of your visitors should have no proublems at all

He has: 57 posts

Joined: Apr 2005

I would try to avaoid using layers. They tend to be in different places depending on the browser you are using.

He has: 1,758 posts

Joined: Jul 2002

ignore what cpellizzi has just said. The only thing that causes the layers to be in different places is if you code badly. Its not at all difficult to create cross browser layouts using layers and css.

Andy

They have: 5,633 posts

Joined: Jan 1970

Actually... you want to see layers in action? Look at my site, It uses both absolute and relative layers combined with JavaScript to produce the best menu I have ever done. It works cross browser and I have even tested it on a MAC. Personally, I think it deserves way more credit than anyone gives me for it.
bja888.com

He has: 57 posts

Joined: Apr 2005

Ok, I must have done it incorrectly then... Seems to me like most of the time layers are used as a short cut. I try to use tables when possible. View my friend's site (http://www.banderagroup.com) with Firefox if you want to see an example of a bad layer job.

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