Joomla! Documentation™

The "J1.5" namespace is an archived namespace. This page contains information for a Joomla! version which is no longer supported. It exists only as a historical reference, it will not be improved and its content may be incomplete and/or contain broken links.

What is a template?

A template controls the overall look and layout of your site. It provides the framework that brings together common elements, modules and components as well as providing the cascading style sheet for your site. Both the front end and the backend of your site have templates.

When Joomla! is installed several templates are automatically included. You can find many more templates at other websites. Some are available without charge under various licenses, and some are for sale. In addition, there are many designers available who can make custom templates. You can also make your own template.

Templates are managed with the template manager, which is located on the site menu on the backed (administrator) of your site.

The following may be helpful in understanding templates:

http://help.joomla.org/content/view/474/153/

How do I install a new template?

Templates are just a series of xml, php, html and image files that are stored in the templates directory of your site. You can edit these files or you can use the editing interface available in the template manager.

1.0

In the administration interface (backend), select Site>>Template Manager>>Site Templates.

Select the template you wish to modify.

1.5

In the administration interface (backend), select Site>>Extensions>>Templates. Select the template you wish to modify. Click the edit icon.

both You are given the choice of editing "html" and "css."

CSS stands for cascading style sheets. This controls many elements of the look and feel of your site. Html is the file that controls where positions are defined and positioned. Other than that, it should be noted that, with a few exceptions, what is in the css and what is in the html largely depends on the approach of the tempate designer.

One common change is to use your own graphic/image. Graphics are linked in the html file. Simply change the reference to the image of your choice. Keep in mind that it if it is a different size than the original image this may change the appearance of the site in unexpected ways.

How do I modify a template?

Templates are just a series of xml, php, html and image files that are stored in the templates directory of your site. You can edit these files or you can use the editing interface available in the template manager.

1.0

In the administration interface (backend), select Site>>Template Manager>>Site Templates.

Select the template you wish to modify.

1.5

In the administration interface (backend), select Site>>Extensions>>Templates. Select the template you wish to modify. Click the edit icon.

both You are given the choice of editing "html" and "css."

CSS stands for cascading style sheets. This controls many elements of the look and feel of your site. Html is the file that controls where positions are defined and positioned. Other than that, it should be noted that, with a few exceptions, what is in the css and what is in the html largely depends on the approach of the tempate designer.

One common change is to use your own graphic/image. Graphics are linked in the html file. Simply change the reference to the image of your choice. Keep in mind that it if it is a different size than the original image this may change the appearance of the site in unexpected ways.