How to Create a WordPress Theme
You may be wondering how a web designer can take a standard WordPress installation and create a custom look and feel for your site. The answer is themes.
A WordPress theme is a collection of files and images that controls all the visual elements of your website – the layout of page elements, the colors and fonts, the placement of logos and the use of elements like slideshows and galleries.
But, what are the parts of a theme? How are they created? I recently came across an excellent tutorial that shows you how to develop a WordPress theme from scratch. This tutorial is presented by Automattic – the people who brought us WordPress. So this is an authoritative voice when it comes to theme development.
When I develop WordPress themes for my clients, I follow a process very similar to that described here.
The ThemeShaper WordPress Theme Tutorial: 2nd Edition
[blockquote]
This tutorial was published in October 2012. It is based on the release of the new starter theme called _s. The techniques taught here are based on best practices in theme development.
Enjoy!!
[/blockquote]
About The Author
Kris DeBruine
Kris DeBruine is a web designer, WordPress developer and a digital media instructor. She has been teaching web development and design for nearly two decades to both young people and adults. She helps businesses and organizations develop and manage their online identity by using the latest technology.