Types of Squidoo Lenses

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Ranked #236 in Squidoo Tips, #26,647 overall

How'd They Do That? Learn How Lensmasters are Making Specialty Lenses

SquidWho and SquidLit and MonkeyBrain, oh my!

There are many different lens templates you can use when creating your lens. Some of the different lens types can conveniently be found at the very bottom of your dashboard screen. Others are well hidden.

Since joining Squidoo I've discovered many different kinds of lenses and how to create them. I've been having fun experimenting with the various specialty lenses.

Here's an overview of the lens types I've discovered so far.

How to Use this Lens

If you are just looking for a particular lens template or want to experiment with the various templates on your own, then you can go directly to any particular lens template headquarters via the Plexo Link List below.

If you want to learn more about the various lens types, continue reading. Further down the page I have described each lens template (they are in alphabetical order) and included a screen shot. Clicking on a screen shot will take you to that lens type's headquarters.

What Do You Mean Different Types of Lenses? 

A Brief Explanation of the Squidoo Templates

If you're new to Squidoo, then maybe you have a lens or two under your belt. Then, one day while surfing through Squidoo lenses you stumble upon a People Who Matter lens or a SquidWho lens and wondered "how'd they do that?"

The original lens style has changed a bit over time. It's a nice and tidy page that appears in the standard Squidoo colors of blue and orange with black text on a white background. This lens is an example of an original Squidoo lens, so I won't take up space by adding a screen shot of a standard lens.

Specialty lens types have a different color scheme, header, or some other variation that makes them look a bit different. Some lensmasters call these different types of lenses templates and some call them co-brand or co-branding.

The Ever Project 

Create a Lens With an Easy to Remember URL

If you joined Squidoo to promote your business, website, or blog, then the Ever Project is for you! The Ever Project allows you to create a lens with a unique and easy to remember web address that doesn't have the "Squidoo" in front of it. For example, I have two Ever Project lenses (http://tastiest.coffee.ever.com/ and http://simplest.online-moneymaking-info.ever.com/). When you create an Ever Project lens, you first select an adjective from a drop down menu. There are many descriptive words to choose from such as best, yummiest, dumbest, etc.

Not having the Squidoo at the beginning on your web address, and starting it off with an adjective of your choice, gives you the opportunity to create sites with catchy and memorable addresses. If you have a pizzaria in your town, you could make a site at http://yummiest. pizza.ever.com/. If you have money making advice, you could make a lens at http://best.moneymakingadvice.ever.com/. You just choose the adjective, time in what comes after the dot and then it will have a dot ever dot com after it.

The Ever Project lens also looks a bit different than a standard Squidoo lens. It used to look like a newspaper, which I loved. But, now it has a different font and blue accents instead of black.

Here's a screen shot of an Ever Project lens:

Great Ever Projects 

See Examples of Some Awesome Ever Projects

featured lens Wisdom Quotes: Inspirational Spiritual Sayings

I've gathered together some of the best quotes of the wisest people around. I hope you find them as inspirational as I do.

featured lens Simplest Online Money Making Info Ever

The internet has opened up the door to a whole new way of making money. I am a stay at home mom that wanted to find a way to earn a little extra money while still making my children my number one priority, and surprisingly found that it is completely...

featured lens The Best Cookies Ever

One thing you can get a jump on for any occasion, or holiday is baking. Bake your cookies now, and throw them in the freezer. You'll be ready to pull them out at the last minute dress them up, or throw on some last minute decorations. Your friends an...

Hey MonkeyBrain! 

Make a Debate Lens

Hey MonkeyBrain! is the lens template that is designed for duel debates. You may choose to make a debate lens about a serious, political issue like "pro life or pro choice" or something fun "like do blondes have more fun?"

MonkeyBrain! lenses have an intense black and red header. The titles of each MonkeyBrain! module has a different font than any of the other lens templates. The MonkeyBrain template has a youthful, casual look.

Here's a screen shot of a Hey MonkeyBrain! lens:

Great MonkeyBrain! Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome MonkeyBrain! Lenses

featured lens Old Spice vs Hai Karate

I'm a huge fan of the Old Spice commercials. I even made a lens with all of my favorite Old Spice commercials on it. One of the visitors to that lens asked me to do a Hai Karate lens. I had never heard of Hai Karate before, so I had to do a little re...

featured lens Are teachers underpaid?

I used to be a high school teacher before becoming a stay at home mom, so I'm a bit biased on this debate. I have yet to find another job in the area in which I live that requires a bachelor's degree and pays less than a teacher. One day while paying...

featured lens Smoking should be banned in ALL public places

Smoking should be banned in all public places. A smoker's (poor) choice should not affect the health of others. Secondhand smoke contains hundreds of toxic chemicals including arsenic ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, benzene, and vinyl chlor...

Ink City Lenses 

A Template for Tattoo Enthusiasts

Ink City is a Squidoo community that was created for tattoo and body art enthusiasts. The Ink City template has a unique black header with "Ink City" written in cursive. You can make an Ink City lens about tattoos, body painting, body piercing, and other forms of body art.

Here's a screen shot of an Ink City lens:

Great Ink City Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome Ink City Lenses

featured lens Celebrity Tattoos

For a celebrity, getting a tattoo can become a media circus with future employment ramifications.  Tattoo designs that were crafted with personal intention can suddenly become the latest must-have copycat item for hundreds of fans worldwide or b...

featured lens Find A Great Temporary Tattoo

Take a look at what's available in TEMPORARY TATTOOS! These aren't the smeared and blurry Cracker Jack stick-ons from your childhood! Get professional quality and real-looking temporary skin art.

featured lens Body Painting with Makeup or Liquid Latex

Body painting can camouflage, enhance features, create the illusion of other textures and more.  Theatrical or costume body painting often uses makeup or liquid latex.  Each has its own effects and length of duration.  Body paint can i...

People Who Matter 

My First Introduction to the Various Lens Types

The "People Who Matter" lens was the first specialty lens template that I discovered. I was surfing through Squidoo one day and going through Jaguar Julie's lenses and found her lensography and thought "woah, that looks different." I started really reading it and everything in its borders and saw it was called a "People Who Matter" lens. On the lens it has a button that says "Make a Page About Yourself." If you click this link, you will be taken to what looks like the original lens generator, but if you continue to create your lens here, when you hit publish it will become a People Who Matter lens.

The "People Who Matter" lens is simply a template that allows you to create a different looking lens and doesn't limit you to the "people" category at all. I really like the way the "People Who Matter" template looks. It's really neat and tidy with thin black lines dividing the columns and modules. I also really like the purple header. It's a nice change from the standard blue and orange Squidoo lens.

Here's a screen shot of a "People Who Matter" lens:

Great People Who Matter Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome People Who Matter Lenses

featured lens Jaguar Julie -- Lensography of a WAHWW

Yes, you may think of Jaguar Julie as a WAHW -- a work at home workaholic and a WAHWW -- a work at home wonder woman! In my lensography, I hope to answer the question of who Jaguar Julie is as inquiring minds want to know! First of all, what is a len...

featured lens Loyalis-ography

A relatively organized glimpse into my Squidoo efforts.

Photo Phights 

Stage a Fun Competition Among Your Favorite Flickr Pics

I just discovered Photo Phights very recently. It's a fun template. In a Photo Phight lens, you must use a Plexo Flickr module and choose pictures that relate to a particular subject and let visitors vote for their favorite picture.

Photo Phight lenses have three columns and use the traditional Squidoo blue and orange, but have a different header than an ordinary lens. Photo Phight lenses also have thing black lines between its columns and modules, keeping it looking neat and put together.

There are rules to making a Photo Phight lens. To make one you must adhere to the following:

  • Lenses created for the PhotoPhights community should use Squidoo's Plexo-powered Flickr voting module. This means you're going to be pointing to thumbnails hosted on Flickr.

  • If you're not sure whether someone would appreciate you pointing to his or her pictures or not: ask.

  • Give credit where credit is due.

  • Use your own pictures on Flickr, and invite people to share their feedback and vote on their favorites. "Should I post THIS picture of me as my avatar, or THIS one?"

  • If you're pointing to someone's thumbnail and they ask you to take it down, play nice and do it.

  • If you really have a great idea for a PhotoPhight and want to get some pros on board, shoot them a note. See if they'll submit pictures to your Flickr Plexo.

  • Yes, you can create a PhotoPhight lens and monetize it by sticking modules around the Phight, but remember to keep the Phight central and on topic.

  • Oh yeah, and if you make a lens for the PhotoPhights community that does NOT stage a Phight and is otherwise irrelevant, your lens will get booted, and your Squidoo account could get deleted.

Here's a screen shot of a Photo Phight lens:

Great Photo Phight Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome Photo Phight Lenses

featured lens Beautiful Sunsets are an Inspiration - Great Photos

Ahhhhh....What is more relaxing than a beautiful sunset? Admire these photos and feel your stress melt away.

featured lens Photo Phight on Squirrels

Some people don't like squirrels, but I think they're cute and fun to watch. Plus my dog loves to chase them.

featured lens The Tastiest Looking Cup of Joe

When it comes to yummy coffee, what really floats your boat? Latte, cappucino, frappucino, just plain black or something in between? Mmmm, I just love coffee. The taste, the look, the aroma...oh, and don't forget the lovely caffeine buzz! Coffee is...

featured lens Best Halloween Costume Photo Phight

In the spirit of Halloween, let's have a Flickr PhotoPhight Halloween Costume Contest! Vote for your favorite Halloween Costume in each category. Ready? 1... 2... 3... Phight!

SquidBids 

Get More Exposure for Your eBay Auctions

SquidBids is the template for you if you like to sell items on eBay. The SquidBids lens creator allows you to put in your eBay seller ID. You can spotlight your eBay store or particular items that you're selling on eBay or both. SquidBids is a great way to get more exposure for you eBay auctions.

Here's a screen shot of a SquidBids lens:

Great SquidBids Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome SquidBids Lenses

featured lens Recipe For Finding Good Cookbooks

Are you searching for a good cookbook? The best cookbook? Perhaps even a perfect cookbook? Maybe you are a casual cookbook collector (like so many of us) or maybe you are a serious collector. In either case you know that many cookbooks are NOT great....

featured lens Nick & Nora Pajamas, Slippers, and Sheets

The Freaknoodles store on eBay specializes in Nick & Nora pajamas, socks, slippers, and sheets, all in fun, funky patterns.

SquidBoo! 

Make a Halloween Themed Lens

SquidBoo! lenses are, you guessed it, Halloween themed lenses. They have orange details and bright blue hyperlinks. The header features an image of a creepy house and the word "SquidBoo!" in a Halloweenish (if there were such a word) style font. You could make a SquidBoo! lens about spooky movies, creepy costumes, how to have an awesome Halloween party, etc.

Here's a screen shot of a SquidBoo! lens:

Great SquidBoo! Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome SquidBoo! Lenses

featured lens Carve the Perfect Pumpkin for Halloween!

Carving your Halloween pumpkin is quite an experience. The whole family can take part in the fun. All you need is a pumpkin, a little prep work, and the proper tools. Let's dig in and get to some Halloween pumpkin carving...

featured lens Maternity Halloween Costumes

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to miss out on all of the Halloween fun. There are maternity Halloween costumes! A couple of years ago one of my closest friends had a Halloween party and invited my husband and I, but I was so disa...

featured lens Creepy Crawly Cupcakes for Halloween

A caldron full of recipes and ideas for creepy crawly (but still cute) easy-to-make, easy-to-serve Halloween cupcakes. These Halloween cupcakes are perfect for Halloween parties, school functions, or that extra special tr...

SquidFlix 

Write a Movie Review

The SquidFlix template allows you to write a movie review. Review your favorite movie, review a terrible movie, review movies that are kid friendly and give your viewpoint as a concerned parent. The choice is yours. Get creative.

Even though SquidFlix is intended to be for movie reviews, don't forget that it is also a Squidoo lens. So, poll your visitors about their opinion of the movie. Set up a duel module to find out who liked the movie and who didn't. Sell the movie on DVD in an Amazon module. If the movie was based off of a book, sell the book too. You get the idea.

SquidFlix lenses have a similar look and color scheme to the SquidWho lenses. They have a white background with gray and orange details and bright blue hyperlinks.

Here's a screen shot of a SquidFlix lens:

Great SquidFlix Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome SquidFlix Lenses

featured lens Alien Versus Predator

The Alien: A highly aggressive extraterrestrial creature which stalks and kills in order to procreate. The Predator: An alien Humanoid with advanced technology with a liking for hunting difficult game. Alien Versus Predator - The Ulitmate Battle: The...

featured lens Penelope, Cute Modern Fairy Tale Movie!

Christina Ricci stars as Penelope in this cute fairy tale movie about a girl from a rich family line who is cursed to have a pig's nose (and ears) until one of her own kind falls in love with her. I thought this was such a cute movie and felt bad for...

featured lens Movie Remakes We Hate!

Hollywood seems firm in the belief that if something did okay the first time, or didn't do as well as everyone wanted, then it must be perfect to do again. However, re-doing something with a bigger budget, modern movie stars and the powers of CGI doe...

SquidKnol 

Are You An Expert at Something? Share Your Knowledge

The SquidKnol template is intended to be used to create a lens about something of which you have an expertise. For example, I'm a certified teacher so I might choose to make a Knol lens about how to study, how to have a great parent-teacher conferance, or how to write a great research paper.

The one thing that I don't get about the SquidKnol template (if you are familiar with it then please share with us in my guestbook) is that it looks just like a standard Squidoo lens. The SquidKnol creator page looks great, very studious, but when you create a SquidKnol lens it looks just like a regular lens. So, I'm a bit confused about the SquidKnol template.

Here's a screen shot of the SquidKnol creator page:

Arguably the Best SquidKnol Lens 

Seea Great Example of a SquidKnoll Lens

featured lens Insomnia

Rachel is Director, Insomnia and Behavioral Sleep Medicine, Stanford University. A good person to know if you have trouble sleeping. This lens is from her CC licensed Knol: Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can often be treated sometimes with s...

SquidLit 

Read Any Good Books Lately?

The SquidLit template is for, you guessed it, literature. You can review any book you've read in a SquidLit lens. The header of a SquidLit lens and the headline for each of it's modules is highlighted in a bold black and the lettering appears in a typewriter style white font. It's a very eye catching lens type.

Here's a screen shot of a SquidLit lens:

Great SquidLit Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome SquidLit Lenses

featured lens In Defense Of Food

In In Defense of Food the author, Michael Pollan, expands on something most of us already know but might have forgotten. We should be eating real food. His simple seven word diet is a mantra each and every one of us should be repeating many times dai...

featured lens Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Chamber of Secrets is the second book in the Harry Potter Series. In Harry's Second Year at Hogwart's School of Wizarding and Witchcraft, student's suddenly begin to turn into stone. As Harry gets drawn deeper and deeper into this mystery, the true h...

Squid Sports 

The Perfect Lens Type for the Sports Fanatic

If you're a sports fan, then Squid Sports is the lens template for you. With Squid Sports, you are supposed to make a lens around a sports prediction that you make and allow visitors to make their own predictions. It's a lot of fun for anyone interested in sports.

Here's a screen shot of a Squid Sports lens:

Great Squid Sports Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome Squid Sports Lenses

featured lens Dallas Cowboys Win Super Bowl

The Cowboys have the most explosive offense in the entire NFL this Season and I cannot see any reason that they would not take it all. I am predicting an undefeated season if no major player gets injured. Terrell Owens is better than ever and Tony Ro...

featured lens Mixed Martial Arts Will Become a Mainstream Sport

The MMA organization, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has taken the world of combat sports by storm. Dana White is a savvy business man that has done an excellent job of marketing the UFC. Mixed Martial Arts is slowly but surely becoming accep...

featured lens The Dallas Cowboys will win Superbowl XLIV

With all the weapons that Dallas Cowboys have this year, do you think the Cowboys will go the distance? All Cowboy fans can easily make a prediction right here, right now! Get your prediction in today! Tell the world if you think the Cowboys can do i...

SquidVids 

Spotlight Your Favorite Clips from Movies and TV

The SquidVids lens template allows you to showcase your favorite scene from anything related to movies, TV, or actors. I really like the way SquidVids look. They have a yellow background with black details. The header looks like a movie reel.

Some possible ideas for a SquidVids lens is spotlighting your favorite Seinfeld moments, Adam Sandler's funniest movie scenes, craziest commercials, and more. Have fun and get creative!

Here's a screen shot of a SquidVids lens:

Great SquidVids Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome SquidVids Lenses

featured lens Funny Cat Video Showcase

Videos of cats doing some pretty funny and wacky things. Many by people who caught their cats on film. Others are cartoons, animations and other funny cat videos. It's hard not to watch them all at one sitting. However, if you can't, watch 1 or 2, bo...

featured lens Hai Karate

Hai Karate was a men's fragrance line that was popular from the 1960's to the 1980's. Hai Karate products were in the same price range as Old Spice and Brut, which made it very affordable for the average Joe.

SquidWho 

Spotlight Anyone You Want

SquidWho lens templates allow you to spotlight anyone you want. You could do a SquidWho lens about your favorite actor, singing, musician, model, politician, cartoon character, etc. You aren't limited to spotlighting someone famous. You may choose to pay tribute to your favorite high school teacher, tell the world that why your dd is your hero, or even do an autobiography.

The SquidWho page has a gray and orange header. All of the links display as an intense light blue. I like the SquidWho template. I think it looks very modern.

Here's a screen shot of a SquidWho lens:

Great SquidWho Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome SquidWho Lenses

featured lens Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Gail Winfrey is thought to be the most influential woman in the world now. She is also considered to be the most philanthropic African-American of all time and one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the United States. Oprah, as she is kno...

featured lens Winnie the Pooh

If you've visited my lenses before, you'll know that I love teddy bears. Among my favorite of the teddy bears of the world is the ever-endearing Winnie the Pooh.  Pooh was actually "The" bear that my younger sister attached herself too...

Squid Zipper 

Make a Lens About a Particular Zip Code

Squid Zipper allows you to make a lens about a particular zip code. Spotlight restaurants, family attractions, dance club, museums...just about anything found in a given zip code. Make a lens about your home town, where you went to college, or your favorite vacation spot.

Here's a screen shot of a Squid Zipper lens:

Great Squid Zipper Lenses 

See Examples of Awesome Squid Zipper Lenses

featured lens Online Tour of St George UT

I consider St. George my home away from home. My family moved around a lot as I was growing up, but we frequently vacationed in St. George. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the US with very affordable housing. There is a great deal of Morm...

featured lens The Weird Zip Code - South Austin, Texas 78704

The slogan "Keep Austin Weird" refers mainly to the older part of town - south of the Colorado river. In South Austin, many things are still like they used to be, back in the pre-HighTech "Cosmic Cowboy" days. 26 years ago, I moved from Munich, Germ...

featured lens Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine, TX

The Great Wolf Lodge is a family resort that boasts the largest indoor waterpark in Texas. Inside the lodge you'll find an exciting fantasy lodge themed hotel that is super clean and tidy. The lodge has enough eating options inside that you'll never...

Which Template Do You Like Best? 

Do You Have a Favorite Lens Type?

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What Template Will Be Next 

What Lens Type Would You Like to See Next?

Do you have a really neat idea for a new Squidoo template or do you have a strong hunch what lens type will be next? Tell me about it.

My prediction:

thrivingmom, at 7am on October 21, 2008 predicts:

I think a gaming lens template would be neat. We already have one for TV, one for movies, and one for books. Video and PC games are an even bigger industry than movies now. I think it'd be super cool to have an ultra modern/techy looking gaming template.

Reader predictions:

Loading Fetching predictions now... please stand by

sarahjjac, at 6pm on May 19, 2009 predicts:

i think a video game template is a great idea!

kab, at 10am on January 6, 2009 predicts:

SquidSounds for music.

spirituality, at 9am on October 21, 2008 predicts:

I like the idea of a gaming lens template - but honestly I don't think they should do more templates. Instead some of the existing templates should be updated. Some of them don't look so good. Not very professional.

 
 
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My Other Squidoo Tips Lenses 

Other Lenses You May Find Helpful

featured lens Squidiquette

Ok, so you're most likely already a lensmaster if you've found this lens. So, the big question is have you been practicing good squidiquette...that is good etiquette here on Squidoo? Squidiquette is a vital part of being a good Squidizen. Squidiquet...

featured lens How to Make Money with Squidoo

Sound to good to be true? It really isn't. I signed up with Squidoo in mid June. I received my first payment in August. It was simple and fun to do. My very first payment was enough to go to the movies, bring a date, and buy a bag of popcorn. So, I'm...

Thank You for Visiting 

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Leave your comments, suggestions, and well-wishes here. If I left out a lens type, be sure to let me know.

Lensmaster

CreativeArtist wrote...

A lot of great info here! Thanks for organizing this. Saved it for reference.

ReplyPosted June 19, 2009

Lensmaster

JLCollins wrote...

This is an amazing lens. I have only created five lenses on the week I have been here so learning about this early on is great. Excellent work! I'm saving this one!!!

ReplyPosted June 12, 2009

Lensmaster

JLCollins wrote...

This is an amazing lens. I have only created five lenses on the week I have been here so learning about this early on is great. Excellent work! I'm saving this one!!!

ReplyPosted June 12, 2009

Lensmaster

Wysiwigs wrote...

This is a wonderful resource! It's just what I was looking for ~ thank you :o)

ReplyPosted May 14, 2009

Lensmaster

spirituality wrote...

Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)

ReplyPosted April 06, 2009

Lensmaster

MyChildCreatesowner wrote...

Very insightful thanks...I had been wondering why some lenses appeared different to others...now I know
Thanks again

ReplyPosted March 15, 2009

Lensmaster

ideadesigns wrote...

I've been here a year and just noticed some lenses were different from others, this really helped me. I've bookmarked it. Thank you!

ReplyPosted March 09, 2009

Lensmaster

susannaduffy wrote...

Great and clear information

ReplyPosted February 25, 2009

Lensmaster

Comfortdoc wrote...

Angel Blessings. Great job of coming up with an overview on the different lens types. I think the Squidknol is pretty much defunct now.

ReplyPosted January 26, 2009

Lensmaster

Snozzle wrote...

Wow! You've opened my eyes to a whole new Squidoo world. Must now try and be more adventurous with my lenses. Thansk for this 5* lens.
Mike.

ReplyPosted January 19, 2009

Lensmaster

monarch13 wrote...

I am shaking your New Giant Squid Tentacles in heartfelt Congratulations and thanks for your help!

Michelle (Monarch 13)

ReplyPosted January 14, 2009

Lensmaster

Vacation-In-My-Head wrote...

Thank you this is very useful information, it clears up a lot for me.

ReplyPosted January 13, 2009

Lensmaster

flipflopnana wrote...

Great lens! I was so confused about the different lenses I came across. Thanks so much for sharing!

ReplyPosted January 13, 2009

Lensmaster

AndyPo wrote...

Very useful lens.

ReplyPosted January 12, 2009

Lensmaster

thrivingmom wrote...

in reply to XP Thanks so much for the extra blessing and kind words. I worked hard on this lens.

ReplyPosted January 10, 2009

 
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