1. TEMPLATE FRAMEWORKS
James Friesen
Mango Tree Media

2. What is a template framework?
A framework is a tool which
• provides the structure on which you
can build a site theme.
• makes theming faster and easier
(layout, menus, core overrides).
• adds powerful features that would
otherwise be costly to implement.
• helps with cross-browser support.

3. Who should use frameworks?

4. Who should use frameworks?
Anyone who is
• using template clubs like Rocket
Theme, Joomlart, Yoothemes.
• creating a custom theme.
• NOT creating a site that MUST be
lean and mean.

5. Template Framework: LAYOUT

6. Template Framework: LAYOUT
• Manage collapsible module areas and
columns on your site
• Cross-browser
• Source-ordering (960 grid)
– Allows content to display first before
sidebars

7. Template Framework: FEATURES

8. Template Framework: FEATURES
• Drop-Down Menus
– full-featured javascript menus with
multiple levels
– modules in menus (T3 Mega Menu)
– configurable in template admin

9. Template Framework: FEATURES
• Javascript/CSS Compression &
Caching
– no need for third party add-on

10. Template Framework: FEATURES
• Google Fonts
– out-of-the-box support for almost 300
web-safe fonts

11. Template Framework: FEATURES
• Mobile Layouts
– easily create mobile versions of your site
with same Joomla content
– auto-detect mobile devices
– provide special positions for mobile-only
content

12. Template Frameworks
WHICH TO CHOOSE?

13. Template Frameworks
WHICH TO CHOOSE?
• Gantry
• T3
• Morph
• Warp
• Construct

14. Template Frameworks
WHICH TO CHOOSE?
• Gantry
– 960 grid layout (can be good or bad)
– lots of power and goodies
– nice mobile feature
– free GPL download

15. Template Frameworks
WHICH TO CHOOSE?
• T3
– extremely configurable layout
– powerful options
– steep learning curve
– free GPL download

16. Template Frameworks
WHICH TO CHOOSE?
• Morph
– easy-to-use interface
– fast loading
– currently only Joomla 1.5
– free GPL download

17. Template Frameworks
WHICH TO CHOOSE?
• Warp
– fast loading
– user friendly
– HTML5/CSS3 options
– only available with subscription

18. Template Frameworks
WHICH TO CHOOSE?
• Construct
– light weight
– nice mobile version
– easy to adapt existing designs
– only available with subscription

19. Template Frameworks - WHICH TO CHOOSE?
GANTRY MORPH WARP T3 CONSTRUCT
HTML overrides   
JC/CSS compression     
Google Fonts only 1 
Modules in Menus    
Free Download   
Joomla 1.7    
Mobile Layout  iPhone  
960 Grid 
Flexible Width    
Layout Manager    

20. TEMPLATE FRAMEWORKS
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