Joomla! :: View topic - Template Tutorials

Compass design has published a six part tutorial series about creating a valid xhtml/css joomla template . Starting from building the index.php the series offers a blank CSS file for download and shows how to build a 3 column joomla website with CSS.

Tutorial 1: Creating a W3C valid Joomla template for your Joomla website
www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/creating-a-w3c-valid-joomla-template.html
In this series of tutorials, we'll be building a valid joomla template. Joomla is an open source Content Management System (CMS) that is freely (literally) available and supported by a large on-line community. The site will actually be live on-line from the very beginning, you'll be able to see the different stages as the design develops. As this is a CSS designed site, you'll be able to slowly see the raw joomla design get styled step by step.

Tutorial 2: Installing Joomla, doctype and the blank joomla template
www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/installing-joomla-doctype-and-the-blank-joomla-template.html
In this tutorial we will look quickly at installing joomla and then spend most of our time discussing the joomla doctype and how it relates to a valid joomla site. We'll also briefly look at how to construct a basic or blank joomla template with the index.php file.

Tutorial 3:Free Web Design Tools
www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/free-web-design-tools.html
So we are about to begin design the site for real, but first we need a few tools. Now, everyone probably has their own favorites, but here is a list I have been working on of all the tools you will need to design a site. The good part? They are all free for the downloading.

Tutorial 4: A Blank Template CSS file for Joomla[url=http://www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/a-blank-template-css-file-for-joomla.html]
http://www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials ... oomla.html[/url]
In an earlier tutorial, we discussed a slightly different design process. Instead of creating the design and then doing the CSS layout, we will be doing it the other way round, the Joomla CSS first. We are doing this because we want to make an blank CSS template file that can be reused by anyone.

Tutorial 5: Making a 3 column Joomla Theme for your joomla website
www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/making-a-3-column-joomla-theme-for-your-joomla-website.html
In this joomla tutorial, we will look at a 3 column theme for your joomla website. Most joomla websites use 3 columns and having the theme start with that is a good foundation. Then later we can hide side columns if there is no content in them for that page.

Tutorial 6: Enhancing a Template for Joomla SEO
www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/enhancing-a-template-for-joomla-seo.html
So we have a very basic shell of a web site. Doesn't look very interesting does it. Well, we can soon change that, let's make a few changes. We will also optimize the template for SEO. Joomla has some challenges compared to a static website, but techniques such as those we describe here can improve your joomla SEO efforts.

Author:	joomlasolutions_JB [ Sat Aug 20, 2005 5:15 pm ]
Post subject:	Template Tutorials
Here is a list of Template Tutorials. Feel free to reply to this thread with a link to a template tutorial, but please use the Templates forum to ask specific how to questions. I'll start the list with my contribution: http://www.mambosolutions.com/dw_tutorial tutorial overview: currently this template tutorial is for the current release ( mambo 4.5.2 ) and will be updated accordingly( plans to do a div only (tableless) version next) In this guide, we will be creating a 100% width 'autostretch' 3 column table layout. This will introduce you to the directory structure of a template, includes all copy/paste code snips for including the mambo specific elements in the template (module positions, mainbody, pathway, etc) i also give specific instruction to use my dreamweaver template extension, but also you can optionally use the FREE plugin for HTML Kit, which is does the same job. Links are to be found in the tutorial. Hope you find it useful.

Author:	toubkal [ Sat Aug 20, 2005 6:16 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
Here are a couple of good tutorials: http://www.churchministriesonline.com/T ... ation.html http://www.churchministriesonline.com/CSS_Overview.html

Author:	mophsy [ Sun Aug 21, 2005 9:36 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
A very good CSS overview for #ambo: http://www.lady-beetle.com/web/component/option,com_css_flash_overview/Itemid,253/

Author:	absalom [ Sun Aug 21, 2005 12:29 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
A tutorial on how to cut up a 2 column Photoshop template and arrange it, using semantic CSS design principles, into a template: http://www.absalom.biz/tutorials/Mambo_ ... orial.html

Author:	rcarver [ Tue Aug 23, 2005 10:53 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
I've used all of those listed BTW Thanks for your work Absalom Dreamweaver centric tutorial More of an overview than a tutorial, but useful Good CSS Guide Another CSS Guide And another CSS Guide

Joomla! http://forum.joomla.org/

Template Tutorials http://forum.joomla.org/viewtopic.php?f=236&t=566	Page 1 of 2

Author:	mambostoked [ Wed Aug 24, 2005 9:46 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
hey guys, great post! here is something i found in a previous post (from the old forums), not quite a tutorial but a really comprehensive css guide.. http://www.mambohut.com/index.php?o...y&filecatid=107 kudos to wee keat chin, from visual density!! cheers chris

Author:	rygle [ Thu Aug 25, 2005 2:56 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
Hi, You may want to check out the Nvu WYSIWYG HTML editor (a development on the Mozilla Suite HTML editor, available at http://www.nvu.com), plus the template building extension from Open4G (http://www.open4g.com/content/view/13/29/). Nvu is supposed to be the open source Dreamweaver/Frontpage killer, so why bother with the commercial stuff? Rygle.

Author:	joomlasolutions_JB [ Thu Aug 25, 2005 7:51 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
If you are looking for a free version of a nice editor, try HtmlKit. Also a mambo template plugin for it . Html Kit: http://www.chami.com/html-kit/ Template plugin: http://mamboforge.net/frs/?group_id=106&release_id=2536

Author:	Serial [ Tue Aug 30, 2005 1:58 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
Nice list of ressources thx guyz!

Author:	Michelle Bisson [ Wed Sep 07, 2005 4:33 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
Thank you for letting us know about all of the tutorials!!!

Author:	bluesaze [ Wed Sep 07, 2005 8:51 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
Wow this is overwhelming might take me days to go through all of this stuff

Author:	deafbiz [ Tue Sep 13, 2005 12:10 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
mambosolutions_JB wrote: If you are looking for a free version of a nice editor, try HtmlKit. Also a mambo template plugin for it . Html Kit: http://www.chami.com/html-kit/ Template plugin: http://mamboforge.net/frs/?group_id=106&release_id=2536 *amboforge is down. I hope this plug in will be available for Joomla! JG

Author:	guilliam [ Wed Sep 21, 2005 7:36 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
. great list! added to bookmarks. added to FAQ's too: http://forum.joomla.org/index.php/topic,8542.0.html [self edited for adding to the FAQ's.]

Author:	guilliam [ Tue Oct 18, 2005 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
. [ MODERATOR NOTE ] moved to FAQ's from General Documentation .

Author:	guilliam [ Tue Oct 18, 2005 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
btw.. since chami.com was mentioned all those in need of favicon.ico you can check this favicon.ico generator here: http://www.chami.com/tips/internet/110599I.html ^^for those who needs a quicker way to make a favicon without opening any .ico editor like microangelo, etc. Q: WHAT IS FAVICON.ICO ?? A: A favicon (short for "Favorites icon"), also known as a page icon, is an icon associated with a particular website or webpage. A web designer can create such an icon, and many graphical web browsers—such as recent versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla, Opera, Safari, and Konqueror—can then make use of them. ... ( reference here: http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Favicon.ico ) - guilliam

Author:	mediaguru [ Fri Dec 02, 2005 2:59 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
One of the best threads ever...

Author:	infos4sale [ Fri Dec 09, 2005 3:17 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
Hi Guys which among the list is for a joomla template editing specific? im seeing always mambo.... i though i was in mambo forum.. does any one know here a link or tutorial about modifying exsting template or creating one simple mambo template? thanks alot.

Author:	absalom [ Sun Dec 11, 2005 2:16 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
At the moment there is no appreciable difference between Mambo and Joomla in terms of template functionality. Mambo, as stated by its policy document, will be reducing the functionality and customisability of template architecture in the medium to long term, supposedly to stop security issues (which seems more wild conjecture on Team Mambo's part from where I stand, but that's my opinion).. but that's hopefully a while off At the moment, all the tutorials allow you to build for both.

Author:	joomlasolutions_JB [ Tue Oct 18, 2005 3:11 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
deafbiz wrote: mambosolutions_JB wrote: If you are looking for a free version of a nice editor, try HtmlKit. Also a mambo template plugin for it . Html Kit: http://www.chami.com/html-kit/ Template plugin: http://mamboforge.net/frs/?group_id=106&release_id=2536 *amboforge is down. I hope this plug in will be available for Joomla! JG mamboforge is back online, and yes this will also work for Joomla templates ( 1.0.4)

Author:	compass [ Thu Oct 20, 2005 2:08 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
Its not quite a tutorial, more of distance learning! Extract from site... Quote: Compass design has published a six part tutorial series about creating a valid xhtml/css joomla template . Starting from building the index.php the series offers a blank CSS file for download and shows how to build a 3 column joomla website with CSS. Tutorial 1: Creating a W3C valid Joomla template for your Joomla website www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/creating-a-w3c-valid-joomla-template.html In this series of tutorials, we'll be building a valid joomla template. Joomla is an open source Content Management System (CMS) that is freely (literally) available and supported by a large on-line community. The site will actually be live on-line from the very beginning, you'll be able to see the different stages as the design develops. As this is a CSS designed site, you'll be able to slowly see the raw joomla design get styled step by step. Tutorial 2: Installing Joomla, doctype and the blank joomla template www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/installing-joomla-doctype-and-the-blank-joomla-template.html In this tutorial we will look quickly at installing joomla and then spend most of our time discussing the joomla doctype and how it relates to a valid joomla site. We'll also briefly look at how to construct a basic or blank joomla template with the index.php file. Tutorial 3:Free Web Design Tools www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/free-web-design-tools.html So we are about to begin design the site for real, but first we need a few tools. Now, everyone probably has their own favorites, but here is a list I have been working on of all the tools you will need to design a site. The good part? They are all free for the downloading. Tutorial 4: A Blank Template CSS file for Joomla[url=http://www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/a-blank-template-css-file-for-joomla.html] http://www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials ... oomla.html[/url] In an earlier tutorial, we discussed a slightly different design process. Instead of creating the design and then doing the CSS layout, we will be doing it the other way round, the Joomla CSS first. We are doing this because we want to make an blank CSS template file that can be reused by anyone. Tutorial 5: Making a 3 column Joomla Theme for your joomla website www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/making-a-3-column-joomla-theme-for-your-joomla-website.html In this joomla tutorial, we will look at a 3 column theme for your joomla website. Most joomla websites use 3 columns and having the theme start with that is a good foundation. Then later we can hide side columns if there is no content in them for that page. Tutorial 6: Enhancing a Template for Joomla SEO www.compassdesigns.net/tutorials/joomla-tutorials/enhancing-a-template-for-joomla-seo.html So we have a very basic shell of a web site. Doesn't look very interesting does it. Well, we can soon change that, let's make a few changes. We will also optimize the template for SEO. Joomla has some challenges compared to a static website, but techniques such as those we describe here can improve your joomla SEO efforts. If anyone wants to see a particular tutorial, drop me an email at contact[at]compassdesigns.net

Author:	rsphaeroides [ Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:55 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
Whenever someone asks me about css I show them a few clicks at the csszengarden It's not specific to mambo/joomla but I don't think there is a better place to get an introduction to the power and flexibility of css and their css resources are amazing.

Author:	absalom [ Sat Dec 03, 2005 12:08 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
The other half of CSS work: http://www.absalom.biz/tutorials/Mambo_ ... orial.html

Author:	Michelangelo [ Sat Dec 03, 2005 12:25 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
There are some good Tut's for Beginners and semis for "Step by Step" CSS Layouts http://www.macromedia.com/devnet/dreamweaver/css.html Very helpfull

Author:	Jiveturkey [ Wed Jan 18, 2006 3:47 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
rygle wrote: Hi, You may want to check out the Nvu WYSIWYG HTML editor (a development on the Mozilla Suite HTML editor, available at http://www.nvu.com), plus the template building extension from Open4G (http://www.open4g.com/content/view/13/29/). Nvu is supposed to be the open source Dreamweaver/Frontpage killer, so why bother with the commercial stuff? Rygle. Has anyone actually used these options? They sound nice and all but are there any real world reviews?

Author:	sist296 [ Mon Jan 23, 2006 6:43 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
I'm sorry, probably it's stupid question, but How can I upload my template to Joomla!/Mambo? I tried to do it through Template Manager (admin side)... failed So I'm looking for step-by-step instruction for uploading templates...

Author:	Joomlawebber [ Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:51 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
Not a stupid question at all, Unpack your rar/zip file, and you should se a folder with the template name. With an ftp programme, simply upload the template, to yoursite/templates, and in the backend of your site, assign the new template, or make it default. Hope that helped you /Kristian

Author:	gsbe [ Mon Feb 06, 2006 6:50 pm ]
Post subject:	great work on RESOURCES: Template and css tutorials
Thanks for posting the new RESOURCES thread with a summary of this info. I would recommend adding the compassdesigns.net links posted above by user compass. They are very comprehensive template and css articles.

Author:	Joomlawebber [ Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:24 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: great work on RESOURCES: Template and css tutorials
gsbe wrote: Thanks for posting the new RESOURCES thread with a summary of this info. I would recommend adding the compassdesigns.net links posted above by user compass. They are very comprehensive template and css articles. Thank you very much for the kind words, and i agree with you. Some of them have been added, and some are to find as other great tips and minidocs from Compass. /K

Author:	cederholm [ Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:36 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
This is a really good introduction tutorial on general CSS (not specifically for Joomla!)... http://www.westciv.com/style_master/hands_on_tutorial_sm/index.html

Author:	bunge [ Mon Apr 03, 2006 3:19 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Template Tutorials
Just a URL correction: http://www.devbay.com/Articles/Mambo/Ma ... Explained/ not http://www.devbay.com/articles/mambo/ma ... explained/

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