How do I edit CSS files in Dolphin 7.1.2

I see references to Admin -> Settings -> Advanced Settings -> Edit CSS or Admin - Settings -> Edit CSS but I don't see this in 7.1.2.  How do I do this?  Am I missing something?

/templates/[template]/css

Remember to clear Dolphin's cache after editing any template files.

I remember the first time I looked at the edit css in 7.0.9; and only seeing @import.  Current methodology in CSS3 is to not use @import.  It would be nice to have an online CSS editor back in Dolphin, that I can pull up the CSS files for a template to make some quick edits.  This is certainly a feature in many CMSes.  I remember the first time I used Serendipity and how one could load up the template editor although the way that themes were handled was not the best.

Without a backend editor, you have to edit locally and then ftp your changes back to the site.

So I can not make changes from within the Admin Console in Dolphin?

No. You cannot.

I know some cms's have that ability built in, but to be honest, any that do run the risk of hackers defacing the site. To have the ability built into the cms requires the css files and templates be writable by the web server which decreases security of those files increasing risk that hackers can tamper with the templates and css of the site.

So although it's not as convenient to have to edit the css files externally, it's more secure.

Not in the current release of Dolphin; I think it was removed.  In Dolphin 7.0.9 there was a CSS file editor that would allow you to edit the styles in the current template.  I don't think it is a big security risk; the CSS files have permission 644 set, so the owner of the file can edit them.  If a hacker gets into the site, they can pretty much do what they wish; including just deleting your whole site.

Ah, and here is the key word there. Owner. Meaning the web browser cannot unless PHP is also running as the owner.

It's a situation where differences in servers make the difference on how features like that work.

On stock Linux installs for example and a large percent of hosting servers, PHP does not run as the owner. Which means a mode of 644 would not be accessible with a editor built into the cms.

I've just been adding my css to the bottom of /templates/base/css/common.css (there is no reason I picked this particular file) and it's working fine.  I do have to clear the cache from Admin > Tools > Cache to see the changes and I have to add !important; often [ eg. color: red !important; ]

Obviously I will have to add the custom css again after an upgrade but I don't mind, it seems to be the easiest way.

I am used to working with WordPress and most premium themes are super easy to manage with admin settings for colors, fonts, backgrounds, headings etc. so having to edit css this way is a pain.

 Be careful with this method - if you ever apply a different template, your changes at the bottom of that file could cause some crazy things. What  I did was copy the uni template and name it something different, then made changes only to the template files.