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September 28, 2011

Dynamic Views, New Blogger Templates

Blogger launched in March five blog views that used cutting-edge technologies to transform a blog into a Web app. Back then, visitors had to enter a special URL like gmailblog.blogspot.com/view/sidebar or install a Chrome extension to switch to one of the new interfaces. Six months later, Blogger created two new views (classic and magazine) and added the list of dynamic views to Blogger's template editing section so that blog authors can replace their template with one of the seven views that are now available.


There are three kinds of dynamic views: photo-oriented templates (flipcard, mosaic, snapshot), text-oriented templates (classic, sidebar) and magazine-like templates (magazine, timeslide). If you don't have a photoblog, classic, sidebar and magazine are the best dynamic views for your blog. Blogger's new templates bring a lot cool features and change the way readers interact with a blog. Infinite scrolling replaces pagination, blog posts are loaded using AJAX, Blogger caches blog posts so they load faster, images are downloaded as you browse, you can use keyboard shortcuts (j/k or n/p) to go to the next or previous post just like in Google Reader. There's also instant search that shows the list of results as you type.



While dynamic views have many cool features, there are also many downsides. They're not very customizable: you can only upload a header image and customize the background colors. When you pick one of the views, all the gadgets you've added will disappear. It's also annoying that blog posts no longer open in separate pages: they open either in lightbox-like panes or in a homepage-like interface, next to other posts (here's an example). Just like the mobile template, dynamic views only work with Blogger's commenting system, so you won't be able to use Disqus. It will be interesting to see how search engines handle the new templates, considering that blog posts are loaded using JavaScript and HTML pages are almost empty.

I don't intend to switch to one of the dynamic views, but my favorite templates are sidebar and magazine. You can always bookmark these links or use Google's Chrome extension, which needs to be updated to add support for the two new dynamic views. Some Google blogs have already switched to the new templates: Blogger Buzz, Gmail Blog, Google Docs Blog and LatLong.

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69 comments:

  1. Andrew RabonSeptember 28, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    No Disqus or gadget support is kind of lame, but otherwise I really like them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousApril 15, 2012 at 10:46 AM

      Exactly I want to have a sidebar for twitter etc, hopefully they add that.

      Delete
  2. UnknownSeptember 28, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    Nice, i already installed this

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJune 20, 2012 at 8:51 PM

      How did you apply the Dynamic Viewing? I read the instructions and still can't figure it out...help? Thank you!

      Delete
  3. A SSeptember 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Tangential question: Can Blogger and Google Docs be used in conjunction to host podcasts? Blogger itself does not support hosting audio files, but we could upload it to Google Docs and link from blog posts?

    ReplyDelete
  4. ZaufishanSeptember 28, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    I found the lack of customisability a huge downfall too - no Disqus commenting system and no widgets means no switch.
    {www.muslimness.com}

    Thanks for the post.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sylvia SSeptember 28, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    I have a somewhat popular blog and I love this!!
    I've converted it to Dynamic to see how my visitors react.
    Like anything else that's new it will take some to make it perfect.
    The best way is to have us blogger users actually put it to use and as always Google will take our feedback and tweak the system.

    ReplyDelete
  6. King MarekSeptember 28, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Hey I too have a blog and I was wondering if there was any way possible to keep some of the old gadgets like the poll and the counter...because I really liked allowing my audience to interact a bit with the page. Also, I was wondering if there was any way to change things up so that there is a black background and maybe the font is something a little different. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  7. 阿同September 28, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    The "Read More" feature no longer works, too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. King MarekSeptember 28, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    Do you know if they will ever add support for gadgets and perhaps an option to change the default font?

    ReplyDelete
  9. NicSeptember 29, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    How does someone follow the blog with dynamic views? I don't see a 'follow with google connect' anymore. :(

    ReplyDelete
  10. hire a web programmerSeptember 30, 2011 at 2:58 AM

    I just wanna say thanks for the writer.This is great article.I have found your blog to be quite useful. Keep updating your blog with valuable information.Please update all information.Thank u.

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownSeptember 30, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    What bothers me is why they still haven't fixed commenting from the new look? It still takes you to the old version...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ajat AdriansyahOctober 1, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    If only i could add javascript there (in particular mathjax) i would already use it.
    the css support is littlebit limited :(

    ReplyDelete
  13. Daniel Dantas LemosOctober 2, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    It's not possible read posts on mobile phones. Why?

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownOctober 2, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    Really beautiful templates, but you have to enable the Layout option or this templates are useless !!!
    http://www.koolich.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. TanbirazziOctober 3, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    Really beautiful templates, but you have to enable the Layout option or this templates are useless !!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Crimson FlowerOctober 3, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Is there a way to have a dynamic view be the default mobile or tablet view? Wordpress has this functionality.

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousOctober 4, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    what about the ADs ??
    i removed them from the blog but it still appear on the dynamic templates !!!

    please anyone help

    ReplyDelete
  18. Rod MacGregorOctober 4, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    I would like to see more gadget support.I like this template and how it looks, however will not be using it until support for things like followers is fixed.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Bret DarklessOctober 5, 2011 at 1:13 AM

    What's the point? Even the read more function doesn't works! Though I've posted a hyperlink that directs users to dynamic view sidebar coz the background of my blog is dark. I think it would enable readers to experiment with different themes but I am keeping my customized/self-designed theme and dynamic view as alternate theme :-) Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  20. EricOctober 6, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    The lack of gadgets is very dumb. My analytics quit working. I can't upload a header like promised. My favicon is gone. You name it, it's not there. I'm trying it now on one of my blogs and even though it looks pretty and polished, I'm not sure how long I'll keep it. On another note, my page views have already increased. We'll see.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Heather MesserliOctober 8, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    I can not see the links at the top that let you sign in and go to the dashboard ect...... please help.. I don't like how it looks my pages links blink crazily and won't let you even click on the link to my static pages... These designs look cool... but in the end they are really sucking for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Manoj NairOctober 10, 2011 at 3:48 AM

    Have changed to dynamic views.There is still some work that needs to be done here. The 'Next Blog' ,Widgets, archives are all gone. Have a newly created blog so not much impacted but guess blogs that have been in existence for some time might lose out on some data.Overall looks cool.Good work and lets have the updates soon.

    ReplyDelete
  23. HowardOctober 13, 2011 at 2:53 AM

    how to post ? I cannot find it!

    ReplyDelete
  24. TGSOctober 15, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Google webmaster tool now display my blog have duplicate title tags in my blog dynamic view templates so how do i fix this issue?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. forbloggerFebruary 9, 2012 at 3:32 PM

      Me too. got 7 duplicate title and description tag on HTML suggestion google webmaster.. My blog like a banned from google SERP . all new post publish not indexed in SERP. got 2 problerm on google webmaster

      1. HTML Suggestion : Duplicate title and description tag (DYNAMIC VIEW TEMPLATE)

      2. 400 eror (bad request) ..

      How i cant stop indexed dynamic viw template that? then how i can find what a syntax eror on my template? thanks

      Delete
  25. ThoughtsoftheheartsOctober 16, 2011 at 5:21 AM

    i like it so do my friends...only one problem, they can't follow my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Segunda Guerra MundialOctober 17, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Hope they will solve the lack of Htlm/Javascript gadget quickly

    ReplyDelete
  27. ThemacaronqueenOctober 17, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    I love it! I just want to change the color and the font and it'll be perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Web design company in chennaiOctober 20, 2011 at 5:17 AM

    I would like to appreciate you the way you have shared the post with us. It is really hard to find the quality post, but you have done this job nicely man.

    ReplyDelete
  29. JoyaOctober 21, 2011 at 5:31 AM

    I tried but i return back on previous tamplate.
    lack of htlm javascript gadget, and personalizacion of the blog is vital for me.
    Sure google will solve it, because D. view is really s step forward!

    ReplyDelete
  30. King MarekOctober 25, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    I got 2 questions. I use the sidebar dynamic view and for whatever reason there is no way for the date to show up! I hate having all these posts and not seeing the dates on them. Can anyone help me with that? Also, I really want a tracker for each one of my articles so I know just how many people are watching each page. Nothing too complicated. In case you were wondering, it's kingmarek.blogspot.com...please let me know if you can help!

    ReplyDelete
  31. UnknownOctober 28, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    Anyone know how to add Google Analytics tracker code to the Dynamic Views template? Mine's all disappeared since I switched to Dynamic Views. I don't see why Google can't track Blogger stats automatically in Google Analytics....

    ReplyDelete
  32. custom stickerOctober 28, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    I must express appreciation to the writer for bailing me out of such a difficulty. After scouting throughout the World Wide Web and coming across basics which were not pleasant, I assumed my entire life was done. Living without the strategies to the difficulties you have solved all through your good guide is a crucial case, and the ones which might have negatively damaged my entire career if I had not discovered your web site. That capability and kindness in playing with every item was crucial. I am not sure what I would've done if I hadn't encountered such a thing like this. I can also now look forward to my future. Thanks a lot so much for the expert and results-oriented guide. I won't hesitate to refer your blog post to any individual who should have care about this area.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Virander SirohiOctober 28, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    how can I add javascript to this new dynamic views??? I cant edit html... any idea how can i achieve that???

    ReplyDelete
  34. DTHQOctober 30, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    This template is so cool but it would become much more wonderful if bloggers can add widgets. Most important one probably is the counter clock. No visitors want to surf webs alone, right?

    ReplyDelete
  35. DeepaliNovember 1, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    I'm enjoying the look of the new dynamic template, but still don't know how I go from my website to the blogger dashboard, or how to add my #1 widget -> Followers.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Zaftig DivaNovember 4, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    It get a message that says Dynamic view isn't available for my blog. Why is that?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Operator SekolahNovember 10, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    Everything has advantages and disadvantages. Similarly, the dynamic view this template. we just choose to use or not use it. @Zaftig Diva: go setting-other-allow blog feed change to full.

    ReplyDelete
  38. MarkNovember 16, 2011 at 2:00 AM

    I'm using the dynamic template coz it's a cool news, but I'm waiting for many improvements of that. I agree with all your comments.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Share Wiith IrfanNovember 27, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    This is impressive new feature from Blogger ! I like it and I have added a button to see my blog on dynamic view.. :D

    ReplyDelete
  40. edXDecember 15, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    Strips all character from your site and makes the presentation more about what the reader finds pleasing as opposed to presenting the reader with your own unique character. Thumbs down.

    It would be good if were allowed to just use these as templates with lots of customisation options, and without readers being given the option to change my look.

    ReplyDelete
  41. ChiranthDecember 24, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Dynamic template is no longer available. Will it available soon?

    ReplyDelete
  42. Mama JJanuary 3, 2012 at 12:27 AM

    is this still available because the dynamic view does not appear on my dashboard...

    ReplyDelete
  43. buka rahasia blogspotJanuary 7, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    How to disable this dynamic views, as the feature to disable dynamic views through "settings" no longer appears? I have to disable it cuz it causes duplicate title tags in webmaster tools. help me!

    ReplyDelete
  44. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2012 at 3:23 AM

    WHY CANT I USE HTML???

    ReplyDelete
  45. StocksOnJanuary 17, 2012 at 5:27 PM

    someone make an HTML uploadable version of this Template that we can customize... Please

    ReplyDelete
  46. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2012 at 7:23 AM

    yea..its cool but can't be followed by ppl. 2 bad

    ReplyDelete
  47. RickFebruary 5, 2012 at 5:31 AM

    My god, somehow I managed to get google analytics working. Yipeeeee! Have to say that I really like the dynamic view and it has added a fresh new look to all my old posts. The hit rate on the old posts is now way surpassing the daily rate on the new post. This is good news for my site.

    ReplyDelete
  48. UnknownFebruary 6, 2012 at 5:03 AM

    Added dynamic views to my site www.latedealcottages.com and I like the results. Unfortunately you cannot amend the meta data, which seems a bit odd considering it is google. Anyone found a way around this yet?

    ReplyDelete
  49. Photo CollectionsFebruary 10, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    I've Instaled dynamic views template, but why i can't find page element? i can't add gadgets

    ReplyDelete
  50. SilvaNetFebruary 23, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    My dynamic views template used to show an icon of the videos, but recently each new flipcard only shows text no matter what - even if the only content of the post is an embedded video...What's up with that?

    ReplyDelete
  51. Obinna FrancisMarch 18, 2012 at 2:08 AM

    please am a blogger and I need a free blogger mobile converter that is free of charge to put my www.webgists.com . I dont need blogspot default themes because it is not looking good

    ReplyDelete
  52. Buka Rahasia BlogspotMarch 20, 2012 at 8:21 AM

    one more time I ask for your favor, how to fix duplicate title tags caused by dynamic views, please? and I don't even use dynamic views but Google search results show them! I can't anyhow find a way to disable dynamic views. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  53. UnknownApril 12, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    Is it possible to put a follow button for twitter in the site bar with these dynamic view themes?

    for example underneath the RSS feed...

    I like the dynamic view themes very much and hope there will be more features/ gadgets for it.

    iDevizes.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Sharon thomasJune 26, 2012 at 2:29 AM

    I read your post and followed the instructions. I was still unable to apply Dynamic Viewing. Could you brief me a little more on this?

    ReplyDelete
  55. eldyJuly 6, 2012 at 7:50 AM

    this template consume too much of bandwidth, the more u scroll, the more it appears older posts, any setting you know to limited the post per page?

    ReplyDelete
  56. UnknownJuly 25, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    how i can set only single image from multiple images per post in snapshot views?set single image per post in home page...?????????

    ReplyDelete
  57. Movie Watch SiteJuly 25, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    I am using Dynamic view sidebar. It is very cool template and easy to navigate.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Tetiana BilokinAugust 29, 2012 at 11:24 AM

    The only reason I can't switch to dynamic views is not being able to use IntenseDebate or Disqus :-(

    ReplyDelete
  59. Faisal imranAugust 30, 2012 at 4:56 AM

    thanks man its nice info. plzz also tell how to custmoize blogger comment system... like as wordpress

    ReplyDelete
  60. nonameDecember 6, 2012 at 7:52 AM

    totally useless. 'read more' button doesn't work on it :p

    ReplyDelete
  61. Amber-art-creationsDecember 15, 2012 at 7:47 AM

    how to sign in to a dynamic template or see my stats???

    ReplyDelete
  62. YastreblyanskyApril 15, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    Massive increase in hits with Dynamic Views was of two kinds: people searching Google Images found images I use but did not click or were not interested in text; and GoogleBots seeming to be tremendously interested and acting like humans, but apparently not. I decided to content myself people who actually want to read my blog, tiny though the number may be.

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
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