Poll
Question:
Which is the default (guest) theme in use on your forum?
Option 1: Core (SMF 1.1/2.0 default)
Option 2: Babylon
Option 3: Classic
Option 4: 3rd Party
All,
As part of the 2.0 planning we are considering what themes we should include within the release archive. At the present time we include three themes in the install package, and we would like to guage just how many people are using these themes as their default - to decide whether we should look at phasing out some of these in the distribution.
Therefore could you please indicate which theme you use by default. If you have modified one of the included themes please still vote as if you had note (i.e. if you've edited classic vote for classic and not "3rd party").
Thanks,
Grudge
I created my own theme. It seems like a lot of people no longer use The Classic theme. But lets see how the poll turns out. :D
I deleted Babylon & Classic.
Then designed different themes using the Core as a base.
I've seen a few people using the Classic theme. If you do phase it out of the base install, would it still be kept up as a custom theme in the Themes Site?
Personally, I think those themes should always be kept. Since most themes are based on one of the three, it helps mod authors have a basis for getting their mods to work on those themes, and thus, the majority of themes that don't change the specific lines the mods alter.
I tend to delete the classic theme, but keep the babylon theme because a few dozen members use it.
However my *default* theme is a custom theme.
Edit: Just checked, and out of the 11 themes offered to my members, the least used are (in order - from least used):
- A copy of the classic theme, but with different colours
- The babylon theme
- Default SMF theme
So literally, in my forums, the least successful themes are the ones provided by SMF :(
Thats not unsurprising.
SMF themes are (IMO should be) generic.
Obviously you can choose/design themes which suit your own forum.
One of Eren's themes, though if the semantic default pulls through I could well switch. If I'm still using SMF at that time.
I did the same as karlbenson when I had my forum. I like the default theme. Now and then, for a change, I created a new theme based on the default
Most of my sites are using variations on the Classic theme, but that could change in the future if I get time to update them.
I never use classic or babylon themes but use the default on my test forum if I want to work on mods before worrying about making them work on my main forum. I dont mind the default and would use it on forums that I didnt want a theme based on its use.
I dont think no matter what theme you add to the base install will make much difference really as most forums tend to like to make their own to suit.Those that cant or dont have time to make a theme will normally find one suitable on the mods site or sourced off the net.
You could look at this from a different angle and instead of including certain themes add a feature to admin similar to the mod page where you have categorised themes that can install on demand.
You could title each heading like Sports,Leisure,Sci fi,Gaming,Religious ect then have themes that are passes as acceptable by smf in terms of function and copyright ect they are added to the theme list.
This way you can keep any theme up to date when smf gets updated and also add any theme at any point you wish to or withdraw.These themes would be officially endorsed by smf to work correctly with the version.This way could keep the install file size small as well since the themes are downloaded as requested instead.It would also provide stats of what themes are popular and help with future designs maybe.
Thats my thoughts on how themes could work for smf.
I have three themes running one global theme and two for specific boards, all three are custom made by me. :P
I always delete the Babylon and Classic themes for my SMF installs, and Core is not selectable by members. With 2.0 I'll probably only keep the new default theme alongside my custom ones, but as I've already said in many posts on this topic before, I still think Core can, and probably should, be kept in the package as a bridge between versions. Babylon and Classic don't serve such a purpose anymore though, and therefore, I'd greatly prefer that they were removed from the installation package and made downloadable on the Theme Site instead.
Hard to say, my theme is roughly based on classic but I'm not sure it's based on it enough to call it classic.
I use a 3rd party theme. However, I keep the Core, Classic and Babylone themes installed for emergency usage...
We chose Helios, coz any visitors to our site get totally knocked-out by it.
Thanks, Bloc!
My own ;), and so i think it 3rd Party ;D.
But it's near 97% based on the Default theme, so that i can use mods without problems. ;). (Only the index.template.php and the images are diffrent.)
So i think it's default... this is difficult... 3rd Party or Default, it's normal not based on default but it use all templates... hmmm i think i will say default ;) *click*.
Bye
DIN1031
I'm using the default one cause i don't have time to fight with incompatibilities and manual editing themes when i'm installing mods.
well for paganforum.com we use the default at the moment however I am working on a custom theme for pf only (Demo (http://www.smfthemes.org/test/index.php?theme=22))
on smfthemes.org we choose a random theme that deserves to be shown
Please, for final 2.0, release a new default theme, now it's horrible! :(
nope, this is horrible (http://www.smfthemes.org/index.php?theme=234).
i kid :). why not offer constructive feedback on what you think is wrong with the current default theme? What specifically is wrong with it
Quote from: lorenzone92 on May 14, 2008, 01:37:50 PM
Please, for final 2.0, release a new default theme, now it's horrible! :(
Most important is the content and functionality of the forum - the rest just a rest :)
Quote from: metallica48423 on May 14, 2008, 02:52:40 PM
nope, this is horrible (http://www.smfthemes.org/index.php?theme=234).
i kid :). why not offer constructive feedback on what you think is wrong with the current default theme? What specifically is wrong with it
Mmmh.. I really like the theme of THIS site, it's... "coherent", it's fair, light and... nice to see! :)
In my community I deleted Babylon and Classical theme, nobody used them in my community so I decided to delete, less work to do when installing new MODs...
About the Core, we use one theme based on SafMulticolor but now we are working in one new and totally based on Core just to have less problems with MODs installations...
Personally, I think that Babylon and Classical themes should be "deleted" from SMF package and one new Core should be created, one Core that would be more "mod friendly" with other themes.
I think the SMF default theme is fairly terrible, but offers a good starting point for anyone who knows how to make a theme. It's only real saving grace is the fact that it includes a lot of code that I would use for my own themes. I delete the other themes for sure though. They're just extra space on my server.
I use a slightly modified version of default and deleted the other two.
Babylon and Classic just look a bit outdated. I think one default theme would be enough. Maybe add a multicolor version of default with 10 or so colors. That would probably satisfy a vast majority of SMF users.
Those wanting to use other themes are simply going to install a 3rd party theme anyway. Babylon and Classic could just be offered in the theme section for those wishing to use them.
I hope the team will make a new theme before 2.0 final... 8) O:)
:-X :-X :-X
A new theme is being designed. The designers are working with the entire team to discuss, design and develop a new default. We should have it ready sometime before 2.0 goes final. But don't hold me to that. Currently, there is also a semantic version of the 1.1 Default being made simultaneously.
well at the moment Bloc is making the current theme semantic this will make it easier for people to modify to suit there needs, but as Gazmanafc has just said the devs are working with team to make a new theme, and from what ive seen I dont see many people being dissapointed (well not until smf3 comes out and people think the theme is outdated)
SMF 3, isn't that the one with a built-in time machine so that I can make my posts always before Runic's? :P
Nah, SMF3 will be a Gtk app, so it will use the standard OS's theme.
How about both in SMF 3 :P
About me, I use a 3rd party theme, I deleted The babylon and classic theme too.
There was one version, SMF 54 I said that you install via a Microchip in your brain.
/me uses core and deletes the other themes that come with SMF
Quote from: Dannii on May 19, 2008, 11:18:15 AM
Nah, SMF3 will be a Gtk app, so it will use the standard OS's theme.
Unfortunately Gtk is severely lacking on windows. Other toolkits are meant to be better / as good as GTK but all seem to have some fairly major disadvantages :(
You know, for Core being so complained about, it sure is popular...
Quote from: H on May 19, 2008, 11:54:54 AM
Unfortunately Gtk is severely lacking on windows. Other toolkits are meant to be better / as good as GTK but all seem to have some fairly major disadvantages :(
I really like Qt. It's a nice toolkit and seems to be the only one living up to the promise to look native in any supported environment. Qt4 is even nicer than 3 in that respect.
Mmm, microchip. Then the committee in my head will have someplace tangible to debate. :P
Quote from: Eliana Tamerin on May 19, 2008, 11:15:12 AM
SMF 3, isn't that the one with a built-in time machine so that I can make my posts always before Runic's? :P
you need to wake up ... dreaming like that wont work in the real life
Quote from: metallica48423 on May 14, 2008, 02:52:40 PM
nope, this is horrible (http://www.smfthemes.org/index.php?theme=234).
My eyes! Way too bright!
Its horrible, the irony it is! :P
glad you like it ... i actually was dared to make it by Amacythe and a handful of others, they said I wouldnt make it and release it ... but they were wrong :)
Quote from: H on May 19, 2008, 11:54:54 AM
/me uses core and deletes the other themes that come with SMF
Quote from: Dannii on May 19, 2008, 11:18:15 AM
Nah, SMF3 will be a Gtk app, so it will use the standard OS's theme.
Unfortunately Gtk is severely lacking on windows. Other toolkits are meant to be better / as good as GTK but all seem to have some fairly major disadvantages :(
Oh, didn't you know? Windows will be depreciated by that time.
Quoteglad you like it ... i actually was dared to make it by Amacythe and a handful of others, they said I wouldnt make it and release it ... but they were wrong (http://smileys/alienine/smiley.gif)
Wow they would have loved that theme in the 60's lol
I wasnt sure whether to lower the screen brightness or just put sunglasses on. :P
Why not do both. :P
Quote from: metallica48423 on May 14, 2008, 02:52:40 PM
nope, this is horrible (http://www.smfthemes.org/index.php?theme=234).
OMG Thats so....so...nice!!!!!! Please make that as the new default theme!
Maybe its been done but im not sure.
It give me the idea of a high contrast theme for visually impaired people maybe a larger font on stuff. Kind of like how you can set windows up for it.
Phsycodelical theme giving me strange brainwaves..... :D
In truth, that theme was created during the MotM as a team laugh. Oh my how we laughed. :P I dared Runic to put it on the theme site, and he did. :P
I did a terrible theme shortly there after, but I didn't release it.
It's so.... so... beatiful that can't be seen! :P
I miss the MotM... good times indeed. very good memories.
I need to figure out how beta 4 is going to affect not only my forums, but my whole site :|
Fun Fun
Install it on your site, And do a page refresh. You will be having the very exact idea that how it will affect your site :P
Can we please stay on topic here.. I don't feel like splitting the topic, but if it needs to be we will have to soon ;)
Quote from: Owdy on May 21, 2008, 01:11:42 AM
Quote from: karlbenson on May 11, 2008, 06:42:18 PM
I deleted Babylon & Classic.
Me too
Glad I'm not the only one! ;D
I think the default theme is pretty good as is, personally.
Quote from: Glenn Rubenstein on May 21, 2008, 09:30:27 PM
I think the default theme is pretty good as is, personally.
No, it's better the one in this forum!!
I am using a Modified Bright Forest by Aaron. 8D
I also deleted Babylon and Classic.
I use themes from (http://www.dzinerstudio.com/varia/affliates/DSbanner234x60.jpg) (http://www.dzinerstudio.com)
i change themes every month... =)
I use default, I'm not sure if I want too delete Babylon and Classic completly, as I could use those as a model for my own themes...
Blood-n-Roses by RebelRose
I will make my own :o
I use my own theme:
www.mundo-se.com
Theme: MSE v2.3 :)
You should add Your Own Theme to the polls guys :o :D
I suggest making it more interesting :o :D
Maybe some nice pictures :o ?
Quote from: lukasztarkowski on May 27, 2008, 04:35:15 PM
You should add Your Own Theme to the polls guys :o :D
That can be in 3rd Party ;)
At the moment, we use a CSS-modified Core (I got rid of all the lines and rules and replaced all the small graphics and fades), but previously we have used a modified Mercury (added tabs, new small graphics and custom header). The rest are custom themes. We have never used Babylon or Classic. These designs look very dated now.
All 22 members of my board are using Black Rain V2, by Crip, with some minor mods by me. I'm working on a completely new theme, though, using no layout tables and no images for links.
I am using a modified version of InsideBB, very nice theme...
I have modified the php code of the theme because i suck at CSS and web design :P
The theme that this forum is using is nice... but i think that it is not the ideal option for a gaming comunity :P
Quote from: karlbenson on May 11, 2008, 06:42:18 PM
I deleted Babylon & Classic.
Then designed different themes using the Core as a base.
Same here
I use my own custom theme. My older one can be seen on my site still, but this is the one in development :P
Oh that's very nice! How's the HTML?
Mostly divs and whatnot. I used the semantic theme as the base, and used nested divs for rounded corners
Not to take the thread off topic, but that does look very nice :D
It's the default, but I've redone the graphics to match my own color schemes.
i too delete babyon and classic. i use soft blue
Kind of an even split for me...
Excluding the test boards, I have 4 forums:
oldiesmann.us - Sphinx portal default theme
christianindieforums.com - slightly modified default theme with dark blue color variation
SMF+G2 - regular SMF default theme
archiefans.com - modified version of DilberMC
100% custom.
I use "Amber" by Bloc as my default.
The only thing I don't like about it is I haven't figured out how to get ONE mod to work with it, but I'd rather lose that mod than lose that theme. :D
Update Well, after digging in a little more and a few more failed attempts I figured it out so now there's nothing I don't like about Amber :D
Hi.
We use DilberMc which looks very modern and professional.
Cu.
Bloedie
Quote from: JumpmasterRT on June 19, 2008, 01:56:37 AM
I use "Amber" by Bloc as my default.
The only thing I don't like about it is I haven't figured out how to get ONE mod to work with it, but I'd rather lose that mod than lose that theme. :D
not to be terribly vague but... learn how to read the install scripts, then follow the steps manually on the custom theme.
Manual Installation of Mods (http://docs.simplemachines.org/index.php?topic=402)
This might help.
^ As will the Mod Parser that's on the Mod Site.
Quote from: lorenzone92 on May 14, 2008, 01:37:50 PM
Please, for final 2.0, release a new default theme, now it's horrible! :(
Good idea.
I am waiting for the new theme,too
Aside from saying that the default theme is horrible which is not exactly that helpful to us, there's a new theme being designed by the team for 2.0.
But if you really don't like the default theme, we're not forcing you to use it, look on the theme site and you'll find available around 700 themes to pick from.
Quote from: Cheschire on June 19, 2008, 06:08:57 AM
not to be terribly vague but... learn how to read the install scripts, then follow the steps manually on the custom theme.
Yes, 99% of the time that works. However every once in a while a theme is is written independantly and is not a variation of a stock theme thereby making it more difficult to mod. I learned how to read the install scripts shortly after I began using SMF and have gotten most of my mods to work on other themes using this method. However when you have to search for something that's not there (and I don't mean not in the right place, I mean not there), you need to understand how the author wrote the script in order to incorporate that mod. I didn't say I couldn't do it, I said I haven't been able to do it as of yet.
The mod parser is an invaluable tool like Gary said, unfortunatly it didn't work with the example I gave.
I will eventually figure it out. That's what I love about SMF, I'm free to learn as I work through a problem.
Update I figured it out.
I use a slightly modified default core theme(1.1.5), just wish that it is more search-engine friendly. ;)
Have you edited your Meta information?
Quote from: Dark Gazmanafc on June 19, 2008, 02:04:44 PM
Aside from saying that the default theme is horrible which is not exactly that helpful to us, there's a new theme being designed by the team for 2.0.
But if you really don't like the default theme, we're not forcing you to use it, look on the theme site and you'll find available around 700 themes to pick from.
I actually love the default theme. It has an uncluttered, classic, and distinguished look. It isn't even all that difficult to customize, if you know some basic graphic-making skills. (I've done so here (http://www.krysiasweb.net/SMF) and here (http://www.krysiasweb.net/JTLFF/).)
There are some elements that could be easier to customize, I suppose, but what really helped me was the info about creating a "header.php" file and a "footer.php" file and inserting the code to call both into the template. Once I figured that out, it's been gravy. :)
You guys do an amazing job and have for years.
Thank you for such gorgeous and user-friendly messageboard-ware. :)
ETA: Just remembered that guests can't view my board, so I created a user for those of you who'd like to check it out from here: Member name: SpecialGuest, Password: invited.
We run a customised version of OutlineMultiTP as our forum default. I wouldn't use any of the three basic SMF themes without a lot of work on them. They are, as you'd expect, rather dated.
So far the poll results seem to reflect my expectations. Most people use third party themes, but out of the three basic themes default is the most popular and babylon the least popular.
As an example we currently have 332 members. None of them use babylon and only two of them use classic. Seven of them use the default multicolour and the rest use one of our selection of third party themes.
Krysia,
Your site is fabulous!!! Using the default theme like you did works beautifully. Did you design the shell/portal yourself or are you using someone elses script?
Quote from: JumpmasterRT on June 20, 2008, 01:50:35 AM
Krysia,
Your site is fabulous!!! Using the default theme like you did works beautifully. Did you design the shell/portal yourself or are you using someone elses script?
Thank you! ;D
Ummm... what's a shell/portal?
P.S. -
ETA: Just remembered that guests can't view the boards, so I created a user for those of you who'd like to check it out my board from here: Member name: SpecialGuest, Password: invited.
Krysia,
A "shell/portal" is the common term for how you wrapped your site around the forums. A very good example is TinyPortal (http://www.tinyportal.net/index.php?PHPSESSID=9aa6bae328ed413f334541a93fdb9f6d&action=forum) by bloc.
Quote from: JumpmasterRT on June 20, 2008, 08:57:13 PM
Krysia,
A "shell/portal" is the common term for how you wrapped your site around the forums. A very good example is TinyPortal (http://www.tinyportal.net/index.php?PHPSESSID=9aa6bae328ed413f334541a93fdb9f6d&action=forum) by bloc.
Oh. LOL. Thank you.
I don't think I have a shell/portal in place. I just followed the instructions Unknown left in a "how to customize SMF to your site" type of thread a year or so ago by doing the "header" and "footer" thing using my web page source file to do so, and then tweaked the default graphics and color scheme to coordinate with my site.
:)
Do you have to manually edit the side panel blocks or is there something in your admin panel that runs the scripts for you?
Again Krysia, very nicely done!! ;D
Quote from: JumpmasterRT on June 20, 2008, 09:05:35 PM
Do you have to manually edit the side panel blocks or is there something in your admin panel that runs the scripts for you?
Again Krysia, very nicely done!! ;D
Awww! Thank you.
It's a manual edit... Well, except for the SSI feeds from the forum - that's just using the php feed.
I got the layout idea from a very old version (now defunct) of the Adium (http://www.adiumx.com/) Mac-chatware site.
:)
I use m3talc0re's SlickPro Graphite, the TP version. The best free 3rd party theme out there. :D
Versatility, by RT. Why no one chooses to build matched Joomla/SMF themes any more is beyond me....
Quote from: neil h on June 26, 2008, 04:13:21 AM
Versatility, by RT. Why no one chooses to build matched Joomla/SMF themes any more is beyond me....
One problem is surely the licence incompatibility.
I'm using Dilber MC - light navy. It's easy to edit its files when it comes to mods and my forummembers don't want me to replace Dilber with any other theme although I tried lol. :P
So until now based on the answers of this survey, it seems that the default theme it ain''t so popular let us say. Maybe it is time to change it in the 2.0 final
Considering that a third of the respondents use the default theme (well, those that voted in the poll anyways), I'd say it's still pretty popular. But as for a new theme, hold on to your horses. ;)
Quote from: Eliana Tamerin on June 26, 2008, 12:00:51 PM
Considering that a third of the respondents use the default theme (well, those that voted in the poll anyways), I'd say it's still pretty popular. But as for a new theme, hold on to your horses. ;)
Personally, it makes no difference to me if a new theme gets introduced or not. I like the default, but I said that as a suggestions based on the answers from the survey
Current SMF 1.x default theme, there is nothing wrong with it, at all. But it is the default theme and is therefore common, people will want to replace it for that reason and also to select a theme that more closely fits in with their site.
Well, I'm curious about the new "default" for the public release of whatever, but I hope that this current default won't be completely replaced. I happen to like it fine, as I mentioned before.
:)
The current default in 1.1 will be included in 2.0 when a new default theme for 2.0 comes along. Just like how the Babylon stayed in 1.1 and the Classic stayed in 1.0.
We use Bloc's Amber as our default.
I use the default as I am not very good with making alterations I tried a bloc one but it didn't add my mods and again I cant set it up maually :D
Quote from: Dark Gazmanafc on June 26, 2008, 09:15:10 PM
The current default in 1.1 will be included in 2.0 when a new default theme for 2.0 comes along. Just like how the Babylon stayed in 1.1 and the Classic stayed in 1.0.
Cool. :D
I think that we can conclude that the SMF 2.0 package should be smaller :P Just the Core theme :)
I probably should've voted for the 3rd party option, but voted for the core option anyway.
Livecity it best fits for what my forum will be used for, until i can create my own
Junk
Quote from: Eliana Tamerin on June 26, 2008, 12:00:51 PM
Considering that a third of the respondents use the default theme (well, those that voted in the poll anyways), I'd say it's still pretty popular. But as for a new theme, hold on to your horses. ;)
It seems that almost all those people, with a very few exception, that voted for the core theme, did that because they can''t create their custom themes, or they don''t want to install a third party theme due to the facts that almost all mods require manual edits to work with a custom theme and they don''t know how to do that. Just my observations so far
Quote from: babjusi on July 08, 2008, 10:56:39 AM
It seems that almost all those people, with a very few exception, that voted for the core theme, did that because they can't create their custom themes, or they don't want to install a third party theme due to the facts that almost all mods require manual edits to work with a custom theme and they don't know how to do that. Just my observations so far
Basically yes for me, though i didn't vote for core theme.
Almost all mods require manual edits to work with a custom theme, i am now using core as default but only because of editing mods,it's something i don't have the time to do right now,and the fact i am not sure i could. Core works will most add-on features i currently use ,nneonneo's AJAX ShoutBox for example
Junk
I'd like to see more coders and designers working together to make it so mods can be used more easily with other themes.
Personally, if the SMF packages only came with the Core Default and not the Classic and Babylon themes, it would not hurt my feelings. I never use them myself, so I might be a little biased...
My concern is when SMF 2's semantic theme starts showing up on boards, and mod users switch to that for theme edits. The real trouble then will be modifying the theme edits to work on tabled themes again, as certainly some themers are still going to prefer tables.
I suspect that many theme authors will embrace the div/semantic styling of themes and that new themes will follow the new templates as tightly as themes do the current templates.
I think a good chunk of some of the current themes will be re-done, but that remains yet to be seen :)
I deleted the babylon and classic themes, I am using the default SMF core theme.
I use the YaBB Classic theme, though I have edited it, such as smoothed the gradients and added personal touches :D
I use a modified version default core,,,
Quote from: P@P on July 03, 2008, 12:08:54 PM
I think that we can conclude that the SMF 2.0 package should be smaller :P Just the Core theme :)
Well actually, as someone interested in theme design, I'd prefer that they be included in the 2.0 package even though hardly anyone will use them in standard form. I'm currently playing with Babylon with a view to customising it.
I've already cleaned up both Babylon and Classic for any of my members who wish to use them.
Quote from: Junkmfg on July 09, 2008, 09:31:53 AM
Quote from: babjusi on July 08, 2008, 10:56:39 AM
It seems that almost all those people, with a very few exception, that voted for the core theme, did that because they can't create their custom themes, or they don't want to install a third party theme due to the facts that almost all mods require manual edits to work with a custom theme and they don't know how to do that. Just my observations so far
Basically yes for me, though i didn't vote for core theme.
Almost all mods require manual edits to work with a custom theme, i am now using core as default but only because of editing mods,it's something i don't have the time to do right now,and the fact i am not sure i could. Core works will most add-on features i currently use ,nneonneo's AJAX ShoutBox for example
Junk
There's no real need to be scared of mod edits. Most of them are actually quite simple once you get your head around the basics. You'd be surprised how quickly you can pick this sort of thing up once you practice a bit.
Quote from: antechinus on July 20, 2008, 08:44:16 PM
Well actually, as someone interested in theme design, I'd prefer that they be included in the 2.0 package even though hardly anyone will use them in standard form. I'm currently playing with Babylon with a view to customising it.
If those themes are removed from the main download they will still be maintained separately and able to be downloaded from the theme site. However, to my knowledge, no decision has been reached on this yet.
i use a customized version of classic theme 8)
I've always loves SMF's default themes (even before I was on the team) going back to the YabbSE days, but I've always tried to steer away from the Fresh out of the box look. Especially now that SMF is growing in popularity. A distinct look to stand out among the other SMF sites is key IMHO, Thats why I love SMF so much, you can make a few CSS changes and keep the default theme. Minor tweaks to CSS can add that custom feel fairly easily, even so, I'd have to vote 3PD. :D
I am using ( and only offer ) the Core or Default Theme...
...because, I don't have the patience or the time to fiddle with the changes needed to make the others work with the Mod packages. My time is better spent making sure my members are able to use the important options and features.
I would like to offer some theme options...but I've not found a theme that is a simple variation on the Core. Most have made changes that will mess with the Mods that have been installed. Maybe, I'll find some time to do my own variations in the future. But even that seem rathar daunting. ...My hat is off to those that build the themes! Most of them are pretty darned impressive.
I do like the Core theme for its clean layout.
I only wish it was easier to find "things" in the admin center; it feels so jumbled at times.
I suppose that feeling will go away when I'm more accustomed to the operations.
tlknowles
i use the core theme.. but i have altered the colors.. so it's more girly :D
I use the default theme only because it is easiest to install mods. Even us dummies can do it!! :D ;D
the other 2 themes have some merit, but seems everyone writes mods for the default theme.
this may sound dumb, but staff list, links, gallery, & shop install and work right away on the default theme. If they worked immediately without any extra work on the other themes, I might use another theme.
Babylon. Matches the site colours, I like it, my friends like it and every mod runs smoothly on it.
The core for me.
It's clean, fresh and rather easy to work with.
We are using default modern, which I LOVE! Not on the poll as a vote option though.
Mine is default because of how much work it is to add mods to each non-default theme. I would love for the default theme to be a multi-color selectable default that you can easily add an array of custom colors to choose from. Right now it's very hard to even recolor the default theme for someone who has no idea which lines of code apply to which area.
Even making the modify a theme area in the admin panel would be great if you could just click somewhere and then it would bring you down to the lines of code that apply to the clicked area.
Jimvy, it's very hard getting your footing if all this is new to you. It was/is for me too.
I think it's important to just get the hang of smf, *then* go for the bells and whistles.
Are you doing this on your own? Do you have someone with some experience you can have hang on your forum and help a bit?
I'm pretty new to this, but have a few programming classes worth of knowledge (not in php though) and I am teaching myself most other things I want to know with research.
Oh I bet you will have it figured out in no time!
There is a selection of simple color changes for that theme. let me go see if I can find it for you.
I am using DilberMc as it as the base of default theme. A very Good Theme for professional sites.
Quote from: jimvy on August 03, 2008, 02:44:56 PM
Mine is default because of how much work it is to add mods to each non-default theme. I would love for the default theme to be a multi-color selectable default that you can easily add an array of custom colors to choose from. Right now it's very hard to even recolor the default theme for someone who has no idea which lines of code apply to which area.
Even making the modify a theme area in the admin panel would be great if you could just click somewhere and then it would bring you down to the lines of code that apply to the clicked area.
Read this: http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=253567.msg1645182#msg1645182 ;)
I installed that one but the box to change the colors doesn't seem to appear anywhere.
Then you haven't enabled colour change in your admin settings. Admin >> Current Theme. ;)
I've only just installed 1.1.5 , I use the Classic Yabb SE theme, not because I like it, but it's a bit more efficient with screen real estate than the default.
I've searched for a theme style that would fit my requirements but they all seem to be more of the same.... Too much Banner, unnecessarily large graphics, the end result of which is not much information is presented before one has to scroll.
Quite a few themes allow you to collapse the header. Default does.
Quote from: karlbenson on May 11, 2008, 06:42:18 PM
I deleted Babylon & Classic.
Then designed different themes using the Core as a base.
I did what Karl did LOL
Custom made theme :D
I inherited classic and haven't changed it...users like it...
...though...I'm also one of those who chooses "don't upgrade me, I like old out of date software" on various platforms! :-\
dilber Mc and it rocks
Quote from: karlbenson on May 11, 2008, 06:42:18 PM
I deleted Babylon & Classic.
Then designed different themes using the Core as a base.
Same here...
I think adding more than one theme in the package is unnecessary...
They can -- at the moment it is just significantly more work to do so :P
Its really up to the devs though
Quote from: YodaOfDarkness on September 05, 2008, 01:43:47 AM
Significantly more work that shouldn't have to be done.
That would be something that would be up to the mod author to determine, if they want to prodive a babylon/classic compatible version, which some people do, then what's to say they cant or shouldnt.
Providing $boarddir/Themes/babylon/index.template.php operations isnt exactly that hard.
Do you already have any news about this poll? What you will do with the new packages?
It hasn't been fully decided yet at this point in time, as far as I know.
Default, looks good.
Deafult theme for me, it rocks, considering its auto-install friendly
I have modified the default themes to suit the sites needs. I have created 3 in total as I just dislike white and blue. To many site use white and blue.. :P
That's because white and blue work so well together. ;)
More so than pink does. :P
Well...
Although white and blue are good sterile choices for a website I prefer to use shade of the same color. Like blues, Greens, and Grays... :P
Quote from: P@P on September 05, 2008, 02:25:10 PM
What you will do with the new packages?
Put them on here for download ;)
Quote from: Gazmanafc on September 07, 2008, 09:50:18 PM
That's because white and blue work so well together. ;)
More so than pink does. :P
A nice shade of pink looks good with black :P
Purple and green, blue and green, yellow and blue, purple and yellow.... depends on preference lol
White and Blue RULZ ^^
It does look very clean and fresh, I will give it that!
My starting theme is Babylon but I am looking for a new one that is basically pink with about 3-5in at the top of a logo. Any ideas? I am using SMF 2.0 Beta 4.
My site and forum is about night cities games and core theme is in use on it.
Quote from: Beamrider on July 28, 2008, 10:18:51 AM
Babylon. Matches the site colours, I like it, my friends like it and every mod runs smoothly on it.
I like the babylon theme too, but the Ad Managment and Contact Page and SMF Gallery Lite mods do not work...
I don't like the back ground colour of the default theme. On my desktop the background looks pinkish, on my work pc it looks greyish and on my netbook it looks blueish.....
I wish there was an easy way to change some of the colour settings which works on SMF 1.1.6. The 'Default MultiColour' mod has issues and is not compatible with SMF 1.1.6..?
Core on my forums. Only use Babylon on my mod site to keep the look the same. Main reason is mod's only install well on the default theme custom themes can be changed too much and haven't seen a really good custom theme yet.
Ahhh... I just found out that my provider lets me edit files directly on the server. That'makes it easy to edit the style.css file and change the Hex-code of the background of the default theme. I grabed a colour from this site:
http://www.december.com/html/spec/color.html (http://www.december.com/html/spec/color.html)
changed the Hex code in this part of the style.css file:
/* The main body of the entire forum. */
body
{
background-color: #000000;
margin: 0px;
padding: 12px 30px 4px 30px;
}
and this is the result: http://netbookusers.com (http://netbookusers.com)
I have several forums and in the past have used Babylon with color/background changes.
Then I learned about "themes" and I'm changing all the sites one by one and learning some tricks and tearing my hair out a time or two.
Not fond of the color pink? I have a site with browned down light to dark "pink" and it works very well for the audience. Color is so subjective, and you really have to do something that suits your site's message.
im using enterprise, just a change if nothing else..but im green here,,so couldnt say if based on the default,,,but i like it...
Is there any plan to find a method to support automatic mod installation on any theme? I know it's a bit off-topic, but one of the most frequent reason for people to ditch smf is the cumbersome manual installation of addons. Not a problem for me, but I was told a lot of time that vbull... is better because it's easier to admin.
That is already there in 2.0, but keep mind, that it is still possible for fails since themes can be so much different from the default.
Great, didn't know it ;) I understand it's not easy at all, I bet there was a huge template and mod installation rewrite... I can't even make a guess on how this was accomplished, except to use more granular functions to generate xhtml... didn't dig the code yet ;)
I did a customization to integrate SMF's into my core site visually...
I know is an old topic but I think SMF default theme should be semantic oriented. BoardIndex and MessageIndex templates, for example, are definition lists really... new themes should style the semantic content...
What do you think?
That'll be happening. In fact the default theme in 2.0 Beta 4 is a semantic version of the current default, and we are working on an entirely new default theme for 2.0 which is also semantic.
Cool! :)
Quote from: Gazmanafc on September 26, 2008, 06:42:25 AM
That'll be happening. In fact the default theme in 2.0 Beta 4 is a semantic version of the current default, and we are working on an entirely new default theme for 2.0 which is also semantic.
Really cool... :)
My default is a custom theme, but I actually prefer the Core and use that one myself.
i am using default theme, but by using lots of modifications in the themes
My default theme that I am using on my site is a theme designed by Bloc over at tinyportal.net, called 'Mesh'. I've changed the banner though...
www.thethirdoption.net
Quote from: metallica48423 on May 14, 2008, 02:52:40 PM
nope, this is horrible (http://www.smfthemes.org/index.php?theme=234).
i kid :). why not offer constructive feedback on what you think is wrong with the current default theme? What specifically is wrong with it
I agree, smf needs a better default theme. Something more vibrant.
While I love the core theme for administrating the boards especially when it comes to using or adapting various mods to other themes, I usually use a custom theme as the default.
Even when I use to use Yabb, most of the sites Ive worked on tend to want a theme more tailored to their own looks and needs. I'm currently working on 3 different World of Warcraft Guild sites and am using the wowdk theme with minor graphical changes to support their guild logos.
Im on Default theme atm working on mods before using them on a new theme im working on as a project atm.
i love default theme. it's cool and elegant.
Quote from: Gary S. Ghoulsdon on September 26, 2008, 06:42:25 AM
That'll be happening. In fact the default theme in 2.0 Beta 4 is a semantic version of the current default, and we are working on an entirely new default theme for 2.0 which is also semantic.
I know this probably won't happen but I would love to see a version of the theme here on the support forum.
Or in other words nice solid blue with the drop down menus and possible update the other colors (board and category ect) or just bring the menu color down into other parts of the theme.
It would give a nice option to those who didn't want a change and possible a little more modern look.
And come one who dosen't love the very nice drop down menus?
But no matter what it will be nice to see a new theme. :D
I use Dilber MC
But a lot of users of my forum like the Default theme
Farewell
~[Costa]
This is probably of no help, but since I design sites for a living, all of my SMF installs are custom jobs, created to match the web site. I have found that Crip's "Posts" theme which is virtually tableless, is the easiest them to customize from the ground up. However, a shortcoming of it is that you have to install some mods by hand.
However, I always keep the default SMF theme around in case I blow up my custom theme. :D
Mine is Outline Omega - It Rocks :D
I use the Endar (http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=3) theme with some slight modifications, like post icons (I don't think it came with any...or I lost them) but If I may say, the default themes are very neat.
Im making my own theme, we used the YABB theme that was in with the intall for ages, people on my site said it looks a bit funny, not as pretty as other forums defult theme... im not bothered though, you guys do enough making this stuff for us in the first place
May I see it?
Rengarenk Mc theme by Burak
I love the classic theme, and based all my custom themes around it.
Quite disappointed to see it doesn't work properly here anymore.
I'd change forum software before i'd stop using classic based themes.
I like the simplicity and cleanness of them.
Mine is Dilber Multicolor
Ultimate Smiley
I just download Crystal Vista Theme.
Any people have used Crystal Vistal theme, please tell me your experience using this theme.
Thank first.
i m using extrem 6
Personally, I just copy the default theme and mess around with the images and style, I find that trying to mod other themes is a huge task as i'm not an expert at coding :'(.
Ed x
I'm using a customized third party theme, which is mainly why I haven't upped to 2.0. I've done so many customizations that I'm worried they won't carry over well to the new SMF. Guess soon I'm going to have to...
Quote from: Robinh on November 30, 2008, 01:14:50 AM
I've done so many customizations that I'm worried they won't carry over well to the new SMF. Guess soon I'm going to have to...
Make a testing environment. This will let you get everything worked out before doing an upgrade on the actual forum.
Quote from: Motoko-chan on November 30, 2008, 01:34:07 AM
Quote from: Robinh on November 30, 2008, 01:14:50 AM
I've done so many customizations that I'm worried they won't carry over well to the new SMF. Guess soon I'm going to have to...
Make a testing environment. This will let you get everything worked out before doing an upgrade on the actual forum.
Going to, soon as I have some free time. I already have 1.1.7 in a sandbox for playing with mods on. Might as well update it and try to impose my thene on it...
I use the default theme, and to make my site a little different than all the others, I'm going to edit it a little. It would be nice if the default theme was something a little more "updated" that looks nice as all the other third party themes. Either that or making it easier so it's not necessary to make hundreds of edits to third party themes just to accommodate twenty or so modifications.
i use a style that i made to match my site, i have only recently starting SMF fully and think that the smf default style is better than most of the free forum providers so think that that style should be kept.
I voted for default and it looks like this:
http://www.gotcanyons.net/gc/
Basically because all the mods work forst time out :)
Use one changed :P
NIBOGO Rulzz!! XD
I use 3rd party theme.
I guess default theme atleast have 5 or more alternate stylesheets so that colours can be changed. This feature is offered by many 3rd party themes.
I am currently using a 3rd party theme, although we modified it to suit our needs.
I use a 3rd party theme for the overall theme
It's accordian style for the categories (Cloud by Hoochie Coochie Man (http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=788)) which is GREAT considering that I have over 57 boards... I just modified it's graphics and color scheme cause it's a bit horrendous.
But I don't like it much for when you get into each board and posts... so I use a color modified default/core theme for all of them. (it looks pretty nice if you just change some of the coloring to brighten and freshen it up.
-Sel
mine is the core..but its a you know what to modify...
I just modify the core theme on my sites.
I have a custom theme modded by myself as default for my site. www.familjegodis.se
and also a Xbox360 custom made by myself as my xbox360gamers board. www.familjegodis.se/index.php?theme=42
Core is only used when updating or testing things in :o
I really like the classic theme and use it on my forum, i like the bright clean simple look of it compared to the other two. It would be nice to see it stay as part of the default install to give more variety as the other two themes are quite similar, with classic there is something for everybody. Having classic made choosing smf easier when i was looking to move away from another forum script.
:) :) :)
My default theme is Dilber MC without the possibility to change the theme or colours.
The banner is optimised for the theme's colours and i guess it's better this way.
You can take a look here: Forum Brasov (http://www.forum-brasov.ro) - any comments are welcome via PM.
i use core because its too much work making a mod work on another theme
Quote from: ccraciun on January 20, 2009, 02:15:01 PM
My default theme is Dilber MC without the possibility to change the theme or colours.
I use the same theme...
I like simple themes, so i use theme based on default, default_modern, with some changes ;)
Actually i'm not yet finish in doing my theme.I'm about half and i hope i can finish it until tomorrow.
Gazmanafc: Removed Links
I use my theme (http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?lemma=1351) :)
You should change the icons, smileys and buttons; the present ones are very Windows 98-ish, they just don't do justice to such a great forum software
hmm any news from this?? :P O:)
core
but there are somethings must be changed :)
like:
buttons in editor ..
icons (profile_sm - www_sm - im_off - im_on - email_sm) ..
to answer my own question:
http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=293556.0 ;)
I really like the classic theme and use it on my forum, i like the bright clean simple look of it compared to the other two. (http://scraparticles.blogspot.com/)
It would be nice to see it stay as part of the default install to give more variety as the other two themes are quite similar, (http://magnum4d.blogspot.com/) with classic there is something for everybody. (http://houseofrecipe.blogspot.com/) Having classic made choosing smf easier when i was looking to move away from another forum script.
Quote from: SmokyBlue on February 19, 2009, 03:07:51 AM
to answer my own question:
http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=293556.0 ;)
Same thing here.
lof themes I have but I use my own themes with modifications
I use a 3rd Party Theme, Anecdota.
i use 3rd party themes
i like Classic
Now ... i'm Using 3th party BuT , My Vote Goes To Default cause when Curve Theme i choose it :)
3rd party, V3. http://model98.org/forum/index.php
I use a third party theme :).
3rd Party, 1.1 Core based theme.
when 2.0 comes out ill use curve
I use Mystic-Multi. It's a very awesome skin and you can change it's color themes on the top of the page.
You can find it in SMF's Custom Themes site.
I really enjoy the Core theme. It is very well designed (not to say others aren't) and doing layout with EzPortal & other mods, it's great.
i think the classic theme is great for when my server is slow
Also if my internet is slow
Otherwise i run different themes based on the style of the forum
Airsoft forum - Camo Theme
Computer forum - Reference - its light, looks professional too.
I prefer proffesional looking ones full stop
I "know" the babylon-theme from 4 other forums as a user, so I just modified it colorwise for ours to fit to our website .....
www.megane-cc-club.de/club.htm
www.megane-cc-club.de/forum
..... and I'm trying to learn more and more about the "why the h.... does it work in this way ......" O:)
I liked Core but the curve would be better...
I still use an overhauled version of the Classic YaBBSE Theme. I don't know why, but I just like the feel of it... if you make it look right :)
I use a customized version of the SMF Grunge theme.
Quote from: Tippmaster on March 05, 2009, 11:59:39 AM
3rd party, V3. http://model98.org/forum/index.php
AMAZING theme bro :)
Bye the way i am using Core theme but yet i am not happy with any of Default theme
of SMF.. According to me the only thing where SMF lacks is LOOK and interface... anticipating
everything good from CURVE
I am using the Core theme even with some problem for RTL(some menu images are not display correctly). :(
But hopping this will be fixed soon.
just changed to new babylon 2!!
I'm all about this theme.... www.ncvettes.com
"Reference" by Crip
I made an own version of the Classic theme. What is btw the 3rd Party theme :$?
Check out pspmodz.net, its the babylon with my own colour. Plus the banner has just been up for awhile.
QuoteI made an own version of the Classic theme. What is btw the 3rd Party theme :$?
Your theme you made is now third party.It simply means any theme not standard to the SMF installation pack. ;)
Thanks! I'm also waiting for Curve!
I use Helios Multi by Bloc!
There is a lot to be said for the core themes as I have yet to find a theme that can handle all the mods I use other than the core themes.
Having said that, I still use a 3rd party theme and forgo some features because it looks so much nicer than the core stuff even with colour tweaking etc.
My only reason to keep the Core theme is because I'm too lazy to edit template when installing a mod. Sorry, no offense but the default skin is so ugly.
Quote from: ivantoar on April 25, 2009, 11:24:30 AM
My only reason to keep the Core theme is because I'm too lazy to edit template when installing a mod. Sorry, no offense but the default skin is so ugly.
If you think it's ugly, then you must really be lazy - taking in to consideration how easy it is to install custom themes,
and how little it usually takes to manually edit custom themes :D
QuoteMy only reason to keep the Core theme is because I'm too lazy to edit template when installing a mod. Sorry, no offense but the default skin is so ugly.
If you use 2.0 then all the edits are made to the subs mainly so it means most mods will work on any theme since the templates do not directly need edits anymore. ;)
Not everything has been moved to the Source files. Just the more common stuff like template_menu and the like. Template edits will still be required in some places, however, it will ATTEMPT to install additional template code into custom themes.
I never use babylon or classic, in fact I don't even have them as options currently. I like the default theme with the tabs and tend to make different colored versions of that. People also get used to where to look for everything and if you give them other themes then they get confused lol
I really like Curve though so if I could make variations of that and the Core theme, then I would be happy.
I think all three themes can remain included but seriously, update them to keep up with the times. Make them a little more eye appealing and modern and you might find more people sticking with them.
The only changes that can be made to the past themes would be how it's coded, the graphical aspect cant change.
Though my theme is still third party, I just released a new one for my forum.
Mmm
I use classic theme, but default is very nice but have a bug in link-tree :(
I'm using a modification to the Babylon theme.
Prior to modifying that theme I looked about on the Net for a suitable theme to base the site on as it might have been quicker, but could find nothing that passed with W3C. In fact one designer with loads on offer failed miserably.
The templates that come with the download packages pass with W3C. It seems to me to be a pity that some designers don't compliment the care that the team at SMF take.
Quote from: SteveFJ on June 01, 2009, 07:40:24 AM
Prior to modifying that theme I looked about on the Net for a suitable theme to base the site on as it might have been quicker, but could find nothing that passed with W3C. In fact one designer with loads on offer failed miserably.
The templates that come with the download packages pass with W3C. It seems to me to be a pity that some designers don't compliment the care that the team at SMF take.
Who's theme's failed?
Also, I should point out that ALL themes now are REQUIRED to pass the XHTML validation, they don't pass, they don't get approved. Even if it is just one error.
Check out the guidelines: http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=197350.0
Quote from: Gazmanafc on June 02, 2009, 01:40:18 PM
Who's theme's failed?
Also, I should point out that ALL themes now are REQUIRED to pass the XHTML validation, they don't pass, they don't get approved. Even if it is just one error.
Check out the guidelines: http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=197350.0
http://www.bluepearl-design.com/forums/free-smf-templates/
http://www.themers.org/smf-themes/2467-onyx-free-smf-template-1-1-5-2-0-beta-3-1-public.html
http://www.themesbase.com/
That's just three found doing a Google. There are loads more.
SMF can set a requirement, and I feel that is the sensible thing to do, but being in a position to enforce that overall is another story altogether.
Of course there are good designers that do make sure their work validates, and it's those that obtain SMF approval.
Of those that don't, the designers should reflect that while SMF won't endorse their poor work, it can leave a negative impression of SMF in the mind of the user should things go wrong, because they may not realise the failure is in the template itself rather than with the SMF engine.
SteveFJ - In that case, SM has no control what designers release via their own sites. If they release a theme that is invalid, then that's their problem. SM can only control the themes that are released to the theme site at http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes
Quote from: Gazmanafc on June 04, 2009, 07:53:49 PM
SteveFJ - In that case, SM has no control what designers release via their own sites. If they release a theme that is invalid, then that's their problem. SM can only control the themes that are released to the theme site at http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes
Yes. you're dead right there. I just thought I'd give it a mention because there may be good reason for some users to take another look at their chosen themes - even if they are paying for them.
We are using classic theme - most of our members (aged 30-70)
are used to yabbse and choice of SMF was also influenced by
the familiarity of it's user interface.
I hope this theme will not be discontinued in the near future ...
SMF will continue to support its default themes over the past versions as far as I'm aware. I think the intent here is to see if they actually need to be packaged. As it stands, they make up for quite a bit of the actual package size. Uploading a whole SMF upgrade or install package can be a time consuming process, especially for people that don't have broad band. So, the smaller SMF can make the package, the better. If a theme gets dropped from the package, then it should be available on the Theme site.
Quote from: IchBin™ on June 08, 2009, 03:22:52 PM
If a theme gets dropped from the package, then it should be available on the Theme site.
Actually I think it might be better to have them in the downloads area. That way people don't get them confused with custom themes. If you do put them in on the theme site is there a way you could sticky them or something to distinguish them as official SMF themes while keeping them easy to find. I just have this sinking feeling that if you drop them in with the regular custom themes they will get buried and forgotten amongst all the other custom themes. :-\
We have a special user, SMF Customization Team (http://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?action=profile;u=1) to publish "official" modifications and themes under.
I use custom themes on my forums, but they are primarily based from Classic as that seems to me to be the easiest to work from and i know that the coding is sound, so mods etc should work. If they are not included in the download package, then if they coudl be downloaded from the theme area, if required, that woudl be fine.
I use my edited version of Classic.
I use core, simply because it's always included when any mods need to change the theme. I prefer the Classic.
I would recommend including a high contrast theme in the package for those using lower res monitors. It would help newbies who aren't quite ready to start installing or modding themes.
Since my forum is firearms related, a nice firearms theme would be nice (hint, hint, forum designers :) ).
ProtoType
I really like this theme. Very functional and Crip is the best at helping out with advice and help.
See "Flagrant" in action here:
http://www.theruralindependent.com/forum/index.php
I use core for one forum.
For my star trek forum I use "Enterprise".
Quote from: ProtoType on June 24, 2009, 05:17:17 PM
I use core, simply because it's always included when any mods need to change the theme.
Same with me.