How difficult is it to create a Wordpress theme from scratch?

itommy Level 1

July 7, 2017, 4:16 am

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How difficult is it to create a Wordpress theme from scratch?

How difficult is it to code a Wordpress theme from scratch?
I already know HTML, CSS and PHP and I read some online tutorials about building a Wordpress theme. I think I can create one but I want to like your advice before starting this.
Only the problems are I am not good at creating graphics using graphic software
Wondering if it's worth my time and effort to learn it and build a theme?

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DenisP

DenisP

I think it's going to vary depending on your experience with coding. I myself know how to code to an extent, however "to an extent" isn't enough experience for me to have a conveniently easy time making a theme from scratch. It can get very frustrating if you're not thoroughly familiar with a certain language, and lacking the proper amount of time and patience to contribute to the effort doesn't help either. In my opinion, anyone that is above an amateur level could give it a try, but anything less and you're probably better off with a pre-built theme. That is unless you have the time to put into the trial and error it takes to code your own, in which case I'd say go for that as it can be a good source of experience.

8 years ago

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Tronia

Tronia

Exactly my thoughts! It always comes down to your knowledge. If you are extremely good with coding you can quite easily make a Wordpress theme from scratch, if not then it might take you a significant amount of time. That's why I always prefer just buying the custom themes. I only know the basics of a few coding languages which is nowhere near enough.

8 years ago

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keen2write

keen2write

I have been currently working on a theme by scratch as I have been learn some coding and I have been working on little bits at a time. As I am busy most days running my other sites I will often wait till end of the day and add more codes as I don't want to rush it. I can do some basic codes its just creating like Box's and graphics sections I need to learn more. I recently joined a freecodecamp site which learns you .

8 years ago

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itommy

itommy

If you only can write basic codes then I think you should buy an existed code, that will be easier to have a site fast.

Because building Wordpress theme from scratch is time consuming and more efforts.

8 years ago

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airfightermax

airfightermax

Totally agree on this. If you are making a theme for the sake of using it, I'm sure there are already better themes around you can buy. Some themes are free even!

But if you are doing it for self improvement like for example learning how code works then I can see how it is a good thing to try. It is probably also be rewarding seeing your theme up and running for the first time!

8 years ago

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zeedollar

zeedollar

It requires good planing to create a WordPress theme from scratch, especially if you would be creating a multi-function theme. So arrange you codes in a way you wont get lost while you work and there are other stuffs to deal with like getting images for the design, adding other plugins like visual composer.

To make things easier you should get a team to handle different sections of the project or better still hire a freelancer to code it for you around $800 - $1000

8 years ago

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hermessantos

hermessantos

I also agree with you! Planning and organization is as important as technical knowledge in PHP, HTML and CSS.

8 years ago

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itommy

itommy

Yes it is possible to code a theme from $800 - $1000 if that is for an existed website with good revenue.
But for new websites, I think it is hard to invest that amount for a web design service unless you have a good plan.

8 years ago

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hermessantos

hermessantos

I have some knowledge with PHP, HTML and CSS and have already tried to create some themes for Wordpress from scratch. However, the lack of time ended up interfering with my journey, so I simply opted for a ready theme.

I honestly do not think it's a very complicated thing to do, but it does require some training.

No matter how experienced you are, you will not be able to make a theme from scratch quickly. It will take some practice time.

Good luck.

8 years ago

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itommy

itommy

Yeah it is a reason to go with an existed theme on the marketplace, according to me, I will choose both ways because each one has its advantages.

8 years ago

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overcast

overcast

It is pretty much easy if you know PHP, CSS and HTML. Basically first you have to create single page HTML file. Then divide that HTML file into - index.php, sidebar.php, header.php and footer.php. And then put the loop and the CSS and PHP code into each of it. And for CSS you have to make use of the CSS header template in WordPress template for CSS. That way your theme can detect that CSS. If you follow this flow for more than once, then you can find that developing theme is not hard. It's the design aspect on pixel level details where things are hard as in to get it perfect.

8 years ago

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itommy

itommy

I also thought about these case
but it didn't have a simpler ways to build WP theme from scratch?
For example
I can have a blank frame work theme there and I can start somethings faster?

Thanks

8 years ago

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overcast

overcast

That is also possible. You can use the "underscore" theme. You can use the WordPress them which are blank and you can extend it. You can use the page builder such as Divi with those blank themes and build child themes lot easier. I have used that option for most of my clients. It is cost effective for them too.

8 years ago

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itommy

itommy

What is underscore theme?it is shared from Wordpress site?
I didn't use Divi but from your suggestion, I will give it a try.

8 years ago

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TsuyoyRival

TsuyoyRival

Watch some online videos (youtube tutorials) on PHP, HTML and CSS. I'm not gonna say it's hard but takes a bit of time from you. Good luck!

8 years ago

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whatareyou420

whatareyou420

Yeah, I've tried learning about how to build a WP theme before and it can be overwhelming. If you don't know how to code, it's going to be difficult. As others have said, just go with a free one or find somebody you can pay to help you to get your site to where you want it. It's far better to just be able to focus on content.

8 years ago

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coolavender

coolavender

I read a tutorial blog that says it's not difficult at all to build a Wordpress theme from scratch if you already know HTML, CSS, and PHP. The instructions appeared simple enough and it looks like it's something I can do if I have the time. Problem is, while I know something about these languages, I'm not quite sure if I know enough at this point to create something web-worthy. I've learned various computer languages from online tutorial sites but they're quite basic. I'd say if you're confident of your coding skills and if you have the time, drive, and patience to create a theme that you'll be happy to use, then go for it.

8 years ago

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goldlady

goldlady

I use blogspot. I have a blog there since I was a teenager. Firs years I only used the themes they had. Then I learned to personalize my blog using codes and more complicated tools. A few years ago I tried to take my blog to Wordpress because I think it is a little bit more professional... but to be honest, I found it really complicated. It's just me or someone elses thinks they should make it easier?

8 years ago

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itommy

itommy

I tried blogspot but to be honest, it is very hard to customize its theme.
It doesn't like a self host blog which I can customize whatever I want on my design.

8 years ago

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mybarya

mybarya

You might consider using a theme framework to facilitate your development. A theme framework is basically a code library especially built to assist developers and creating themes. There are drag and drop frameworks that allow you to create everything visually without any knowledge of coding. But if you are comfortable with coding, there are also frameworks that are built especially for developers to focus on theme development, without the bloat that usually comes with drag and drop frameworks.

8 years ago

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itommy

itommy

Yes I heard about this and more people said that using a theme framework can will spend less time in web development but I don't know which frame work is the best.

Can you suggest me some good framework to go with? I can want to give it a try.

8 years ago

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mybarya

mybarya

I often hear about the Genesis theme framework, but I haven't used it. This is non-free, by the way. Or you may search for open source frameworks. I'm sure there are a lot out there.

7 years ago

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itommy

itommy

I heard about this framework but never tried. Don't mind if it is paid theme and I can buy it if it can provide what I want to build a theme as my requirements.

7 years ago

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Authord

Authord

It's time consuming, but the amount of time consumed is dependent on the individual's skill set, if you are beginner in php, then it will be very hectic for you and you might still not get what you want, but if you are a junior programmer, then it won’t be really that hard for, and then comes the senior coders, they can put up a professional theme within 4hours or less , so i think the difficulty is dependent on the skill set of the individual

7 years ago

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vhinz

vhinz

Creating a wordpress theme requires knowledge in PHP, HTML, CSS Javascript/jquery and of course a creative design skills. It requires time, focus, and patience to create your own wordpress theme. You have to study also the designing conventions in developing a wordpress theme. You have to follow the general rule so that your theme will pass the standards.

7 years ago

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itommy

itommy

I agree with you, but some pro themes are very difficult to edit because they write in OOP language. I bought some themes and I realized that although I know PHP, CSS, JS and HTML.

7 years ago

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Corzhens

Corzhens

I am not well versed with Wordpress although I have used it as a platform for submitting articles. From the looks of it, I know it is not that easy but I guess a website owner has to learn the mechanics of operation and the details. Now comes the hard part about the theme because one freelancer said that you have to buy a theme to give your site in Wordpress a professional look. That involves cost?

6 years ago

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charlotte2506

charlotte2506

There are two ways to build a WordPress theme :
1. By coding or
2. By using a WordPress theme builder.
Refer to this article to learn in detail : https://blog.templatetoaster.com/c...s-theme-scratch/

5 years ago

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