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A theme framework is a theme that is designed to be a flexible foundation that can serve as a parent theme for building child themes. The use of WordPress theme frameworks may ease theme development by reducing the volume of work which may be needed in creating a backbone for your theme (usually by using PHP and WordPress Template Tags). Theme frameworks also make theme development more accessible, removing the need for programming knowledge. I listed here the best WordPress theme frameworks available as well as several child themes and related articles to help get Your foot with WordPress theme developing.
Thematic is a free, open-source, highly extensible, search-engine optimized WordPress Theme Framework featuring 13 widget-ready areas, grid-based layout samples, styling for popular plugins, and a whole community behind it. It’s perfect for beginner bloggers and WordPress development professionals.
Amazing WordPress theme framework, definitely one of my favorite. Here is short list what You archieve from this framework:
I’ll just give you the short list instead, so you can go ahead and play with the theme:
Carrington is a CMS theme framework for WordPress that makes it easy to create unique looks for different categories, posts and comments just by creating custom templates. Framework with full documentation, community forums to have Your problems explained, very friendly!
Vanilla’s key boast is this: Exceptional power and freedom for designers, without (or barely) needing to know or touch PHP. Thanks to the combined capabilities of PHPTAL templates, Carrington’s atomic templates, YUI CSS and full widgetization (including custom widget controls).
Lovely framework released under code.google.com section where several frameworks is combined together – definitely worth checking out!
It is designed to speed up the process of designing and coding a WordPress theme by eliminating the time spent on WordPress’ back-end PHP that is used in every theme.
Whiteboard is clean, noted, and compact (only 76KB in size – unzipped!). It includes all the standard PHP tags and PHP files needed for a WordPress theme – plus a few extras.
WP Framework is a blank WordPress theme framework, which aims to cut down on your theme development time. It gives you a solid theme foundation to build your project on top of so you can focus on project-specific features right from the git-go.
The Sandbox is a powerful tool available for WordPress theme designers and developers. The Sandbox can be easily designed just with CSS, so beginners will feel comfortable not bothering with PHP.
Experienced developers and designers can accomplish almost anything with minimal work, thanks to the rich, semantic markup and profusion of classes dynamically generated by the Sandbox.
The OnePress framework is an integrated website and forum solution. It is, simply, a WordPress theme to serve as the foundation and framework for your web site and online community. Leveraging the powerful WordPress and phpBB projects, OnePress provides a set of features focused on helping you build and maintain your site from the inside out. With this set of tools, you can easily run your community and do so with professional presentation.
And here are some of the features of WPcandy starter theme:
Several child themes and resources:
Junction is a WordPress Child Theme based on the Thematic Theme Framework. In terms of style, Junction is vastly different from Thematic, however Junction capitalizes on the power of the Thematic Framework, which allows the ability to style the entire template without touching a single line of original php or html code.
Thematic offers a bunch of child themes, I featured one of them, but You should check this site for Yourself, actually I suggest You to subscribe to this site if You’re serious about WordPress theme developing.
Acamas is a Thematic Themelet. That means Acamas requires the Thematic Theme Framework installed in your WordPress theme directory. Thematic powers Acamas. And Acamas builds on the power of Thematic. But don’t worry! Thematic is free. Even better, it’s open-source and one of the most advanced SEO WordPress themes around. Download Thematic now and set your blog on a rock-solid foundation for success.
And finally I found several related articles, You should read if You’re interested in actual using/modifying and developing WordPress themes:
Interesting poll with discussion below, trying to help You choose the right WordPress theme framework for Your case.
Justin Tadlock, creator of Hybrid theme framework, explains what’s theme framework at all and why You should use it at all and much more – just read this article!
You can read in this article:
This forum will kindly give You answers to many unclear questions dedicated to help You modify WordPress themes.
“Helping you learn more about blogging and WordPress every day with help, tips, advice, and techniques for blogging and using WordPress and WordPress.com. The blogging help you need. Now.” – amazing site with many useful articles and links about WordPress, blogging helping You to take Your skills to the next level.
And of course, You shouldn’t forget about actual WordPress creator codex website. It seems obvious, but often we forget such things :)
Excellent WordPress guide teaching You how to create WordPress theme from scratch and clearly explaining each code snippet. I personally started here my WordPress learning.
In this article I wanted to show just the best WordPress Theme frameworks and few guidelines where to continue Your research so I kept WordPress tutorial, resource and article selection for later. Enjoy!
Few further resources:
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Dainis Graveris is 23 years old blogger and designer, founder of 1stWebDesigner, now more silently managing everything behind the scenes. He usually hangs out in Twitter tweeting design related links and chatting with people. If you have any questions or feedback that's the best place to start! Cheers!
Thursday, February 9th, 2012 05:19
i appreciate your research, very good theme selection. i think thesis framework is also awesome one
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 09:01
Nice compilation, however since the post is quite old (more than 1000 days) it must be revised.
There are many new framework launched in due course.
Saturday, December 10th, 2011 18:19
The list is really something great. All the frameworks mentioned here are awesome and helpful.Cheers!
Saturday, December 10th, 2011 17:08
i use Multiple Frameworks but i think Headway framework is easy to use.
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 20:49
Dainis, if you consider updating this article we’d love to provide you with an evaluation copy of K9 Canvas the theme framework from Howling Dog Themes. We built the system to use with our own clients and have been refining it for the last couple of years. Originally we didn’t think of releasing it to the public, we just wanted something that would allow us to build sites that don’t look like WordPress sites while using WordPress and cutting our own development time. At a certain point it just didn’t make sense to not release it, so we have. Hope you’ll check it out and consider adding it when you update.
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 14:46
I used Genesis , Canvas and Headway frameworks. But i prefer headway framework its easy.
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 09:13
Hey Dainis,
I loved the list. All the frameworks are really awesome..
Can you tell me which is that #6 WP framework? Because the link is not working and the look of the theme is matching to this theme framework – http://rtpanel.com/ . I am using the same for my blog. It’s really amazing and SEO friendly. Whats your opinion?
Monday, October 31st, 2011 20:32
Great list. but, Thesis is most popular at this time :)
Friday, October 14th, 2011 21:41
The list is very interesting, but believe that missing a very important framework is GantryFramework.
Greetings.
Sunday, September 18th, 2011 09:49
I love theme frameworks. Makes theme creation easier. I particularly like Thematic and Whiteboard. Because they’re free. Heh. I’m thinking of trying out paid frameworks, though. Like Pagelines Pro or something similar.
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 23:07
ThemeShaper Forums is best.
Thank you for this.tnx
Saturday, June 5th, 2010 23:22
It is great to see all of the different themes all on one page. We have many resources that we never knew about. Thanks!
Saturday, July 9th, 2011 07:47
I agree with you Chad .ALL themes framework are great.Designs are eye catching.
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 12:10
WoW! Great designs.. I hope someday we can get it for free.. :)
Thursday, May 27th, 2010 08:33
Thanks for the list — I’d never even heard of some of these frameworks before! Interesting read!
Monday, March 15th, 2010 20:00
Thanks for the great list. I love the thematic as I think it provides us perhaps with some of the best SEO benefits of all, but the rest of the list is nothing to sneeze on!
Thanks
Friday, October 16th, 2009 18:25
Great list of themes I must look into installing a more graphically pleasing theme on ours. Perhaps we should use it a bit more often to lol
Saturday, September 26th, 2009 16:58
That is good resouces and very nice theme, thanks very much.
Denis
Friday, September 4th, 2009 11:54
Great collection, I have always used the Thematic framework and it works really well. I think I’m going to try out the Hybrid framework soon though, it has had a lot of praise recently.
Saturday, August 1st, 2009 16:12
Thenks!I like these themes! & I’ll try any one in my blog!
Friday, May 29th, 2009 23:21
I stopped at “So you want to create WordPress themes huh?”… took a look at the website and knew I had found what I was looking for, a complete course on WordPress themes.
Thanks a lot.
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 06:32
good thems,
thx
Thursday, May 21st, 2009 08:51
thx for share man, i’ll try all of the list
Rudis last blog post : Free Pattern Background for your site
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 19:38
Blueprint wordpress theme should be on this list…
Saturday, May 16th, 2009 11:59
Thanks for posting this interesting list full of great ideas!
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 21:15
Great source of resources about wordpress themes frameworks, those themes can be very useful when you don’t want to start from scratch with a new blog.
Thanks
Luis Eduardos last blog post : 12 Awesome French Short Animations
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 07:47
Great WordPress theme frameworks and resources. The rest of the site is an perfect example of web design using WordPress:) Thanks again for sharing.
Thursday, April 30th, 2009 22:12
This is a great list of resources, thank you for putting it together. One can never have too many wordpress resources.
Also thanks so much for including our article.
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 10:11
Great compilation of wordpress theme frameworks, but you missed out on Starkers Theme that provides you basic framework without any styles, for creating wordpress theme.
Satbirs last blog post : How to Mask Input with jQuery?
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 16:40
Useful list, thanks.
If I may be so bold as to add number 21 to the list, I’ve developed Brave New World – a base theme free from cruft yet incorporates HTML5, WAI-ARIA landmark roles and hCard and hAtom microformats.
My apologies for not yet getting around to explaining the finer points of HTML5, WAI-ARIA etc in my post.
Regards, Karl
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 19:47
@Willie Jackson somehow, I missed this one, I think I’ll edit my list, very good finding, thanks!
@CSSJockey thanks for Your link, You really spend a lot of time in that theme! Great share!
Dainis Graveriss last blog post : 20 WordPress Theme Frameworks And Starting Resources
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 17:20
OnePress Community is awesome!
Monday, April 27th, 2009 23:51
Great post. Thanks for the useful list..
joyoge designers’ bookmarks last blog post : Create a Retro Photo and Background | Denis Designs
Monday, April 27th, 2009 21:45
Imagination is a Fully Customizable WordPress Theme and comes pre-loaded with 9 different site-wide styles to choose from, with just a click.
Moreover, You can customize the style according to your mood, occasion or preferences. Use your imagination to create a unique look of your blog/website anytime you want.
Check It Out: http://tr.im/imagination
CSSJockeys last blog post : Imagination: Feature Rich FREE WordPress Theme!
Monday, April 27th, 2009 18:32
Great post and wish I had done more research and new about these themes. I’ve just put together my own framework themes here – http://www.framework-templates.com and would love to get some feedback.
Christine Rondeaus last blog post : Looking for Canadian web hosting company? Look no further than Blacksun.
Monday, April 27th, 2009 17:18
Hehe, you beat me to it. Was planing a article like this ;)
Terje Asphaugs last blog post : My WordPress – A very nice Theme for Pro- or Personal Blogging
Monday, April 27th, 2009 14:46
Great post. Thanks a lot !
You can see more themes WP in my blog: http://tr.im/iBB2
Monday, April 27th, 2009 20:00
Have you checked out Thesis? I’m surprised it wasn’t included on the list: http://diythemes.com/thesis/about/
Monday, April 27th, 2009 18:32
This is really a great post. I just spent an hour going through many of the links, and links from those links… It really gives a person everything s/he might need to build a WP theme from (almost) scratch.
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Keith D
Friday, May 29th, 2009 23:21
I stopped at “So you want to create WordPress themes huh?”… took a look at the website and knew I had found what I was looking for, a complete course on WordPress themes.
Thanks a lot.
RPGamerZ
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 06:32
good thems,
thx
Angie Bowen
Thursday, April 30th, 2009 22:12
This is a great list of resources, thank you for putting it together. One can never have too many wordpress resources.
Also thanks so much for including our article.
Edward
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 07:47
Great WordPress theme frameworks and resources. The rest of the site is an perfect example of web design using WordPress:) Thanks again for sharing.
Luis Eduardo
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 21:15
Great source of resources about wordpress themes frameworks, those themes can be very useful when you don’t want to start from scratch with a new blog.
Thanks
Luis Eduardos last blog post : 12 Awesome French Short Animations
webceoseo
Saturday, May 16th, 2009 11:59
Thanks for posting this interesting list full of great ideas!
Bjorn
Monday, April 27th, 2009 18:32
This is really a great post. I just spent an hour going through many of the links, and links from those links… It really gives a person everything s/he might need to build a WP theme from (almost) scratch.
Alex
Monday, June 15th, 2009 15:05
Very nice themes!
Rudi
Thursday, May 21st, 2009 08:51
thx for share man, i’ll try all of the list
Rudis last blog post : Free Pattern Background for your site
Bradley Woods
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 19:38
Blueprint wordpress theme should be on this list…
Satbir
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 10:11
Great compilation of wordpress theme frameworks, but you missed out on Starkers Theme that provides you basic framework without any styles, for creating wordpress theme.
Satbirs last blog post : How to Mask Input with jQuery?
Karl
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 16:40
Useful list, thanks.
If I may be so bold as to add number 21 to the list, I’ve developed Brave New World – a base theme free from cruft yet incorporates HTML5, WAI-ARIA landmark roles and hCard and hAtom microformats.
My apologies for not yet getting around to explaining the finer points of HTML5, WAI-ARIA etc in my post.
Regards, Karl
Gelay Jamtsho
Monday, April 27th, 2009 21:49
I use Thematic. Love it!!!
Danh ba web 2.0
Monday, April 27th, 2009 14:46
Great post. Thanks a lot !
You can see more themes WP in my blog: http://tr.im/iBB2
Willie Jackson
Monday, April 27th, 2009 20:00
Have you checked out Thesis? I’m surprised it wasn’t included on the list: http://diythemes.com/thesis/about/
Terje Asphaug
Monday, April 27th, 2009 17:18
Hehe, you beat me to it. Was planing a article like this ;)
Terje Asphaugs last blog post : My WordPress – A very nice Theme for Pro- or Personal Blogging
Christine Rondeau
Monday, April 27th, 2009 18:32
Great post and wish I had done more research and new about these themes. I’ve just put together my own framework themes here – http://www.framework-templates.com and would love to get some feedback.
Christine Rondeaus last blog post : Looking for Canadian web hosting company? Look no further than Blacksun.
Dainis Graveris
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 19:47
@Willie Jackson somehow, I missed this one, I think I’ll edit my list, very good finding, thanks!
@CSSJockey thanks for Your link, You really spend a lot of time in that theme! Great share!
Dainis Graveriss last blog post : 20 WordPress Theme Frameworks And Starting Resources
ajaxprojection
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 17:20
OnePress Community is awesome!
joyoge designers' bookmark
Monday, April 27th, 2009 23:51
Great post. Thanks for the useful list..
joyoge designers’ bookmarks last blog post : Create a Retro Photo and Background | Denis Designs
CSSJockey
Monday, April 27th, 2009 21:45
Imagination is a Fully Customizable WordPress Theme and comes pre-loaded with 9 different site-wide styles to choose from, with just a click.
Moreover, You can customize the style according to your mood, occasion or preferences. Use your imagination to create a unique look of your blog/website anytime you want.
Check It Out: http://tr.im/imagination
CSSJockeys last blog post : Imagination: Feature Rich FREE WordPress Theme!
John Parks
Saturday, August 1st, 2009 16:12
Thenks!I like these themes! & I’ll try any one in my blog!
Jo Oxford
Friday, September 4th, 2009 11:54
Great collection, I have always used the Thematic framework and it works really well. I think I’m going to try out the Hybrid framework soon though, it has had a lot of praise recently.
DavidW
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 20:49
Dainis, if you consider updating this article we’d love to provide you with an evaluation copy of K9 Canvas the theme framework from Howling Dog Themes. We built the system to use with our own clients and have been refining it for the last couple of years. Originally we didn’t think of releasing it to the public, we just wanted something that would allow us to build sites that don’t look like WordPress sites while using WordPress and cutting our own development time. At a certain point it just didn’t make sense to not release it, so we have. Hope you’ll check it out and consider adding it when you update.
Amrinder Singh
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 14:46
I used Genesis , Canvas and Headway frameworks. But i prefer headway framework its easy.
Anakson
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 09:13
Hey Dainis,
I loved the list. All the frameworks are really awesome..
Can you tell me which is that #6 WP framework? Because the link is not working and the look of the theme is matching to this theme framework – http://rtpanel.com/ . I am using the same for my blog. It’s really amazing and SEO friendly. Whats your opinion?
Sumit Nagpal
Saturday, December 10th, 2011 17:08
i use Multiple Frameworks but i think Headway framework is easy to use.
Aaron
Saturday, December 10th, 2011 18:19
The list is really something great. All the frameworks mentioned here are awesome and helpful.Cheers!
Alen
Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 23:19
Such a great collection dude..Keep it up
amy sidra
Saturday, May 5th, 2012 12:01
i like whiteboard. its very usefull. thanks for share
prabha
Thursday, February 9th, 2012 05:19
i appreciate your research, very good theme selection. i think thesis framework is also awesome one
Gajanan
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 09:01
Nice compilation, however since the post is quite old (more than 1000 days) it must be revised.
There are many new framework launched in due course.
Shifnet
Monday, October 31st, 2011 20:32
Great list. but, Thesis is most popular at this time :)
Ventura Rodriguez
Friday, October 14th, 2011 21:41
The list is very interesting, but believe that missing a very important framework is GantryFramework.
Greetings.
Alex Sysoef
Monday, March 15th, 2010 20:00
Thanks for the great list. I love the thematic as I think it provides us perhaps with some of the best SEO benefits of all, but the rest of the list is nothing to sneeze on!
Thanks
Andy Fitzpatrick
Friday, October 16th, 2009 18:25
Great list of themes I must look into installing a more graphically pleasing theme on ours. Perhaps we should use it a bit more often to lol
harga emas
Saturday, September 26th, 2009 16:58
That is good resouces and very nice theme, thanks very much.
Denis
Jesse Taylor
Thursday, May 27th, 2010 08:33
Thanks for the list — I’d never even heard of some of these frameworks before! Interesting read!
PWebshop
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 12:10
WoW! Great designs.. I hope someday we can get it for free.. :)
Jimmy Santos
Sunday, September 18th, 2011 09:49
I love theme frameworks. Makes theme creation easier. I particularly like Thematic and Whiteboard. Because they’re free. Heh. I’m thinking of trying out paid frameworks, though. Like Pagelines Pro or something similar.
Todd
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 23:07
ThemeShaper Forums is best.
Thank you for this.tnx
Chad
Saturday, June 5th, 2010 23:22
It is great to see all of the different themes all on one page. We have many resources that we never knew about. Thanks!
harry
Saturday, July 9th, 2011 07:47
I agree with you Chad .ALL themes framework are great.Designs are eye catching.