How can I really tear apart a Joomla template?

August 16, 2009 7:27 AM

Where can I find resources on tearing apart Joomla templates?

I've been very successful at making moderate changes to templates from Yootheme, Gavick, RocketTheme and others...mostly by editing png files and small code changes using firebug.

But eventually I would like to really know how to personalize them graphically...design my own module style, overlay some elements graphically, etc.

Is it possible to do this without a strong background in coding? I know there are many companies that do PSD to joomla, but I'd rather learn myself, unless there is someone on metafliter that does it for a decent price.

posted by John Presley to computers & internet (4 answers total)

How about the ultimate resource, looking at the source code?

If you really want to teat it apart you'll have to understand PHP. Then debug the code with something like netbeans/php? can't get any more exact then that.

Also, how about joomla.org?

There have been a couple of books written about joomla templates as - try amazon and oreilly.
posted by w.fugawe at 8:01 AM on August 16, 2009

The answers to a similar question I asked a few months ago might help you out.

I've been able to successfully build simple templates since then. I approached it a little differently in that I wasn't editing existing templates, but creating them more or less from scratch. However, some of the resources people mentioned may be useful. Again, your best bet for any of this is to go in to the code (for creating templates you don't need to know php - html and css will do).

Someone also told me about Artisteer which I think is more along the lines of what you're looking for. It's Windows only.
posted by wundermint at 9:55 AM on August 16, 2009

thanks for the tips. I don't really want to learn code so I can make the site function in any special way. I'm comfortable making most Joomla templates do just about anything I need...but what areas of coding (php, css, html, or all?) can I focus on for graphically enhancing or perhaps creating a new module position. Is it possible to focus your knowledge of coding or do I have to jump in and learn it all?
posted by John Presley at 10:56 AM on August 16, 2009

I don't think that you really have to learn PHP to create nice templates. It might be helpful in the long run for Joomla development, but in my experience all you really need to be good at is your basic HTML and CSS. I commented in the question that wundermint linked to and rather than repeating all the same advice to you, I'll just add that if you are looking for graphical enhancement, you will want to really dive into CSS. Adding new module positions is really easy and just a quick Google brought up several different explanations and tutorials.
posted by bristolcat at 4:22 PM on August 16, 2009