How to start making a Wordpress Theme

First of all, I’ve been using Wordpress since 2004 when I started to apply for a subdomain under the domain of one of my online friends until I got my domain last 2005. I find Wordpress flexible, has user-friendly interface, easy to use, and the admin panel is also very convenient. Plus, the fact that this blog platform is the fastest growing in-demand. It’s easy to install on your own server, just make sure you have your own domain w/ hosting and cpanel.

Here are few of my tips on how to start making a Wordpress Theme:

1. You have to know how to code HTML, CSS and basic PHP. This is the important things that we have to learn. Without these you cannot make your own Wordpress Theme or any kinds of websites even if its just a plain HTML layout or template.
2. If you really want to make an HTML layout/template, you can still make your own without spending your time coding it. I suggest to use Microsoft Frontpage or Adobe/Macromedia Dreamweaver for beginners. Its a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) HTML Editor. All you have to do is by just clicking the tools to make your own design (your desired colors, desired style, etc.)
3. If you want to spice up your website, try to start on your graphic skills by making your own graphic layouts. When I say graphic layouts, it includes the background images, header, footer, etc. I recommend you to use Adobe Photoshop graphic software. You can also try using Corel Paint Shop Pro. There are hundreds of tutorial sites that offers with these graphic softwares. Learn it, apply your creativity and be proud of it.
4. f you don’t want to spend your time learning the tips the I’ve mentioned above, you can still download your desired Wordpress Theme by modifying them into your own likings. Actually, I didn’t start learning with this tip, I started from #1 tip. But anyway, its up to you whether you want to learn and make it on your own or by just modifying those free Wordpress Themes.

   Here are some of the suggested sites that offers Free Wordpress Themes:

   • WordPress › Free WordPress Themes
   • Top Wordpress Themes – Best Free Themes for Wordpress
   • Free Wordpress Themes Download | Best Wordpress Themes Downloads

   Please don’t just modify them, read exactly whats the terms of use of that theme (if ever there’s one) so that you’re not getting into trouble in the future. Did I mention that you can also learn by modifying them? Don’t just modify them, learn how these tags works.

5. Based from Wordpress site, “Template tags” are used within your blog’s Templates to display information dynamically or otherwise customize your blog. This is another importang thing that you need to know most especially if you want to make a Wordpress Theme in the future.

   If you already know how to code HTML, CSS, and basic PHP, with the help of template tags its possible that you can start making your own Wordpress Theme, that sites includes further information on template tags and templates. Patience, hardwork, perseverance, passion is needed here to fulfill yourself with this kind of field, as a Web Designer in the future.

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