Just how easy is it for bloggers to use a theme framework? Theme frameworks are generally created so you don’t have to mess around too much with the basic code. In fact in many cases you can use the theme options in the WordPress dashboard to fix your settings and get the look you want. Sitting on top of the framework (depending on the one you choose) can be a so-called ‘child theme’ which gives you a fresh look while leaving the underlying architecture untouched. I first came across the theme framework concept with Justin Tadlock’s Hybrid themes, which are still going strong, though somehow I never quite achieved the look that I wanted.
Thesis Theme
Next, I tried the Thesis theme. It’s amazing how much you can do with this theme (which is really a framework) without having to touch a single line of code. I love the fact that you can setup your layout, customize colors and tweak the search engine optimization options from within the dashboard. What I love even more is that any changes you make are stored in one of two files, a custom stylesheet and a custom functions file. (As long as you keep a backup of these files you will never have to lose your customizations.)
However, this is not to say that using Thesis is straightforward. When I first started customizing this site I spent hours running to research the things I wanted to do on the DIYThemes site. Often, the explanations were straightforward but occasionally I ended up breaking something and had to start again. Although it’s said to be easy, Thesis really isn’t that simple unless you already have great design and coding skills. However, if you want a search engine optimized theme that will look pretty good (if plain) as soon as you install it, then Thesis works. I have seen some awesome customizations of this theme, but mine wasn’t one of them so I decided to try something else.
Headway Theme
My most recent foray into working with theme frameworks has been the Headway theme. This theme seems more promising because you can drag and drop boxes on the page you are editing, save and see exactly how your site will look. Unlike Thesis, when you first install Headway, it doesn’t look that great, as you have to set up some options first.
The Headway theme offers many of the same options as Thesis but with the added advantage of a visual editor. I’ve found this theme the easiest for someone who has limited design or coding skills. You can select every element and see how it will look when you change it. If you don’t like something, just exit without saving and start again. Having said that, if you really want to fine tune your design you will have to make some customizations in the style sheet or functions file.
Choosing A Theme Framework
So how do you decide which one to choose? As I said before one of the key issues when choosing a theme is support. The DIY Themes forum is active and you can get advice on almost any topic related to the theme. There is also a large community of thesis users who are always willing to help. Although the headway forum has less to offer, the online support from other users is excellent. To give an example, I asked a question on Twitter and in 10 minutes I had five people offering to help, one of whom created a video. (Since both themes work using hooks, I sometimes find the help I need via the Thesis site and apply the tips to Headway; it works 90 per cent of the time.)
Sitting On The Fence
If you are comfortable messing around with the custom files, then the real question to consider is whether you want the instant gratification of drag-and-drop or whether you are happy to wait a while and see how it all looks together. I couldn’t decide, so I use Thesis on one of my sites (which I hardly tweak) and Headway on the other (which I tweak a LOT). My one niggle with Headway is that the drag and drop can be buggy, occasionally randomly loading an image on another page and forcing you to start over.
Finally, there is one thing that I have learned from this whole process. Web designers really are worth their hire because even with the help of killer theme frameworks like the ones listed here you still have to spend a lot of time – and patience – to get exactly the look you want.
Great post. WordPress Themes drive me up the wall sometimes and this is excellent info.
I've been working with Thesis for about a month now and whilst it isn't quite as easy as I had imagined, it's been a great tool for learning about CSS.
Nice insight into both Thesis and Headway. For anyone thinking about using a WordPress Theme Framework they should also take a look at the NEW Genesis Framework from Brian Gardner at Studiopress.
For any one planning on using a theme framework (or even just a regular WP theme) a basic understanding of HTML and CSS will help you a lot. Tools such as the Firebug extension for FireFox browser is also useful for finding what elements need tweaking
Understanding basic PHP and CSS definitely help, Brian. Thanks for the recommendation of Genesis. I haven't tried it yet, but I will.
Thesis definitely requires an education stage, but once you understand how it all works – it really is quite easy to edit.
There's a learning curve, Tom and as Andy says above, it can really help you with learning CSS (and PHP).
Thanks Sharon! I'm the market for theme frameworks to add to my repertoire, and the information you've shared here has been extremely helpful. I'm bummed to hear that you found Headway's drag-and-drop a little buggy.
Also, I agree with Brian's recommendation of StudioPress. I've been using Brian Gardner's themes since the early Revolution and have found the code to be clean and incredibly easy to work with. I'm a big fan of StudioPress.
Thanks for the recommendation, Melissa. I haven't tried Genesis, but have used Brian Gardner's themes before and found them to be excellent.
Frameworks were created so you could mess around with the code! Thats the whole point.
If you want an awesome looking blog, that is unique you need to know some coding skills. Otherwise don't buy a framework theme
I think the rationale for designers/developers and non-techies is different, Anthony. Both Thesis and Headway mention the advantages to non-techies of not having to mess with code.
This is the exact opposite of what a theme framework is. Theme frameworks are about allowing developers to more easily and quickly create sites by using a set of conventions laid out by the framework.
The point is to be touching code.
The misinformation spreading throughout the WordPress community about what theme frameworks are is just getting out of hand at this point.
That may be true for developers, Justin, and I know it's also what you say on your Hybrid Themes site, but both Headway and Thesis tout designing without messing with code as main features. From the Headway site: "For non-technical folks, Headway’s “Easy Hooks” let you insert custom content at will wherever you like on any page without messing with PHP or CSS. " and from the DIYThemes site: "The Thesis philosophy is simple—you can change your design all you want, but you should never change the core code that powers your website."
The fact that you just quoted that material lets me know that you don't understand what a framework is. I can't tell you whether Thesis and Headway are true frameworks. I haven't looked at the code behind them. But, if you want to look at a real framework, take a look at Carrington.
I've really been thinking about incorporating a blog into my site. I'm leaning towards Thesis since I have a knack for code and figuring out how it works. I like to tinker. Plus, I've seen some great sites built with Thesis that pretty much sold me. Great comparisons. How about some examples?
Thank you for writing this post. From a users perspective it is quite helpful that one does not have to play with code as much. I am new to Thesis and it has its learning curve, but the time spent learning there will always be useful.
I have also found Thesis support forums useful, but a complete in-house tutorial would be helpful. This is true for all the theme designers and not just Thesis.
For the advanced teacho-mage web devs, if they desire to edit more than two files, then more power to them. For the unskilled like myself, the fewer places I have to interact with code the better.
Recently Alex Denning came out with his WPShift drag and drop theme. I saw it annpounced on his WPShout website. I have not yet tried it.
Thank You and Semper Pax, Dr. Z
i have recently got thesis theme and studying the theme framework. its framework it lot more different than woo theme framework.
Having a sound knowledge of CSS and PHP will give you an extra edge in framework design.
I am going to start a new blog which will provide complete information on web designing languages and photoshop skills.
need the best wishes from this blogosphere so that i can contribute my part in this blogosphere
Initially I used to think thesis is a simpe theme but later On I realize its not a theme but a framework and many themes can be derived using this theme. Sigh!! I'm such a noob !
I agree with Sharon that the sales pitches for Headway and Thesis are misleading.
It is NOT that easy for newbies to web design to create their own layouts based on either of these frameworks. Customizing a theme requires lots of reading, an understanding of WordPress and how the hooks, etc. work. It helps to have experience with CSS and PHP as well.
I'm a web designer with years of experience and even I have a learning curve with how WordPress and how the frameworks with WordPress. But it's easier for me than someone with no experience with CSS or PHP.
So, it's misleading to advertise that newbies can create their own designs with little to no code.
I tried Headway first and requested a refund because the forum tanked. It started off as a normal forum where members could freely exchange ideas and then turned into something restrictive and annoying. That and some other issues with Headway convinced me to try Thesis. I'm currently experimenting with that one and like it so far. I love the forum and resources.
As a web designer, I like digging into code to customize pages. Otherwise, I wouldn't feel like I'm really doing my job.