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Gadgets API

Frequently Asked Questions

Gadgets for Your Webpage

Where can I find the Developers Guide?
The Developers Guide can be found at http://code.google.com/apis/gadgets/docs/legacy/dev_guide.html
What are Gadgets for Your Webpage?
Gadgets are miniature objects made by Google users like you that offer cool and dynamic content that can be placed on any page on the web. They're free and available for you to add to any webpage that you own, and can also be added to various Google properties (your iGoogle page, Google Desktop, and Blogger).
How do I add a gadget to my own blog or webpage?
It's easy. Just follow these steps:
  1. Select the gadget you'd like to add to your page from the directory of Gadgets for Your Webpage and click the "Add to your webpage" button.
  2. Select the "Display settings" you'd like for your gadget. Don't forget to customize the "title".
  3. Click "Preview changes" to see how your gadget will look. If you're happy with your gadget, click the "Get the code" button to generate the HTML.
  4. Copy and paste the HTML into your webpage's source code.
  5. Save and reload your page.

Voila. You've got a gadget on your blog or webpage.

Is there a way to add a gadget to my page without editing the source code?
Unfortunately, no. You'll need to own and be able to edit the source code of your page. If you know how to edit your page's source code, it's easy to copy and paste a little HTML to add a gadget.
Why do I get a weird HTML message when I add my gadget to my Blogger page?
When you add gadget code to your Blogger page, make sure you paste the code into the template, not into the HTML of the post. You should post the gadget code within the appropriate location of the
section of the template, generally within the <Posts> section. These sections will vary slightly depending on which Blogger template you're using, but you should generally post your gadget within your post before the footer.
Why do I sometimes get a scroll bar along with the gadget on my page?
It's sometimes necessary to adjust a gadget's height to make sure it doesn't have a scroll bar displayed with it. Try increasing the number of pixels for the "height" setting underneath the "Display settings."
How can I create my own border?
Currently we offer several borders from which to choose. If you're an experienced programmer, you're welcome to create your own gadget border as long as you maintain the links and buttons we offer on the outside of the border. Please see our Terms and Conditions.
How can I get rid of the links and buttons outside the frame of the gadget?
At this time, our policy does not allow the deletion of the links and buttons within the frame of the gadget. Please see our Terms and Conditions.
How can I make these gadgets work on my MySpace page?
Unfortunately, MySpace doesn't currently allow the use of iframes to embed content on their site. As a result, gadgets will not work on your MySpace pages. Since this is a policy set by MySpace, you may want to direct your questions about this policy to the MySpace Help Center.
What if a gadget on my page is broken or displays offensive or inappropriate content?
Most of our gadgets are created and maintained by third parties. If you have questions or concerns about the functionality or content of a particular gadget, we suggest you contact the gadget's author directly. You may be able to locate contact information for the gadget's creator by following these steps:
  1. Visit http://www.google.com/ig/directory?synd=open
  2. Perform a search for the gadget in question.
  3. Click on the gadget's title to see details about the gadget.
  4. On the gadget's detail page, click on "Contact the developer".

If you're a copyright holder and you'd like to request removal of material that you believe infringes your copyright, please follow the DMCA process outlined at http://www.google.com/igoogle_dmca.html.

What should I do if I get a copyright notice for a gadget I have on my page?
If you receive a valid copyright notice to take down your gadget, please remove the gadget. To learn more about our DMCA process, please visit http://www.google.com/igoogle_dmca.html.
How can I create my own gadgets?
Anyone with just a little web design experience can create a gadget, and we welcome everyone to create their own gadgets. Learn more.