how to edit templates / layout

[TicklyTigger]

Hi,

I'm playing around with the layout of my smf forum, but I'm finding it hard changing the user box etc. on top.  And the reordering the layout in general.

The template is mostly written in php echo's so it doesn't show up in the regular HTML browsers, making it difficult to know what the final thing looks like.

Any advice on how to change my templates according to my needs?

I've used PHPBB before and there it was a mix of HTML and PHP code.

Thanks for your help!

TT