In this post, I'm briefly going to describe how you might use a third-party template (in case you grow tired of Blogger's defaults or put more of a personal stamp on your space). Please read through all the way before experimenting!
Blogger allows you to create your own templates, which isn't a good idea, unless you're a super programmer. However, you can import third-party blog templates, many of which are available for free on sites such as BTemplates or Deluxe Templates. In fact, I used a template from there to customise this site.
Take a stroll on the BTemplates site and browse through their free layouts. When you arrive at a layout that you like, click on the bright orange download button. Download the zip file onto your desktop:
Unzip the file. You should now have a folder that (typically) contains two files -- a read-me file and an XML file. The read-me file contains some simple installation instructions. You probably don't need to follow those as they're virtually mimicked here, but it might be helpful.
The only file that matters for installation purposes is the XML file. You don't need to open this at all (unless you're curious... or nerdy). Make sure you're logged into blogger. Once there, click on the Layout tab and choose Edit HTML.
Right here, I'd recommend clicking on the Download Full Template link. In doing so, you'll save all of your hard tweaking work from your previous blog layout, just in case this new blog layout turns out to be fouler than you'd imagined. Save this file (also an XML file) in a safe place on your computer. You might need it someday.
Now onto the new layout! Under Backup/Restore Template, click "Browse" and find the XML file for the new template you downloaded. Then, hit "Upload."
You should now have a new design! "Should" being the keyword.
What the read-me file doesn't tell you is this: there are quirks in the system. When you go to upload your XML file, for instance, you might be prompted with a warning message: sometimes, you have to delete some of your gadgets and then reinstall them for the template to work. This means that you might have to delete a link list and then re-enter the whole thing. And, of course, this can be time-consuming.
Also, sometimes the template just doesn't look like it did on the preview page. These are third-party layouts, so designers might not keep the templates current with the blogger software.
Hopefully, though, this will provide you with some scope for imagination. Have fun experimenting with your blog's look!
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