Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Blogger Gadgets (Page Elements or widgets)

I have over a period of time received 3 queries pertaining to bloggers not being able to add a HTML/Javascript Gadget (previously referred to as Page Element and also called widgets) which seems to indicate the bloggers may not have chosen the correct Gadget, so I am going to explain exactly what one need to do when one wants to install hit or visitor counter, advertisements, etc. here together with a screen shot to make matters clear and easy to understand.

The very first thing you need to do is of course to log into your Blogger account which will take you to the Dashboard. You will then need to click on LAYOUT for the relevant blog to which you want to add the widget. Next step is to click "Add a Gadget" (previously "Add a Page Element") in the appropriate section (Header or sidebar or footer or, if you use my template the main column where the posts are). Having done that, you should get a list of (currently) 19 Gadgets (previously called Page Element) like in the screen shot below:



The HTML/Javascript gadget is the 11th gadget down the list. Click on that and you should get a box to paste the script for the visitor counter or advertisement, etc.

If this is not clear, leave comment and I will see what I can do.

106 comments:

ShoshTrvls said...

Can you place a gadget/widget on a page that's hosted on a custom domain? If so, how?

Manature said...

A blog using custom domain is no different from a blogspot blog. Only the URL is different.

ShoshTrvls said...

Except there's no "LAYOUT" tab on your Blogger Dashboard when you use a custom domain, so no option to "Add a Gadget". I know there must be a way to do it through making HTML changes to the template, but I can't figure it out!

Manature said...

You would have LAYOUT even with custom domain if your blog is hosed by Blogger, but if you host your own and used FTP to publish, then I am sorry you will be forced to use only old classic Blogger template and you will not have the LAYOUT.

ShoshTrvls said...

Thanks for the explanation, Peter. My blog is hosted elsewhere, so I guess I'm out of luck!

Moms Hugs (Eve) said...

Boy, do I feel stupid! Peter, thank you so much for spelling it out with a screenshot no less!!!! Bless your heart...

I took mine from one recommended in Blogger FAQ but it didn't tell me where to find the Gadget to use. Now its working like a charm - thanks to you.

Peter, you're my new HERO!!

Now if you could help me figure out whether I can upload a Word document & link to it in my blog. That was my objective then got sidetracked with the counter idea...sigh.

Eva (aka MomsHugs)
http://momshugs.blogspot.com

Manature said...

for eve,

refer to embed PDF file. Procedure for WORD document is same as for PDF file.

See also testing embedding PDF file into blog post

Unknown said...

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GUIDENCE BUT I WOULD NEED MORE. I HAVE NEWLY STARTED AND I FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO MANAGE.
MY BLOG: www.mdanl.blogspot.com

Manature said...

More? What more do you want? Use the Google custom search box just below blog Header to search for topics in 9 blogs. Eg. search for favicon and see what you find.

- Nicholas.Eoin - said...

trying to get my flickr photos in the slideshow gadget but not having success. I did the thing though google so it allows access to flickr also.

Stef Ionesco said...

I make a vote form on my blog.
"What article do you want to be posted first."
The problem is if somebady vote, I can't modify the form and I must recreate it every time I post the wanted article.
Can somebady tell me what can I do to keep all the votes too?

The site is www.stef-ionesco.blogspot.com

Respect

Stef Ionesco

Manature said...

Sorry, there is no way to recreate a poll and keep the old votes unless you yourself vote in the poll multiple times to recreate it yourself, each time clearing cache and cookies before you vote.

Rebekah said...

When I go to add a gadget - Add a Slideshow - using Flickr (where I just uploaded photos in order to do this) it asks for a username. When I put my name in (either Flickr user name or Blogger) nothing comes up and then when I go to View Blog it shows a bunch of random pictures, not my pictures from Flickr. What's up? Do I need to change settings in my Flickr account? or make a slideshow on Flickr first? I don't get it.

Manature said...

Unfortunately I have never tested slideshow via Flickr so can't offer help. But I have tested slideshow with Fliptrack.

Anubhav Srivastava said...

Java/html option is good but google should really evolve on the blogging front and be ahead in the race. While google open source api's are used by everybody for creating multiple widgets, widgets on google themeselves are not so good.

watercat said...

what is the difference between classic, and beta blogger, and how do I know which one I have? I have spent hours trying to figure this out, and am becoming homicidal.

Manature said...

Refer to old Blogger classic or New Blogger xml template.

Classic = no LAYOUT which can make your life as a blogger easier.

Dance Mom said...

My blog is still in classic but when I switch to new I'm losing to gadgets... Can you tell me how to keep the previous posts when I switcho over

Manature said...

I am sorry I don't understand what is "losing to gadgets". Regarding posts, you will not lose any posts or comments, only customizations (eg. visitor counter which you can save from the template) nor will you lose any comments.

Capt Scarlet said...

I know this is going to sound stupid and has probably been answered already, but I just can not figure ou how to add a Subscribe This (or Bookmark) button to single articles. I would like to place the Bookmark gadget bellow every posted article.

Thank you for your help.

Manature said...

Hi Captain Scarlet,

Have a look at the bottom of the posts of Good Health Information and let me know if that is what you want.

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

AH-HA!!!!!

Thanks

Capt Scarlet said...

Thank you for your help. I added the ShareThis box using the Add Gadget function just like you said and it's working great.

eLsa mbk, nadia reza, saria garza y tere de Leon(: said...

how can i change the song that is playing my music player?
pleaaseee help meeee:(

SANDEEP said...

Thanks Got It...

http://hollywoodfreemoviedownload.blogspot.com/
http://freebollywoodmoviedownload.blogspot.com/

Will said...

Hi Peter, I'm new to this blogging and wanted to say thanks for the info you've written.

Courtney Higdon said...

When I go to my blog and sign in and go to Layouts and page elements, there is no list of gadgets at all on my page. all it has it is Blog edit..
Blog Archive edit...
about me edit...
Post edit...

that is it!??
confused

Muhd Faiz said...

peter,how you manage to put screenshot.I tried one but it is not showing.Is it because of my domain name?.My URL is http://earning-income.blogspot.com. with the blogspot behind it.I hope you can answer my question.

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Refer to making screen shots

Pelister said...

Thanks for ur contribution..

http://economy-online.blogspot.com

CrystalFire said...

Thank you, that was just the help I needed!

K McKenzie said...

I cannot see the "view my complte profile" on my blog's home page. I went to Layout and then tried to see the "About Me" gadget BUT alas it is not there and I cannot find it.

What do I do? HELP!!!

Peter @ Enviroman said...

It is the PROFILE you want, there is the About Me gadget

K McKenzie said...

Peter, the problem is that when my student clicks on "Add Gadget", there is no "About Me Gadget" in the list for him to add. There is the "Profile gadget" but it has "already added" beside it.

So now we do not where to go. I am actually trying to help him via distance as my class is a blended one and I will not seeing him in a face to face class until next week. I would really love to have this problem solved before then, as he is really concerned that neither "view my profile" or "about me" can be seen on the homepage of his blog.

Regards

Peter @ Enviroman said...

When you add the Profile, you will get ABOUT ME with a link at the bottom VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE. See my profile at the bottom of the first right sidebar. If he don't have it, something is wrong.

Another way is to use a HTML/Javascript gadget, put "About me" as the title and in the "content" add an active hyperlink to the profile page.

Brett said...

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful information. it will surely help people like us.

Brett
http://world-onlinex.blogspot.com

Mandy said...

Thank you! that is all I needed to know!!!!

angelarae said...

hi, what do I put in the links section of add a gadget. Is it other programs and sites I am linked to. Also how do I add a subscribe form.

Regards
Rae
http://www.Secret-Independence.blogspot.com

Elysie said...

thanks, now i know how to add the music to my blog~

Peter @ Enviroman said...

For Angelarae,

Sorry for responding to your comment late. I did not receive an email notification of your comment. I don't understand your question. Please explain.

Riverdale Blogs said...

Every time I click on the add gadget link, it takes me back to my blog homepage, showing me the other blogs I've subscribed to, etc. Also, if I right click on the link and open in another window I only get a black window, nothing else. I don't know why I'm getting this. It's been like this for a while, maybe 8 months or so. I had no problem with it when I first created my blog though. Any thoughts?

Peter @ Enviroman said...

"my blog homepage, showing me the other blogs I've subscribed to, etc"

Homepage? You mean Dashboard?

Riverdale Blogs said...

"Homepage? You mean Dashboard?"

I'm sorry. Yes, I mean Dashboard.

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Please do the following or answer the questions:

1. Is it the same for all "Add gadget"?
2. Are you administrator for other blogs?
3. Is it the same for other blogs?
4. Please right-click on all Add Gadget links and choose COPY LINK lOCATION (url) and paste the URL into Notepad. Are they all the same? Whatever, email those links to bloggerfordummies at gmail dot com

Peter @ Enviroman said...

I see from your profile you have only 1 blog. Try create a test blog using the same template and see if you get the same problem.

Colin Brazendale said...

Please help.

I am trying to add a html code but it comes out blank on the blog when I view it.

I tried to copy code in here for you to see, but does not allow me.

Where can I go for help?

Thank you

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Check with the admin of the website from which you got the Javascript.

Vinod Bangarshettar said...

I am unable to install Profile Gadget in my blog. This happened when i changed my blogger template with the new one.
Kindly do the needfull.

Peter @ Enviroman said...

I too would not know what is wrong if that had happened to me but when I get something like that which I do not know the solution, I will alway try things like using a different browser, clearing cache and cookies, changing computer etc.

Sharon said...

I posted a google search engine to my blog and apparently put it in the wrong spot. Now my whole blog shows the html. How do I delete the html I entered to return to my original template format?

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Did you use a HTML/Javascript gadget?

Vineetha Vijayakumar said...

sir, when i do blog posting.i wanna have some link that redirects my article to the sub page to continue reading the remaining article. how can i do that? can u healpp me that?

Peter @ Enviroman said...

I think what you want is expandable post summary. You may also want to look at jQuery expandable post summary

Ee Von said...

Hey, can you explain why the "Layout" option suddenly disappeared from my customize section? Previously, I edited my background image and after that it seemed to disappear. Can you teach me how to regain back this option because I need it to upload my header. Thanks.

Peter @ Enviroman said...

I have experienced missing tabs before although not a missing LAYOUT tab. First perhaps is to ensure you did not accidentally switched to an old classic Blogger template. What I did previously (and whenever I experience similar problems) was to switch to different browser or what may have the same effect - clear cache and cookies. Try that and let us know how you fare.

Bo Spears said...

I am trying to add a media player to my blog for background music, where can I find one??

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Refer to Music and blogs

also Hot linking file host and embedding music player

Obviously Darren said...

Hi, I just wanted to say thanks for some really easy to understand information. It has been great as I am completely new to this.

http://totallyobviously.blogspot.com/

From A Nonya's Pen said...

I have removed the "Add a Gadget" element from the Layout page by mistake. How can I get it back?

Peter @ Enviroman said...

I would suggest that you upload a fresh template.

mike s. said...

is the widget for HTML/Javascript not usable? i cannot save and the error keeps stopping me from saving

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Try using another browser and see if that helps. If that doesn't help, try using another computer. Do give us feedback if the above helped or not.

From A Nonya's Pen said...

I changed my template as you suggested but the "Add a Gadget" is still missing.

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Is it that the whole LAYOUT is missing or only ADD A GADGET is missing?

From A Nonya's Pen said...

LAYOUT is there but the "Add a Gadget" element is missing. Other elements are there (Blog, Followers, etc.) Though I can see the pictures I added in the sidebar, I cannot see the slideshows as they won't load.

Peter @ Enviroman said...

This is a long shot but try to use a different browser and see if it helps. Maybe even try a new computer at a different place. If not post a comment again

From A Nonya's Pen said...

Dear Peter
I cleared my Cookies and Temp.Internet files and that did the trick! Thanks.

~DayanaReen~ said...

hye peter,

i changed my blog layout and the layout is using the html code and not the xml code.I've succeed to change it into the new one but there are no "followers gadget" included in that new layout.So i have to add that gadget to myself but i don't even know the code needed to add that followers gadget.Do u know the code? However, there are no "add gadget" link in my blog.so i just lost idea on what to do next.hope you can help me..thx!

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Are you saying you have converted a New Blogger xml template to an old classic Blogger html template?

~DayanaReen~ said...

yup..that's what i'm saying. I got the layout from the internet.And when i used that layout, there's no "followers gadget".Do you know the code of that gadget so that i can add it to my blog?

Alex Fabricio said...

HI.. I'm trying to ad the "follow" widget in my blogger page but I don't have the "new Edition tool, I have to edit my template via html codes ¿how can I get the HTML code for the widget?

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Still using the old classic template? See old classic template or New Blogger xml template and migrating from classic template to new xml template

Luvnajah said...

peter, please help me, my blog do not have 'add a gadget' after it is hang. what should i do??please..

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Still using old classic template?. Migrate over to New Blogger xml template with LAYOUT.

"after it is hang...."

Above not the problem? Try clearing cache and cookies or try my favorite - use different browser

From A Nonya's Pen said...

Dear Peter
I would like to add a video to my blog but have not been successful in doing it. Can you please give me a step-by-step instruction?

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Well maybe later I may do a "Video for Dummies" (reference to dummies not meant to insult but to indicate it is the kind of post which anyone can understand), but in the meantime, hope these posts can help you:

Embed youtube video in blog post

embed video in sidebar

embed livevideo into blog

music and video for your blog

From A Nonya's Pen said...

Dear Peter
I have posted a video on my blog. However when I play it I find that it keeps stopping now and then. Why is this? What can I do to rectify this?

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Bandwidth issue. Refer to suggestion at the top of this blog - Songs, lyrics, video

About me said...

Hi
I'm trying to use the embeddable google books widget in a blogger post and can't seem to get it to work. I have copied the book id properly but there is a blank space in the blog where the embedded book viewer should be.
It worked when I added it using the html/javascript gadget in the sidebar of my blog but that's not where I want it!
Any suggestions?
Thank you.

Diana Marchand said...

Can we add a form on our blog to have people submit their e-mail and name to get a free report?

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Try Feedburner

arun.jain1989 said...

Hey i cant add gadgets on my blogger templates.When i click on "add gadgets" it takes me to the dashboard.Can you help please.arunjain01989.blogspot.com

Peter @ Enviroman said...

That is strange. If I have a problem like this, what I will try is to use a different browser or clearing cache and cookies. If that doesn't help, leave a comment again.

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for the help!

Evelise.Riberi said...

Thanks, it has been really useful to me :D

Tracy said...

Thank you so much! I kept using the search field for the html gadget and the one it gives you does not allow you to add the code. Thanks again!
Tracy

From A Nonya's Pen said...

Lately I have not been able to post my videos from YouTube to my blog. I have tried a few times but nothing happens. However I am able to post them to Facebook. Can you shed some light on this matter please?

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Post Youtube video to blogger? That is something new to me. What I know is to add Youtube video to a Blogger.com blog, you copy-paste the Youtube <embed> code to the post editor and publish and I don't see any difficulties in that.

From A Nonya's Pen said...

It worked, thank you! For your info, I can post a video direct from YouTube to my blog provided I create a link. It has worked for me many times in the past until now!

Peter @ Enviroman said...

OK Nyonya, I learned something today, at Youtube video, click SHARE and we are supposed to be able to click "Setup your blog for video posting."
Click "Add a Blog/Site"
Choose "Blogger"

However, looks like that setup button is missing. Are you saying that previously there was such a button to click?

From A Nonya's Pen said...

If you scroll down after playing the video you wish to post to your blog, there is a button below which says "Post to Blog" and provided you have a link to your blog, you just click on that button and the video will appear on your blog in a short while. For some strange reason, this didn't work lately. To set up my blog link, I went to Account and the rest is as what you said.

From A Nonya's Pen said...

Hi, Peter. I'm having trouble posting a video to my blog again. After successfully posting the blog by embedding the code as you taught me, now I find that when I copy the code and paste it, only the first line comes out even tho I right click and select all! Most frustrating. Any further advice?

Yuffie. said...

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
You are the lord of all things wonderful! :DDDDD

Finally solved the problem!
Thanks so much! I can't believe I didn't spot such a simple thing!

Chanda said...

Hi Peter! I'm stumped! I've looked everywhere and cannot find what I'm looking for. The short version. I started a blog, bought a domain and redirected the blog there. No problem. Decided I hated the name, so I started a new blog and directed the traffic there. I'm told I could get shut down if I do that, so I had to make both blogs point to only one domain. Got that done with help. My problem is, my followers didn't transfer over with me! I can still access them, surprisingly, but I can't figure out how to get them over to my new site. Can you please oh please help me with this? Thank you so much! ~chanda

xiao xiao zai said...

Where to put the HTML code?

xiao xiao zai said...

Where to put the HTML code?

Peter @ Enviroman said...

HTML code will fit into either the blog template or in the post editor in the EDIT HTML Mode or in a HTML/Javascript gadget which is the 19th in the list of gadgets in this post (currently I believe it is higher in the list now)

Katy {and Kahler} said...

Help! I don't have an "Add a Gadget" button anymore. I've cleared cache and tried it in 3 browsers... what's wrong!?

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Either you are the second person to complain about this or both are the same person. In any case email me via my contact form and show me a screenshot of your LAYOUT (now called DESIGN)

Kathleen Hughes said...

My problem is that when I click "Add a Gadget" my Dashboard comes up. The error is the link -- the link reads "Blogger.com" which leads to the dashboard. Any way to fix the "Add a Gadget" link?

Anonymous said...

oh thank you Sir, i've looking for this info since 2 hours ago...thanks thanks thanks

helda-indonesia

greece hotels said...

Actually i want to search about
spy gadgets nut I found interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having interest here! Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

thanks 4 your tips....

Erica said...

Thanks for sharing these tips!
ipad 3

Peter @ Enviroman said...

For Chanda Stehlik,

Sorry I am responding to your comment late as I did not receive the comment moderation email. Anyway...

Regarding followers, they will not transfer. You will have to start from scratch.

As to problems with custom domain, it is better for you to post your problem to the Blogger Help Forum and try to catch the attention of Nitecrurz

Peter @ Enviroman said...

For Nyonya's Pen, sorry for responding to your comment late as I did not get the comment moderation email. Regarding video, I have been reading a lot of complaints about uploading video via Blogger. Better to upload to Youtube then embed the video into your blog. Refer to
How to resize embedded video using GIMP
Embed Video in sidebar
Create and Embed Youtube Playlist