xml - Magento Category Pages: Change layout of specific categories from grid mode to list mode -

i want category pages in list mode , start 30 items displayed want category page in grid mode , fewer items displayed.

i understand can updating custom layout xml through admin panel, i'm not sure exact xml be.

my solution create module overrides toolbar class controls grid/list view of catalog , number of items display.

the specific class override called mage_catalog_block_product_list_toolbar. clone file , add following method it:

/**  * sets current view mode (grid, list, etc.)  *  * @param string $mode  */ public function setcurrentmode($mode) {     $this->setdata('_current_grid_mode', $mode); } 

you need create config.xml file it.

<!-- app/code/local/example/catalog/etc/config.xml --> <?xml version="1.0"?> <config>   <global>     <blocks>       <catalog>         <rewrite>           <product_list_toolbar>example_catalog_block_product_list_toolbar</product_list_toolbar>         </rewrite>       </catalog>     </blocks>   </global> </config> 

now, in admin panel, change layout of category, go catalog > manage categories , select category wish change. go custom design tab , in field labelled custom layout update, enter following xml code:

<reference name="product_list_toolbar">   <action method="setcurrentmode">     <mode>list</mode>   </action> </reference> 

of course, remember flush layout caches of magento or change won't appear.