How I Modify My WordPress Templates

I began blogging on wordpress when version 1.2 was out. By version 1.5 I considered myself being quite proficient in modifying my templates here – despite that I do not know any PHP programming.

I know that you can modify the template directly in the Presentation area of your dashboard – but, I have never done so.

It’s much easier for me to load up my WS_FTP_LE program. First, this software is preset to launch directly to my …/wordpress/wp-content/themes/specific-theme/ folder .. When I first login .. I make a new folder (called “backup-yyyymmdd”) and copy all the online files into there – just in case. My ftp program is set to use simple Notepad as my html editor of choice. I used to have EditPad .. but, got fed up of the safety backups it was doing on its own.

EditPad is better in that it does read all .PHP files normally. Notepad, sometimes does not. But – that’s only because it was placed on the host provider using Binary transfer protocols .. (what you should use for pictures) .. so, if for some reason a file is not at first readable .. just transfer it over again in ASCII mode.

So .. I pretty much know where to edit the files, although sometimes it’s time consuming creating new templates. I try to add extra memo tags in there to describe what’s being added by me. I’m comfortable doing things this way. If I make a mistake, or if my template halts or does not display or load – I just reload the safety backup version and start over.

I never liked doing the modifications directly in the Presentation on the dashboard, for the above reason – you forget to backup your files! Also, before 1.5.2 (I believe) .. You had to remember to make your directories readable (CHMOD) it a certain way. Since that version, it didn’t matter and the permalinks seemed to accept changes. That was the way it was .. “IN THE GOOD OLE DAYS”

SO NOW WHAT’S GOING ON OUT THERE IN TEMPLATE LAND?

There’s a new breed of templates being created and updated and modified for the newer version 2.0+ versions .. The stylesheet and options that I might have added or deleted or modified while I was in the file editing my template “blog” stuff anyway .. can now be directly modified inside WordPress as a separate menu in the Presentation area.

I’ve just set up two sites using the following design – It’s going to work out well for me. What I liked about it? In this new template presentation options .. you can select from about 6 different headers, or add your own; change the stylesheet a little, and opt for admin stuff, meta stuff, links, categories, etc to be printed or not printed .. and finally whether your sidebar goes on the left or right.

Anyway .. I like that – as a user of FREE TEMPLATES … I’m glad to promote your link at the bottom of my templates when I choose to use your design and template .. and like where this is going for users like myself.

Good Job and thanks to BinaryMoon.co.uk who created their “REGULUS” theme .. the link is for version 2.12 but, it’s version 2.13 that is downloaded. It’s neat. Try it. And, come back here in a in 14 days and I will give you the URL of several sites that are using this template, for your perusal. (or, just ask me privately for the URL)

And yes .. yes .. yes … I know I could probably use some Network Redesign to give us some unique look or be innovative .. but, I’m too poor *sniffles* to afford all of you high-class designers ~~

www.binarymoon.co.uk/2006/04/regulus-wordpress-theme-version-212/