SMF's Templating System (skinning)

[xxkylexx]

Hey guys,

Just wondering if anyone has done any work with skinning a SMF forum? I've been looking into using it, but the only thing stopping me is the fact that the template system they use is full of PHP and isn't very easy to edit without messing something up.

I've done IPB and PHPBB skins before with ease, but the SMF templates seem a bit complicated. Am I missing something, or is there an easier way to skin these?


Thanks,
Kyle

[m3talc0re]

Yeah, SMF's template system is a little bit more complicated to mess by comparison to pretty much all the other forum systems out there. It can seem a lot more complicated at first than it really is though. I'm assuming you at least know html. I suggest you download and use Notepad++ (Link) since it can help you see how the php is grouped and such. You can also look in the theme's site (Link) and try some of the themes there and look at how they were done.

[CM-MN]

Now see,that's great advice.....followiing the links and looking at the HMTL!  javascript:void(0);  very cool
Cool

[m3talc0re]

Meh, I try..

[Dannii]

javascript:void(0); is actually very uncool but anyways

SMF uses php to give designers complete control, and also because it is very fast. It might look complicated to those who haven't done any php, but it really only uses very simple code in the templates.

[matera]

I found SMF much easier to skin than phpbb once I rubbed my nose in it a few times 

[Ravyn]

I've never done any skinning for other forum software, but in just a couple weeks, I've been able to learn enough about PHP, css, and the way SMF utilizes them both to create a relatively different theme than the default with little to no problems. 

My best suggestion is to setup a test board for yourself and start breaking stuff

[xxkylexx]

Thanks for the info. Do you guys skin via the Admin CP or just open the files themselves? Also, are there any CSS guides out there for SMF's layout?


Kyle

[Sverre]

Also, are there any CSS guides out there for SMF's layout?

http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=16218.0

[xxkylexx]

Thanks!