FAQ Question #173

Style System 1 (S1), LiveJournal's original style system, is controlled through the use of overrides and the Edit Style page. Style System 2 (S2) is a LiveJournal-specific programming language that also has a simple and easy-to-use "wizard" interface. It was created to provide an easy and flexible way to customize your journal, and also allow for in-depth, advanced customization.

Which style system you should use to customize your journal depends on your level of familiarity with HTML and CSS.

Users who are not familiar with HTML and CSS, or who only want to alter minor aspects of their journal's appearance, should use the S2 system. S2's customization wizards will walk you through the process of customizing your journal without having to learn HTML. For information on basic S2 customization, please see http://www.livejournal.com/support/faqbrowse.bml?faqid=170.

Intermediate-level users, who are familiar with HTML and CSS but not comfortable learning a new layout language, should continue to use the S1 system. More information on the S1 system and how it works can be found at http://www.livejournal.com/support/faqbrowse.bml?faqcat=s1.

Advanced users, or people who are comfortable with learning a new layout language, can use S2 to control their journal's layout exactly. For information on advanced S2 customization options, please see http://www.livejournal.com/support/faqbrowse.bml?faqid=172. Use of the Advanced Customization area is reserved for Paid, Permanent, and Early Adopter accounts.

For information on switching between S1 and S2, see http://www.livejournal.com/support/faqbrowse.bml?faqid=168.