Main Approaches to Designing a Blogger Template

Whenever you have the inclination to design a new template for your Blogger-hosted blog, there are some clear paths that you can follow in order to see the least amount of turn-around. Basically, you always want to start with a foundation, then build upon it to ensure that you don’t have to reproduce the entire code each time – this can be quite time consuming, especially if you have multiple blogs that you must design for.

Start with a Pre-Installed Template

The pre-installed templates can serve as an excellent starting point, as they are simple, contain only what is required, and also contain the code to allow others to edit the main theme colors, although this will require more advanced work. For example, the Minima template series can easily be adapted with images, alternative text styles, or other characteristics once you have figured out how to properly design a template.

Otherwise, if you are more comfortable diving into the code that makes everything possible without understanding what elements it changes, you should first look at tutorials and basics on CSS and (X)HTML first.

Create Your Own Foundation

Many template designers, especially for other bog systems, have developed a framework, or wireframe, which can easily be built upon to suit your needs. This is quite similar to the first method, although you’d be in charge of what goes into the foundation – reminiscent of using a “default” theme/template.

Starting with this default template, you won’t be required to change much, other than colors, styles, and background (using CSS) images, such as those used in the sidebar and post headers. This would make even more sense if you were planning to release your templates to the public, as each would be styled similarly, so others using your theme would find it more convenient to edit their themes, also.

If you know the basics of what makes up a theme, you’ll be able to:

• Design your own themes rather than have someone else (either through purchasing or downloading the themes elsewhere), meaning you’ll save time and money in the long-term.
• Be able to address problems and errors you encounter while editing the code.
• Add unique elements that aren’t found on other blogs.
• Spend more time adding posts rather than dealing with problems surrounding your theme.

Use Someone Else’s Theme (Adaptation)

When you look at each theme available, many are using trends and standards set forth by themes created before. Taking from another design is simply that – you aren’t copying or stealing any code. Generally, it is better if you request the permission of the original designer if you are taking a large portion of their design/template, even if your design looks nothing remotely like theirs.

In some cases, it would be ideal to remain as consistent with the original design as possible, especially if you are considering converting a popular WordPress theme to a Blogger template. People who are familiar with the original theme but want to use it on another blog platform will like the fact that it is similar in many aspects to the original creation.

Helpful Links

You can start at this blog or go to the Blogger Help Center for Layouts.

Additional Note

You are not to copy others works without crediting the original source or requesting the author’s permission.