What is the typical template directory structure?

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Typical Template Directory Structure

It is most common for a template to have at least four files:

  • index.php
Provides the logic for the display and positioning of modules and components.
  • template.css
Handles the presentational aspects of the template including specifications for margins, fonts, headings, image borders, list formatting, etc.
  • templateDetails.xml
Holds meta-information related to the template and used by the Installer and the Template Manager.
  • template_thumbnail.ext - replace .ext with the extension format of the image (.jpg, .png, .gif)
Generally a 200x150 pixel image that is shown when the cursor is held over the template name in the Template Manager. This gives the Administrator a snapshot view of the template before applying it to the Site.


A typical template for Joomla! 1.5 will include the following directories:

  • css - contains all the .css files
  • html - contains template override files for core output and module chrome
  • images - contains all images used by the template
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