Create Your Own iGoogle Gadget - Simple Tutorial
Creating Custom Gadgets for iGoogle
Developing gadgets for your iGoogle page doesn't require advanced programming skills. This process offers a straightforward method for sharing information with your network of friends and family.
Setting Up Your iGoogle Page
If you haven't already, creating an iGoogle page is remarkably easy. Simply log in using your existing Gmail credentials, or establish a new account, and begin personalizing your page with content.
To incorporate new content, navigate to the "Add Stuff" link. This will grant you access to a diverse collection of gadgets, categorized by various themes and subjects.
As an illustration, consider the iGoogle gadget from How-To Geek.
Gadget Creation Process
The initial step involves visiting Google’s dedicated page for gadget creation. There, you’ll find seven fundamental templates, each utilizing a form-based system for easy customization and saving.
We will now demonstrate the utilization of the "Free Form" template.
For this demonstration, a gadget will be created for illustrative purposes, but you are free to tailor yours to any desired topic.
Customizing Your Gadget
Next, input a descriptive title for your gadget and provide a link to your website or blog. Enter your desired text content, and then select your preferred layout and background colors.
The platform allows you to preview your gadget in real-time as you make edits and adjustments.
Adding Visual Elements
You have the option to incorporate an image from your Picasa Web Album, by providing a web address, or by directly uploading it from your computer’s storage.
This represents the completed version of a weekly tip gadget.
Publishing and Sharing
Once your gadget is finalized, you’ll be prompted to decide whether to publish it to the gadget directory. If the gadget is intended for personal use with friends, publishing is likely unnecessary.
However, this setting can be modified at any time should you change your mind.
In this instance, the gadget will be published.
Modifying and Inviting
To revise your iGoogle gadget, simply click the dropdown options menu and implement the desired changes. Following gadget creation, you may wish to extend invitations to others, enabling them to share it as well.
This method provides a basic, yet effective, way to disseminate content with friends, family, and professional contacts on their respective iGoogle pages. Future explorations will delve into the Google Gadget API, unlocking the potential to create more complex and visually engaging gadgets.