Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about TypePad Widgets

What's a Widget?

A widget is a piece of content or functionality provided by a third party that you can place in the siderail of your TypePad blog. Technically, it's a snippet of HTML and/or JavaScript that you can manage like any other sidebar content module on your blog.

Where can I get a Widget for my blog?

The TypePad Widget Gallery lists all of the currently available widgets. You can keep up to date on new widgets by subscribing to the New Widgets feed.

What kind of Widgets are available?

We've partnered with more than 30 companies to bring you ways to share photos and video, search your blog and the web, offer polls and games, as well as a host of other tools.

How do I put a Widget on my blog?

We've worked hard to make sure it's easy to add widgets. Ease-of-use is a big part of this program.

First, browse the TypePad Widget Gallery for a widget you're interested in. Next, configure it at the widget provider's site. Then simply click to post it to your TypePad blog. Once you're logged in to TypePad, you'll be able to pick the blog you want to post the widget to, and preview what it will look like. Confirm your selection, and you're done.

Can I change the placement of a widget on my blog?

Yes. Once a widget is added to your blog it behaves just like your archive listing or a TypeList -- you can use TypePad's drag-and-drop content ordering tool to put it just where you want it.

Can I delete widgets after I post them to my blog?

Yes. Visit the Design tab for your blog and click on "Choose Content Selections." There you can pick which widgets appear on your blog, and even delete the widget from your account entirely.

What kind of blogs can I put a widget on?

Widgets are supported at Basic, Plus, Pro and Business Class accounts. However, Widgets are not supported on blogs that use Advanced Templates, nor are they supported on Mixed Media layouts.

Why did Six Apart develop TypePad Widgets?

TypePad bloggers are a very creative and forward-looking group, and over the past two-and-a-half years we've seen them use TypeLists and custom templates to integrate third-party content and functionality into their blogs' sidebars. We wanted to make this process much, much easier. We also wanted to work with partners to accelerate the rate of innovation and deliver great features for our users sooner.

The fact that some of the Internet’s most innovative companies have chosen to join us in this launch and hundreds more are right behind them is testament to this open approach.

I have a great idea for a widget. Can I make my own?

We're excited to work with new widget developers. Building a widget is easy, visit our Widget Developer Site to learn more about the Widget API, provision your own API key and submit your Widget to be included in our Widget Gallery.

Does Six Apart plan to have a similar widget program for LiveJournal or Movable Type?

We've developed the widget program for TypePad, based on the popularity of the TypePad platform and the specific needs of its bloggers. We will continuously evaluate interest in extending the program to Movable Type and to LiveJournal.