Textpattern Template Tutorial

The textpattern template installation is generally a straight-forward process. However, there are at least several steps that need to be accomplished. There is no automatic installer available and each step should be performed separately. Each Textpattern template includes a file with detailed instructions how exactly to perform the installation. In all cases you need to follow those instructions.

Here is a general overview what the template installation procedure includes.

Step 1. First of all, it is imperative to create a backup of your TextPattern web site. Both the files and the database should be backed up in case anything goes wrong.

Step 2. Download the desired template and extract it locally on your computer (most commonly the template installation files will come in an archive). By default the extracted folder will contain a file named "Instructions" where the exact steps needed to install the template are provided.

Each of the following 4 steps are accomplished via the functionality provided under the TextPattern admin area -> Presentation. This is where the look and feel of the site is adjusted.

Step 3. You will need to edit or add new Pages to the current installation.

Step 4. You will need to edit the existing or add new Forms.

Step 5. Also you will need to make similar modifications under Style.

Step 6. Finally you will have to create new sections or edit the options for existing ones.

You might also need to:

Step 7. Install new custom plugins needed for the template to work properly.

Step 8. Copy over images from the template installation package under your TextPattern installation. You will need to upload those via FTP or cPanel -> File Manager.

Those are the standard steps that you will need to take in order to install a TextPattern template. Note that one or more of those steps might not be included. This depends on the template you are installing.