Standard Joomla set includes several templates which are located within ../template folder in the root of your site. You can use any of them (except /system).

You can easy create a new template:

1. Create a new folder within ../template folder;
2. Add to this folder templatedetails.xml and index.php files

Templatedetailes.xml file is a description of a new template. It contains two required sections. The first one includes general information about your template such as name, date of creation, information about template author, etc.:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>

<!DOCTYPE install (View Source for full doctype…)>

- <install version="x.x" type="template" client="site">

<name>TemplateName</name>

<creationDate>MM/DD/YY</creationDate>

<author>AuthorName</author>

<authorEmail>author@email.com </authorEmail>

<authorUrl>http://www.authorUrl.com</authorUrl>

<copyright />

<license>GNU/GPL</license>

<version>x.x.x</version>

<description>description</description>

The second one describes position of modules on the page, for example:

- <positions>

<position>breadcrumb</position>

<position>left</position>

<position>right</position>

<position>top</position>

<position>user1</position>

<position>user2</position>

<position>user3</position>

<position>user4</position>

<position>footer</position>

<position>debug</position>

<position>syndicate</position>

</positions>

If you have any problems with creating this file, you can always apply to templatedetails.xml of any existing Joomla template.

This would be the simplest template. For more difficult template you will need to create folders with css, javascripts, images and html pages.

Index.php is a file with standard html page layout. If you wish to insert some Joomla module into your template, paste the following string to index.php:

<jdoc:include type="modules" name="modulename" style="rounded" />

where modulename is a name of the module to be inserted.

Settings default template for site

Now let select the default template for your site:

1. Go to Extensions -> Template Manager;
2. Select a template from the list and click Default button at the top of the page.

The selected template will be immediately starred in the Default column of the list. From now, your site will use this template for pages appearance.

Assigning another template for individual site page(s)

While you have already set the default template for your site, you may wish to show some page in other manner. Joomla allows you to do so assigning some other template for individual page(s):

1. Go to Extensions -> Template Manager;
2. Click to the name of a template which will be assigned to a page;
3. Within Menu Assignment area, select page (or pages) the template will be assigned to.
4. Click Save.

The assigned template will be marked with check in Assigned column of the templates list. And the selected page(s) will be displayed using the assigned template.

Compatibility: FireFox, Internet Explorer & Chrome tested.
Available Colors: Green, Orange, Cyan
Version: 1.5 (Joomla).
Price: $70

Dynamic above the fold
This template comes with a rotating slideshow that creates the refreshing elements for the site. There is enough white space around each column and elements to guide the eye movement as well.

Its modern layout will give people a good impression especially if you are into technology niche.

Below the fold
Getting to the bottom of the template is even more interesting. You can see that there is a section to showcase your works, as well as several tabs to put up more content for your visitors. I like how the default template feature their partners at the bottom and I think this has created a significantly stronger impression as compared to the normal sites.

Overall, I find this template very flexible (partly due to its Joomla-powered technology). Take a look at the demo here.

Enjoy the template!

Compatibility: FireFox, Internet Explorer & Chrome tested.
Version: 1.5 (Joomla).
Price: $55

Iconic Design
The entire template design is very visual and it captures the attention of the visitors very well. The header stands out from the template, with nicely decorated side menus, both at the left and right. There is also a top navigation bar for you to highlight important internal links to your site.

Great for niche pet site
In my opinion, this template is highly effective if you are targeting a certain pet type and offers membership content. For example, members can login and subscribe to certain modules to learn more about the pet that you are targeting.

I would also advise if you were to use this template, try using a lot of visuals on the front page to capture the attention and get the visitors to sign up with you for freebies or access to certain parts of your site.

You can view the demo of this template here.

Purchase the template here.

Compatibility: FireFox, Internet Explorer & Chrome tested.
Version: 1.5 (Joomla).
Additional Features: VirtueMart, Slideshow.
Variations: Green, red, blue and cyan.
Price: $70

Clear and neat placement

The top navigation contains a list of clear big icons for your users to select and your cart details is displayed on the top right. You can also feature your most sleek products using the top slide show feature to get the attention of your visitors.

The lower section of this template shows how a typical VirtueMart category looks like. Other menus can be linked from the sides of these templates like a normal Joomla template does. This is one of the nicest Joomla shopping cart templates that I have seen so far. Check out the demo via the following link =)

View the demo or purchase this magnificent template here.

Compatibility: FireFox, Internet Explorer & Chrome tested.
Version: 1.5 (Joomla).
Additional Features: Javascript based menu, banner & logo option.
Variations: Red, Green, Blue with 3 banners + 6 logos variations.

Effective Above the Fold Design

The top navigation is powered by Javascript withe drop-down menu display. The entire horizontal bar is well designed and clearly positioned. Your visitors should not have any problems spotting the important links.

The square banners are your biggest asset in this template. You have to showcase and present clearly to your visitors what are the categories that your site offers. You may even want to implement one of the square banners as your opt-in box to capture your visitors’ data such as email and / or name.

Touch up on the main content

The main content is up to you to include anything that you want to reinforce and get the attention from your visitors. It is a three column layout by default but I believe you can dress it up to four columns if there is a need to.

Just like any other Joomla templates, there are several footer modules for you to utilize. You can add in other links such as testimonials or partners in the footer modules. Or just get rid of them altogether =)

View the DEMO or download this free template here!

JA Quartz

Template Header – Portfolio
In my opinion, this is the best section in the template for you to showcase your amazing work pieces! Most of your visitors will be sold once you have displayed your talented portfolio. You just need to assure them with your customers testimonials in the rest of the page =)

JA Quartz Header

Another Sideshow?
There is another slideshow just below the header and it is up to you to throw in more of your work or I suggest you to put up what your customers say about your services. This element (testimonials) alone will help you to increase your trust very quickly.

Slideshow for testimonials?

Where the rest of the details go..
Here’s where all your content and pricing goes. JA Quartz has a three column layout and you most probably would not need so many columns.. This is the best part where Joomla comes in, just assign the third column to not appear in all pages and you will have a two-column layout instantly!

JA Quartz Body

In terms of monetization, you do not really have a good chance unless you are selling your own products or services. Programs such as Adsense (Pay-Per-Click) may not work so well for this theme.

You can view the complete DEMO here.

Let’s take a look at one of my favorite templates from SiteGround:

SiteGround Templates

I like this template because of the ‘out of the box’ header design. It does not constrain the main image in the top header banner. However, it will take a bit of effort for you to redesign if you are going for a totally unique template. You may find something useful over in our Freebies section =)

Template Menu

Monetizing SiteGround Templates
SiteGround templates are pretty standard in design but most Joomla users should be able to find what they want in SiteGround repositories. The most effective ways to monetize these templates are PPC programs such as Adsense (in the beginning) or Yahoo Publisher Network.

Optimal Adsense Placement
If you are targeting Adsense as one of your first income channels, you should at least place the ads in your article floating around the content. Another good placement would be just after an article. To find out more about monetizing your template using Adsense, read more from Adsense optimization tips.

Download the above template here.

Here’s another one..

The following is another template that I like very much from SiteGround. I find this template suitable for self-development or ‘Go Green’ niche. Just replace the header image and you are good to go with a totally unique site!

More templates from SiteGround

Download it here!