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WordPress Theme Development Advice

by Shadowflux
9 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
    • |
Hi Everyone!

I'm looking into creating a few WordPress themes. The problem is that I'm not terribly familiar with this aspect of webdesign. I can customize an existing theme with only a moderate amount of frustration but I think what I want to make is a template.

I basically want to make something that has the fundamental framework but will allow others to customize it to their heart's content.

Is this something I should try to figure out on my own or is it complicated enough that I should just outsource it? I'm really busy with a number of other things so I can't devote too much time to teaching myself something too complex.

The theme itself is going to be really simple and I want the customization to be really simple as well. Is it tricky to add custom options to the WordPress admin area? The options would be things like changing background color, changing titles, fonts, that sort of thing.

The overall concept of this theme is simplicity and ease of use. I want it to be simple enough that someone who is completely new to WordPress can customize it the way they want.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
#advice #development #theme #wordpress
  • Profile picture of the author xtrapunch
    If you need to create a WordPress theme, you must know HTML, CSS and PHP. JQuery is also desirable, but not necessary. Adding custom theme options is more complex than creating a simple theme. If you are not familiar with designing, you will have to learn all of the languages and understand the design aspect. It is not very difficult, but you must spend time to learn the process. You can learn HTML and CSS at HTMLDog.com or any other site. For WordPress-specific coding, you should refer to codex.wordpress.com. All the best.

    PS: "I basically want to make something that has the fundamental framework but will allow others to customize it to their heart's content." What you want to achieve requires advanced knowledge of WordPress, which will take a lot of time for a complete beginner.
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    • Profile picture of the author Shadowflux
      Thanks for the advice!

      I know html relatively well, I used to hand code sides in notepad back in the stone age. I can at least sort through PHP well enough to edit an existing theme.

      I suppose I should just look into outsourcing. It seems like this could be a time consuming project for me but incredibly simple for someone that knows what they're doing.

      I don't have a terribly large budget for this right now. Any idea how much it would cost to get someone to create a customizable template for a one page WordPress site with no need for sidebars or anything like that?
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      • Profile picture of the author BlueLayerHost
        Originally Posted by Shadowflux View Post

        Thanks for the advice!

        I know html relatively well, I used to hand code sides in notepad back in the stone age. I can at least sort through PHP well enough to edit an existing theme.

        I suppose I should just look into outsourcing. It seems like this could be a time consuming project for me but incredibly simple for someone that knows what they're doing.

        I don't have a terribly large budget for this right now. Any idea how much it would cost to get someone to create a customizable template for a one page WordPress site with no need for sidebars or anything like that?
        I agree with the previous poster as well. Not only would you need to know PHP but you would need to familiarize yourself with the WordPress framework.

        What you are asking for doesn't sound too costly but for us it would depend on the complexity of the theme and if you were providing us with a PSD, etc.
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        • Profile picture of the author Shadowflux
          Originally Posted by BlueLayerHost View Post

          I agree with the previous poster as well. Not only would you need to know PHP but you would need to familiarize yourself with the WordPress framework.

          What you are asking for doesn't sound too costly but for us it would depend on the complexity of the theme and if you were providing us with a PSD, etc.
          Photoshop is something that I know with my eyes closed. I've had friends call me for help in Photoshop and I didn't even need to look at a computer to help them.

          Do you think providing a PSD would make it easier on the programmer/designer and reduce the overall cost? That is something I can definitely do with no problem what so ever.

          Although, I think the PSD would be more of an example mock up than anything else really. I would want the majority of the colors to be customizable by the user. I could provide any tiled patterns and things like that but I think the over all graphics would be minimal. I would also want certain sizes, like the size of the top title portion, to be customizable as well.

          Also, would it be hard to allow users to integrate things like videos, email fields and buttons?
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  • Profile picture of the author loganwenger
    Originally Posted by Shadowflux View Post

    Hi Everyone!

    I'm looking into creating a few WordPress themes. The problem is that I'm not terribly familiar with this aspect of webdesign. I can customize an existing theme with only a moderate amount of frustration but I think what I want to make is a template.

    I basically want to make something that has the fundamental framework but will allow others to customize it to their heart's content.

    Is this something I should try to figure out on my own or is it complicated enough that I should just outsource it? I'm really busy with a number of other things so I can't devote too much time to teaching myself something too complex.

    The theme itself is going to be really simple and I want the customization to be really simple as well. Is it tricky to add custom options to the WordPress admin area? The options would be things like changing background color, changing titles, fonts, that sort of thing.

    The overall concept of this theme is simplicity and ease of use. I want it to be simple enough that someone who is completely new to WordPress can customize it the way they want.

    Any help is greatly appreciated!

    Hi Shadowflux,

    Another option you may consider is using Headway Themes, the Drag and Drop framework for WordPress. I needed a solution similar to you awhile back and it does exactly what you are wanting. From Headway Themes:

    "Headway was the first-ever WordPress theme to introduce a visual editor. Headway 3.0 takes it even further with the most powerful grid system and design editor to date."
    What I find most attractive about Headway is that it's only $68 for the Base package (theme/framework) and it can be used on unlimited sites and installations. Furthermore, they don't restrict selling the theme for client sites, themes that you develop to sell, flipping websites, etc.

    One note though, if users that you sell the theme to wish to have access to the large community and tutorials they'll have to pay the $68 fee, but you could either ask them to purchase through your affiliate link or simply provide support yourself.

    It's definitely worth checking out, Headway Drag and Drop WordPress Theme.

    Best,

    Logan
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    • Profile picture of the author Warrior Machine
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      • Profile picture of the author loganwenger
        Originally Posted by Warrior Machine View Post

        Checking it out. But is there any cheaper than this? Just to know. But would be very helpful if there is.

        Here is a recent WSO for a plugin called DIV Layer to "Edit Any WordPress Theme with the DIV Layer WordPress Plugin"

        I believe the plugin is free with an optional paid membership upgrade for product creation, outsourcing, and Internet marketing training videos.

        Check it out at: http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...s-website.html

        Best,

        Logan
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        • Profile picture of the author Warrior Machine
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          • Profile picture of the author loganwenger
            Originally Posted by Warrior Machine View Post

            That was really great. Its very cheap and useful. Checked its demo site.


            It is a cool tool, I'm glad I came across it and that you found it useful too.

            Best,

            Logan
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        • Profile picture of the author WF99
          Originally Posted by loganwenger View Post

          Here is a recent WSO for a plugin called DIV Layer to "Edit Any WordPress Theme with the DIV Layer WordPress Plugin"

          I believe the plugin is free with an optional paid membership upgrade for product creation, outsourcing, and Internet marketing training videos.

          Check it out at: http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...s-website.html

          Best,

          Logan
          Oh great one .. very helpful suggestion ..
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  • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
    Head over to Themeforest, create an account, check developer forum, use their theme options plugin (you can call it at your theme functions) and move from there.

    Friendly advice.
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