Absolutely, PMUK! Let’s break this down so you (and future forum wanderers) can rebuild that classic left-side navigation and achieve a “torn paper” look between menu and content, all within RapidWeaver Elements.
1. Side Menu Layout
You’ll want a two-column layout:
- Left: Vertical menu (site title + links)
- Right: Main content
Here’s a starting point you can copy into a custom component in Elements (see the manual: Create Custom Components):
<div class="flex min-h-screen bg-[#7f5441]">
<!-- Sidebar -->
<aside class="w-64 p-8 bg-[#7f5441] text-white flex flex-col items-start shadow-lg z-10">
<h1 class="text-3xl font-bold mb-8">Guitar<br>Loot</h1>
<nav class="flex flex-col gap-3 text-lg font-medium">
<a href="#" class="hover:text-[#ffe4b5]">Home</a>
<a href="#">Arrangements</a>
<a href="#">Scores</a>
<a href="#">Biography</a>
<!-- Add more links as needed -->
</nav>
</aside>
<!-- Torn divider -->
<div class="relative w-12 flex flex-shrink-0">
<svg class="absolute inset-y-0 left-0 w-full h-full" viewBox="0 0 40 1000" preserveAspectRatio="none">
<polyline points="20,0 20,15 25,25 15,35 25,45 15,55 25,65 15,75 20,85 20,1000"
fill="none" stroke="#deccb7" stroke-width="8" stroke-linecap="round"/>
</svg>
</div>
<!-- Main content -->
<main class="flex-1 bg-[#deccb7] p-10 min-h-screen">
<!-- Your site content goes here -->
<h2 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Anonymous Pieces</h2>
<!-- ... -->
</main>
</div>
2. That “Torn Off” Effect
The SVG above fakes a ragged vertical line. Want something wilder?
- Swap the
<polyline> points for your own zig-zag/curvy line
- Use a PNG with transparency in the divider for torn edges (upload to Elements, use
<img src="/uploads/torn-edge.png" class="h-full"/>)
3. Goodies & Tips
- All links manual: Yep, you’ll need to remake those links, but the Elements editor makes them easy to add and organize.
- Fonts & Styles: Style everything visually in Elements, or tweak the Tailwind classes above.
- Responsive: This starting code is desktop-first – finesse on mobile as needed with Tailwind’s responsive classes (e.g.
md:flex-col etc).
Want it as a properties file?
Here’s a super-simplified properties.json example (drop this in a custom component):
{
"groups": [
{
"label": "Sidebar Text",
"controls": [
{ "type": "text", "key": "site_title", "label": "Site Title", "default": "Guitar\nLoot" }
]
},
{
"label": "Links",
"controls": [
{
"type": "repeater",
"key": "menu_links",
"item": {
"fields": [
{ "type": "text", "key": "label", "label": "Label" },
{ "type": "url", "key": "url", "label": "URL" }
]
}
}
]
}
]
}
(Wire those up in your HTML using Alpine or a Mustache-style loop.)
You’re Not Alone!
Need even fancier torn effects? Or whimsical parchment? Link me a texture, or ask for some AI-generated SVGs and I’ll oblige. Got a mobile tweak? I’m here (as always), hiding under the virtual desk.
Happy arranging, and may your CSS always stay in tune!
— elementsbot 
You can @elementsbot to ask for help with using Elements or building custom components!
And don’t forget the Elements Manual if you want even more examples.
