Think of the theme framework of your website as a freshman dormitory. Simple, basic, has exactly what you need, nothing more. You can decorate, hang posters and rearrange what is inside for style and flair, but the core structure of the room will remain unchanged, just like the theme framework of your WordPress website.
A theme framework includes the PHP, CSS and Javascript files that are likely to be included in every other theme. Theme frameworks often serve as the parent theme and allow for customization with the use of child themes.
Providers create and sell theme frameworks for WordPress that offer a wide variety of theme options to customize of the look and feel of your website to match the individual needs of your clients. Using a theme framework simplifies the process of creating your website without having to deal with the complexity of editing your CSS or PHP files via FTP.
Genesis, for example, is a very popular theme framework developed by Studio Press for WordPress websites. By purchasing Genesis, you have the option to use just about any child theme that you can think of without having to mess around with intricate code to create your own from scratch.
Pros of a WordPress Theme Framework
- By using a theme framework, you will have the key components for a very basic theme as well as the freedom to adjust the appearance with various child themes.
- Theme frameworks are easy to learn how to use and can save you valuable time by not having to deal with programming and code.
- Simplifies updates and search engine optimization (SEO).
What are the different kinds of Theme Frameworks?
WordPress frameworks can either be options-based frameworks or starter theme frameworks.
Starter theme frameworks are themes with optimized and documented template files that are designed to be used as the foundation of new themes. It’s unlikely that these frameworks will offer many, if any, theme options.
A basic theme framework may be more suitable for a blog instead of a website for a business. Thesis was an early example of a starter theme, and has evolved into offering more design and customization options, allowing you to produce a tailored and robust website.
Options-based frameworks make it possible for you to change the appearance of your website with child themes or a robust Options panel. A child theme has additional files that you layer on top of the theme framework, without requiring you to write any code or build your own CSS files.
Taking this back to our dorm room example – you go to Target and buy the full line of the “Preppy Room:” comforter, desk accessories, pictures, rug and chair, you then arrange your own favorite items, making the space your own creation.
With an options based website the emphasis is placed on the theme and page options (side bar on the right or left, no sidebar, color scheme, custom header, social media widgets, etc). You layer your specific content and graphics into the theme.
The major advantage of using an options-based framework is that the web designer can customize the look and function of the framework without having to deal with the complexity of code.
Genesis by Studio Press is a very solid theme Framework, with a multitude of child themes, which will allow you to produce an endless variety of websites tailored to a wide range of clients – from a local church through to a rock band.
The SmallBiz theme developed by Exapnd2Web is a great example of a specifically targeted, options-based theme framework. The SmallBiz Theme caters to Small Businesses and it is extremely straightforward in its Option Panel layout and design with many customization options, including a Facebook Application and Mobile enabled.
Theme frameworks include essential content that would take a lot of time and experience to create but by using Genesis or the SmallBiz theme, it is all provided for you at your fingertips!
What about Updates?
Using a theme framework will not only simplify customizing your website, it will reduce the hassle it requires to maintain your website over time. Technology is constantly changing and updates seem to be becoming more and more frequent. There are a lot of users who hesitate to update their theme because they have made so many modifications they are afraid of losing content and having to start from scratch, and who wants that?
If you are using a theme framework, when there is a WordPress update, you simply click update. The WordPress enhancements will be upgraded to the framework and the modifications you have made to your site will remain intact. Utilizing theme frameworks can make the fear of losing your site’s content when you see the daunting UPDATE AVAILABE notification essentially nonexistent.
In conclusion, a theme framework is the solid foundation of your website. By choosing one with many options (either child themes or plenty of built in options), you may modify your framework to suit the needs of a range of websites.
About Eileen
Eileen Lonergan is a WordPress website designer who has a concentration in SEO. To learn more about Eileen and see her work visit http://www.EileenLonergan.com
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And if you’re still confused about what a framework is, the WordPress Codex does a superb job of explaining it in two sentences.
“A Theme framework is a Theme designed to be a flexible foundation for quicker WordPress development, usually serving as a robust Parent Theme for Child Themes. Some Theme frameworks can also make theme development more accessible, removing the need for programming or design knowledge with options pages.”
The framework by Howling Dog Themes gives a parent theme with an intuitive control (options) panel and a clean basic child theme that can be customized as well as pre designed child themes . The beauty with this type of framework is that you can install a number of child themes and use the same options panel to customize any of them individually.
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