Using extension forms files to customize the look of the web client

You can use an extension forms file to customize the visual theme, fonts, the action bar, and other aspects of the web client. For example, you can add graphics, change colors, and add new menu items.

Before you begin

Read the topic Extension forms file requirements.
Note: IBM® reserves the ability to disable any extension forms file that causes a degradation in the service.

About this task

Deploying an extension forms file in the service requires a brief service contract with an IBM Software Services for Collaboration representative. The representative validates extension forms files to ensure that they comply with requirements that reduce risk to your users and to the service. Once approved, the IBM representative uploads the extension forms file to the service for your use. You can deploy more than one extension forms file and apply each to different users.

Extension forms files must be based on the IBM iNotes® 9.0 Social Edition forms9_x.ntf template that is downloaded from the service.

To deploy an extension forms file in the service, perform the following steps.

Procedure

  1. Download the extension forms template or a currently deployed extension forms file from the service:
    1. Log in to the service as an administrator.
    2. If your account has the user role, click Admin > Manage Organization.
    3. In the System Settings section of the navigation pane, click IBM SmartCloud Notes.
    4. Click Extension Forms Files.
    5. Perform one of the following steps:
      • To use the default design as a starting point, click Extension Forms Templates and download the template file.
      • To download an extensions forms file that is already deployed, select the file in the Extension Forms File page and click Download.
  2. If you download the extension forms template in the previous step, use the template to create the extension forms file.
  3. To transfer changes in an extension forms file currently used at your company to the extension forms file used in the service:
    • Assess and document the design changes in the on-premises extension forms file.
    • Note any design changes that are no longer needed and can be deleted.
    • Determine whether the remaining design changes in the on-premises extension forms file are supported in the service or need modification.
    • Document the changes to the new extension forms file that are required.
  4. Make the design changes to the extension forms file to be used in the service.
  5. Test the design changes on an IBM Domino® iNotes server in the on-premises environment:
    Note: You might want to install and set up a test server for this purpose.
    1. In a Mail Settings document applied to a policy, click IBM iNotes and in the Basics tab, add the name of the extension forms file to the Extension Forms File Name field.

      This step is needed only if the extension forms file name is not Forms9_x.nsf, or if you want to use a policy to enable the forms file for specific users.

    2. Use the following server command to flush the server database cache: 
      dbcache flush
    3. Copy the extension forms file to the iNotes directory under the server data directory.
    4. Use the following server command to stop and restart the HTTP task: 
      tell http restart
    5. Start a web browser and clear the browser cache.
    6. Test the changes from the browser.
  6. Submit the extension forms file to an IBM Software Services for Collaboration representative for validation.

    The IBM representative validates the extension forms file and sends you a summary report that indicates whether the extension forms file is approved. After it is approved, the IBM representative uploads the extension forms file to the service.

What to do next

Assign the extension forms file to users.