What is the typical template directory structure?

Typical Template Directory Structure

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

• index.php

Provides the logic for the display and positioning of modules and components.

• component.php

Provides the logic for the display of the printer friendly page, "E-mail this link to a friend." etc.

• 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 is 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