WordPress has thousands of themes and templates that you can use for free, but many people aren’t exactly sure what they are and how they differ. It’s important to learn how to utilize themes and templates, as they give you control over how your site looks and functions.
This post will get you up to speed on what themes and templates are, and the differences between them. This way, you can use these features to the fullest and design a beautiful website of your own!
What are WordPress Themes?
WordPress themes control how your website looks, including its colors, menu positions, content presentation and more. They are collections of files that are added to your website in a single package. Your site can only use one theme at a time. But, you have the freedom to change your themes whenever you want.
Some WordPress themes are free, while others are paid. You can find themes in the Theme Directory. The free themes are perfectly fine – there are many high quality options to choose from. However, if you are looking for specific features, you may have to upgrade to a paid theme.
What are WordPress Templates?
As mentioned above, WordPress themes come in a single package that contains multiple files. One of those files is the template. Templates are responsible for changing one piece of content, such as a single blog post or page. This allows you to change certain pages on your website without affecting the entire site.
Unlike WordPress themes, your site can have as many templates as you’d like. This lets you present the pages on your website differently. Most users find that the templates included with their theme are enough. But if you want something different, you can create your own or find a premade template online.
Do You Need Themes and Templates? You Bet!
A WordPress theme is the foundation of your website’s design. It includes the typography, color palettes, headers and footers, backgrounds, page layouts and more. It’s important to choose a high quality theme, as this will impact what your site looks like and how safe it is to use.
Be careful about choosing a theme that looks pretty but is poorly coded. Some themes tend to add unneeded code and features, which can slow down page load times. Also, the theme should have support and regular updates. Themes that aren’t updated are vulnerable to cyber security threats.
The templates that come with your default theme will probably be enough for you. But, if you want something specific for one or several pages, you can find a pre-designed template that will help you achieve your goals. You can even customize both your templates and themes to achieve the exact look you’re going for.
To learn more about how to bring your website to life with WordPress themes and templates, book a consultation with Magna Technology.
