How to Design Joomla 2.5 Templates

Creating a fantastic look and feel for your Joomla site is pretty important. You can buy templates, or even download and use free ones. However, if you really want a unique look, you need to create your own template.In the first part of the class, we'll introduce you to the project and show the tools you'll need for template design.

• Introducing the Joomla 2.5 Template Course



• Resources You'll Need (Windows)



• Resources You'll Need (Mac)



• Getting Organized



• The 960 Grid

In the second part of the class, you'll prepare the Photoshop file:

• Slicing the Design File



• The Index File Part 1



• The Index File Part 2

In the third part of the class, you'll prepare your images and files for use in Joomla:

• The Main File - Index.php Part 1



• The Main File - Index.php Part 2



• The Main File - Index.php Part 3



• The Template XML File



• Packaging the Template for Distribution

In the fourth part of the class, you'll design each different area of your template from the header to the footer:

• The Header Module



• Designing the Menus



• Page Detection and Modules



• Introducing Firebug



• Editing with Firebug



• Other Development Tools



• Creating Module Class Suffixes



• Creating the Footer

In the fifth part of the class, youi'll learn how to add advanced features to your template:

• Collapsable Module Positions Part 1



• Collapsable Module Positions Part 2



• Template Parameters Part 1



• Template Parameters Part 2



• Favicons

In the final part of the class, we'll cover other useful tips including how to covert an HTML design to Joomla.

• HTML to Joomla



• Introduction to Artisteer



• Introduction to Template Clubs



• Closing Thoughts

Vicki is the lead web designer & developer at VWeb Web Design. She specializes in Joomla, custom Joomla templates, search engine optimization, website statistics/analytics, marketing/traffic building strategies and education/training to help you learn to manage your own site.

Vicki holds a B.S. in Computer Science and has taught as an adjunct professor for years.

She is a mom, teacher, author, and horse trainer.

We're excited to have Vicki sharing her expertise with you!