Taking Stock on WordPress Theme Frameworks

Recently, I became interested in WordPress theme frameworks. To help me get a grip on this matter, I wanted to make a nice list of all the theme frameworks available. In order to accomplish this task, it had to be clear what a theme framework is – you can only count sheep, when you recognize a sheep.

There is a lot of discussion about the differences between libraries, frameworks and starter themes. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find or define some kind of a litmus test that helps me to determinate whether a WordPress theme tool is a library, a framework or a starter theme.

So, for the sake of this post; a theme framework is primarily not intended to be used as a theme, but it is has been created – and it is available – as a tool to create WordPress themes. Intention and availability are both crucial here. Just like WordPress of course. Let me illuminate this with a few examples.

WooThemes Canvas is an extremely versatile theme. And yes, it is possible to create child themes with Canvas. However, Canvas is not intended to be used as a theme framework. That is why I do not consider Canvas to be a framework.

Themefy builds its themes upon a very customizable and flexible framework. However, the Themify framework is only available incorporated into the premium and free themes by Themify. It cannot be obtained separately as a theme framework.

We concentrate here on frameworks for creating WordPress themes. Template systems like HTML5 Boilerplate, CSS frameworks like 960 Grid System and Less, as well as PHP frameworks like Pear and Zend are beyond the scope of this stock taking.

Hopefully you can agree with my attempt to come to a definition of a WordPress theme framework. Anyway, with this “definition”, I have been able to compose a list of 38 WordPress theme frameworks. That is quite a list, although it includes eight projects that have been ceased – or have been put on ice.

Ashford

Ashford is a WordPress theme framework is a project from Tim Bednar. It has been around since 2008 and comes in two flavors:

• Ashford Framework $0
• Ashford Pro Framework $49

With the free version you get access to the online documentation, but basically you are on your own. Ashford Pro Framework comes with support and two child themes. Furthermore, the Pro version has an extended options panel and is mobile ready.

Ashford and Ashford Pro are both licensed under GPL v2.0 or later. And in both cases you get lifetime access to updates and you can the framework on an unlimited number of sites. The current version 2.3 was released August 30, 2011.

Backbone

Backbone is clean WordPress theme framework from ColorLabs with a responsive design. It comes with a comprehensive options panel, fourteen custom widgets, and incorporates six widgetized areas. For the homepage you have a choice out of five layouts: blog, photoblog, online magazine, portfolio, business website.

The ColorLabs Backbone framework is available in two pricings:

• Standard Pack $59
• Developer Pack $127

In both cases you get lifetime support and updates. The major difference is that the Developer Pack entitles you to support for not one, but an unlimited number of websites. Backbone was released January 2012.

ColorLabs themes are licensed under GPL. You have the right to use purchased themes on as many concurrent domains as you like and are authorized to make any necessary modifications.

Base

Base is a theme framework by Graph Paper Press released December 2010 and created to empower the future themes from this company. Besides that Base offers the foundation to develop child themes it can also be used as a minimal theme on itself.

Themes and theme frameworks by Graph Paper Press are available on an all-in subscription basis:

• yearly $99
• forever $299

Both plans include 30 themes (to date), 14 plugins, 40 video tutorials, pro support, theme updates and new themes released during the subscription period – either one year of lifetime. Graph Paper Press’ themes are licensed under GPL.

A review of the Graph Paper Press Base Theme Framework can be found on themingwp.com.

Bibliotheca 2

Bibliotheca was a free theme framework by Alex Denning of WPShout. It has been discontinued August 18, 2010.

Buddymatic

Buddymatic was a theme framework with integrated BuddyPress functionality by Andrea & Ron Rennick. Since Andrea and Ron are now working for Copyblogger/StudioPress, the project has been ceased. Buddymatic was originally based on based on Thematic.

Buffet Framework

The Buffet Framework has been created by Melvin Lee, who is also the creator of the Arras Theme. The last update goes back to April 2009. Although the development of the Buffet Framework has been discontinued, the framework can still download the framework from the WordPress Directory.

Builder

Builder by iThemes is a theme framework with a Layout Engine that lets your build WordPress themes and create WordPress sites as you want them. The Style Manager gives you full control over the design of the theme without coding. Builder comes with 60+ child themes. You can upload and use child themes as they are. However, you can also use a child theme as a stepping stone for your custom theme so that you do not need to start from scratch.

Builder comes with three purchase options:

• Builder Foundation $80
• Builder Developer Pack $197
• All-Access Pass $387

Builder Foundation comes with 5 child themes, where you get all (60+) child themes and Loopbuddy with the Developer Pack. The All-Access Pass adds all Classic Themes (80+) and the Billboard WordPress Advertising Plugin to the Builder Developer Pack. In all three situations, you are entitled to support and updates during one year. All themes by iThemes are licensed under GPL v2.0.

Carrington Build

Crowd Favorite has released several products that assist developers and designers in creating WordPress sites and themes. Carrington Build is a drag-and-drop framework for creating WordPress based websites. The Carrington Build Developer Edition for a single site costs $499, including one year upgrades, support and forum access.

Carrington Core

The Carrington Core platform is the open source, GPL licensed theme engine available for free at github. Carrington Core lets you create WordPress website with less coding. According the author, “for a WordPress theme professional, it’s the best thing since sliced bread.”

Catalyst

Catalyst is a premium theme framework with a responsive design developed by a company with the same name. Catalyst used to have three plans and pricings: Basic ($77), Personal ($127), and Developer ($197).

As of September 2012, the number of editions has been reduced to only one – Catalyst Framework. The Catalyst Framework is available for a one-time fee of $127.

All Catalyst members enjoy the same benefits: unlimited websites, lifetime updates, access to the Catalyst documentation and the support forum, and free Marketplace Products. These Marketplace Products include Dynamic Skins, Child Themes, Plugins and Custom Graphics.

An in-depth review of the Catalyst Framework is available here on wilwebs.com: The Catalyst WordPress Theme Framework – A First Look.

Dynamik Website Builder

The Dynamik Website Builder has been developed by the creators of the Catalyst WordPress Framework. Simply put, they have created a child theme for the Genesis Framework, and added the design controls from the Catalyst framework. Version 1.0 was released June 28, 2012.

Dynamik comes with a GPL license and is available for a one-time fee of $77. Please note that in order to use the Dynamik Website Builder, you need the Genesis Framework too. The Genesis Framework – that comes with a blank child theme – has a one- time fee of $59.95.

An in-depth review of the Dynamik Website Builder is available here on wilwebs.com: The Dynamik Website Builder for Genesis – A First Look.

Elemental

Elemental by Pro Theme Design is a theme framework that has been around since October 2009. Version 2 is currently in the works. The driving force behind Pro Theme Design is Binary Moon‘s Ben Gillbanks, also creator of TimThumb – a PHP Image Resized used by many themes in order to create thumbnail images.

Elemental is offered with two different licenses – both GPL:

• Basic $59.99
• Developer $149.99

The difference between the two is that the Basic comes with technical support for 1 website, and the developer with support for 5 websites and PSD/PNG files. In both cases you can install Elemental on as many sites as you like. Additionally, you will get lifetime downloads and updates.

Gantry

Gantry has initially been created by RocketTheme in order to simplify the development process of their premium WordPress themes. Gantry is based on a 960 grid system with integrated RTL-language support.

Gantry is available for WordPress and Joomla 1.5 and 2.5. Drupal support has been announced. The current Gantry version for WordPress is 1.2.3 was released January 15, 2012. The Gantry Framework is licensed under GPL v2.0 and can be downloaded for free here.

Genesis

The Genesis Framework from StudioPress aims to empower the development and design of WordPress sites.

The core theme framework with a blank child theme is available for $59.95. From the StudioPress website alone, you can download about 14 child themes for free, choose from 45+ premium child themes by StudioPress, and 15 Community Themes.

In case you would like to take advantage of the Genesis Framework, but do not want to dive into CSS, the Genesis Child Theme Prose is an excellent alternative.

An in-depth review of the Genesis Framework is available here on wilwebs.com: The Genesis Framework by StudioPress – A First Look.

Gravy

Gravy is a theme framework created by Darren Hoyt. It was released in August 2009. Unfortunately, the product page is no longer available. This blog post December 2009 requesting for feature suggestions for version 1.3 was apparently the last one. Therefore, we may assume that the project has been ceased.

Headway

Headway is a theme framework incorporating a visual editor that allows you to create web layouts by dragging-and-dropping layout components. With you Live CSS changes made to the style sheet will visible while typing them.

Headway is available in two flavors:

• Headway Base $68
• Headway Standard $174

Both subscriptions include one year of support and updates. Headway Standard is actually Headway Base plus 3 child themes.

Howling Dog Theme Framework

The relatively new Howling Dog Theme Frawework has been developed by Howling Dog Themes. The Howling Dog Theme Framework (HDT) is required in order to run HDT child themes. For the design of HDT child themes you need K9 Canvas. HDT as well as K9 Canvas are available as a free download.

Alternatively, you can subscribe to the Pro version which includes one year premium support and upgrades for $89.50. HDT Premium Child themes are available for $29.50. The current version 1.5 was released February 29, 2012. The Howling Dog Theme Framework is licensed under GPLv2.

Hybrid Core

Hybrid Core is a free WordPress theme framework developed by Justin Tadlock for creating parent themes. Hybrid Core supplies the necessary PHP code base, allowing designers to focus on coding the theme’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Support and tutorials are available for a mere $25 per annum.

Hybrid Core should not be confused with – the also free – ThemeHybrid. ThemeHybrid can be used as a (parent) theme, Hybrid Core is not a theme (yet), it is a semi-finished product. Hybrid Core is licensed under GPL v2.0 and can be downloaded for free.

Modularity

Modularity is a multimedia theme framework by Graph Paper Press initially released August, 2008. The current version 3.0.8 was released February 27, 2012. Just like the newer Base from the same company, Modularity can be used to develop child themes, but also as a theme on itself.

Themes and theme frameworks by Graph Paper Press are available on an all-in subscription basis:

• yearly $99
• forever $299

Both plans include 30 themes (to date), 14 plugins, 40 video tutorials, pro support, theme updates and new themes released during the subscription period – either one year of lifetime. Graph Paper Press’ themes are licensed under GPL.

MultiToool

MultiToool by Bloooming is a theme builder with a visual interface. The framework comes with two predefined skins – a minimalist-styled Zen and a colorful Sun. These skins can be used as a foundation for developing your own or you can choose to start from scratch.

MultiToool provides all tools and components you need to build your theme, like a Style Sheet Editor, Template Editor, and Droplets. The CSS Editor is accessible from every component, and shows the style definition of this particular component – comparable to Firebug’s Element Inspector. Droplets define menus, sliders and sidebars, but also headlines, tags and comment forms.

A single-site license of MultiToool is available at ThemeForest for $45.

NHP Theme Options Framework

NHP Theme Options Framework is a project from Lee Mason of No Half Pixels – now you know where the NHP is coming from. Lee Mason needed a framework that:

• has a tab for each settings section
• uses that WordPress Core Settings API
• offers custom error handling
• is easily extendable
• makes it easy to customize functionality and styling

The NHP Theme Options Framework comes with many built-in validation classes, like email and date validation. The current version 1.0.3 was launched April 14, 2012. The NHP Theme Options Framework can be downloaded for free from gitbhub.

OnePress Community

OnePress Community is a theme framework supplying an integrated forum solution for WordPress websites. The last update, version 1.5 supporting WordPress 2.8 is dated June 2009. We may assume that the project is either ceased or in a deep sleep. However, the source files are still available for download at Google Code.

Options Framework Theme

The Options Framework Theme, just like the Options Framework Plugin – which is also available at the WordPress Plugin Directory – are projects from Devin Price’s WP Theming. The main objective of these products is to supply an options panel for theme developers, so that theme developers can concentrate on the design rather than inventing the panel wheel over-and-over again. The theme as well as the plugin can be downloaded for free from github.

PageLines

PageLines is a drag-and-drop theme framework with a responsive design giving full control over the layout of your website – without coding. There are currently three versions of PageLines:

• Lite $0
• Professional $197
• Developer $397

The main differences between the Professional and Developer license, is that the latter entitles you not only to build site for your own domains, but also for clients. Furthermore, with the Developer you get additional integration tools and multisite support.

The free PageLines Lite can be downloaded from the WordPress Themes Directory.

PressWork

PressWork is an HTML5 WordPress theme framework with a drag-and-drop editor and a responsive design. Thanks to the PressWork Toolbox, you can customize a web page and visually monitor your adjustments without leaving the page you are editing. Any change is visible immediately. The PressWork Toolbox comprehends six tools:

• PressWork Settings
• Layout
• Colors
• (Google) Fonts
• Social
• Save All

The current version is 1.0.4.2 and was release last March. PressWork is licensed under GPL v2.0. The theme framework is available for free from the WordPress Theme Directory. A Pro version of PressWork has been announced.

Reverie

Reverie is a HTML5 WordPress Framework with a responsive design from ThemeFortress. March 2012 version 2.0 was released, only four months after the initial launch of the framework. Version 1.0 had built-in support for bbPress, version 2.0 adds support for BuddyPress.

Reverie is based upon ZURB’s Foundation – a toolbox comprehending HTML boilerplate, a CSS grid and JavaScript. Since Foundation was updated to 2.0, ThemeFortress decided to follow this version number. Reverie can be downloaded for free from the ThemeFortress website or Github.

rtPanel

rtPanel is a “stripped-to-bone WordPress theme framework” developed by rtCamp – a network of 20+ professional WordPress developers. As of version is 2.1, the rtPanel Framework features a responsive design and supports 960gs, HTML5, CSS3, and bbPress.

The framework is licensed under GPL v2.0. The theme framework as well as the child theme can be downloaded for free. And despite the zero costs, users as well as developers have access to the support forum.

Startbox

StartBox is a theme framework developed by Brian Richards. Since the launch in August 2010, StartBox was available on a subscription bases. July last year, with the release of version 2.5.2, the framework became available for free. It can be downloaded from Gihub.

The current version 2.5.6 was released January 31, 2012. By joining the StartBox Developer’s Club for $100 per year, you get unlimited access to child themes, PSDs, detailed tutorials and support. The current version is 2.5.6 and licensed under GPL.

SWFPress

SWFPress is a theme framework based on amfPHP to create Flash based WordPress themes. The latest online discussions I have been able to trace are at least one year old. Likewise, the Twitter account @swfpress has not tweeted for over a year, so I assume that the project has been ceased or otherwise it has been put on ice.

Thematic

Thematic is a creation of Ian Stewart who works for Themeshaper – Automattic’s Theme Team. It is a free WordPress theme framework, open-source, highly extensible, featuring 13 widget-ready areas, including grid-based layout samples, and styling for popular plugins.

The framework has been developed for bloggers and WordPress development professionals. The current version 0.9.7.7 went public on October 12, 2010. Thematic can be downloaded for free from the WordPress Themes Directory. Support is available through the ThemeShaper Forums.

ThemeFrame

ThemeFrame by BytesForAll is “WordPress Theme creation tool” by BytesForAll released on January 2, 2012. Is has been developed by the author of the Atahualpa theme.

A lifetime license costs $60, however you will only get updates and access to the member’s forum for one year. So in case you want your ThemeFrame to stay up to date, you will have to pay this fee annually.

Themnific

Themnific Pro is premium WordPress theme framework for creating blogs, online magazines, creative portfolios and business websites alike. The framework lets you customize the layout, style, and typography of individual design elements. Themnific Pro is available for $50.

Themnific Basic is stripped down version of Themnific Pro so that you can try some of Pro’s functions and features for free. Themnific Basic has a magazine core, includes a big jQuery slider, two styles for latest posts, bottom line posts (video ready) and a right sidebar with a tabbed section.

Thesis

Thesis by DIYThemes is a theme framework allowing non-coders to design any kind of website. Unfortunately, I was not able to trace a preview of Thesis on the DIYThemes website. However, there is a showcase displaying customizations from the Thesis Community.

The Thesis website framework is available in two flavors:

• Personal Option $87
• Developer’s Options $164

The Personal Option lets you use the template system on 1 website, the Developer’s Option allows you to use the system on all your own domains. In either case, you will get lifetime upgrades and a 30-day money back guarantee.

An in-depth review of the Thesis Theme is available here on wilwebs.com: The Thesis Theme Framework for WordPress – A First Look.

Ultimatum

Ultimatum is a WordPress theme framework incorporating a Drag-and-Drop Layout Builder and Style Editor. According to Ultimatum it is more than a WordPress theme or framework. It positions itself as a total design suite for beginning WordPress enthusiasts, giving them total control of any aspect of the website without coding.

The Ultimatum Theme comes in three flavors:

• Starter License $65
• Developer’s License $125
• Designer’s License $170

The Starter License gives you a lifetime membership and support for one site. The Developer’s License entitles you to support for an unlimited number of sites, WordPress multisite support, and the ability to export templates. The Designer’s License adds the right to sell your templates to the Ultimatum Template Market. More details are available on the Ultimatum pricing page .

An in-depth review of the Thesis Theme is available here on wilwebs.com: Ultimatum Theme – A First Look.

Whiteboard Framework

The WhiteBoard Framework is a WordPress theme framework developed by wpLifeGuard+. It has been around since 2008. Since version 3.1 released March 2011, the Whiteboard Framework incorporates the LESS Framework – a CSS grid system – supplying it with a responsive design. The current version is 3.2.1 was released January 16, 2012. The Whiteboard Framework is open source and licensed under the GPL license. The Whiteboard Framework can be downloaded for free here.

Wonderflux

Wonderflux is a WordPress theme framework released March 11, 2012. With version 1.0 RC2 it is actually still in beta. On the other hand, themes and frameworks with a version number below 1.0 are not unusual. The framework has been under development for two years already.

The main goal with the framework is to support developers and designers alike to achieve rapid theme development. The Wonderfulx framework as well as the child theme can be downloaded for free from the Google code projects pages.

WordPress Theme Framework

The WordPress Theme Framework (WTF) by Alaja delivers theme developers a pre-made Theme Options page. Integrating this page into a theme (under development) is a matter of adding one line of code to the theme’s function.php. Other functions coming with the WTF are full breadcrumbs, listing popular, related and future posts, and plenty of social media functionality.

The WordPress Theme Framework PHP code is licensed under the same GPL license as WordPress itself. The current version is 1.2. The WordPress Theme Framework is available for sale at ThemeForest/Codecanyon for $8.

WP Framework

The WP Framework is rapid theme development framework which can be downloaded for free from the WordPress Theme Directory. The last update is dated April 19, 2011. However, the author’s website is no longer available. Apparently, wpframework.com was intended and installed last November as the theme’s new home, but that WordPress installation has not been updated since, so I assume it has been ceased or hibernated.

WP Sumo

WPSumo is a mobile ready theme framework allowing you to create visually rich websites. Basically, every post or page can have a different layout. The framework comes with an integrated style editor making changes to the CSS as simple as point-and-click.

WPSumo offers 50+ hooks for extending the functionality of child themes. The framework incorporates shortcodes, lets you manage your own advertising zones and integrates social media and social sharing features.

WPSumo is available with two versions:

• Standard License $89
• Developer License $129

Both licenses allow you to use WPSumo on multiple domains. The Standard License comes with standard support, while the Developer License entitles you to extended support.

WPUnlimited

The WPUnlimited theme framework was launched March 2009, but there is no fresh trail of the framework. David Peralty, WPUnlimited’s creator is currently using a theme by Orman Clark on his blog. Since there is no mention of WPUnlimited on that blog, I think we may assume that the project has been ceased.

Xtreme One

The Xtreme One WordPress Framework is responsive theme framework based on the YAML CSS Framework. Xreme One comes with a powerful Layout Manager for creating custom and flexible page layouts. Since version 1.1, released February 2011, Xtreme One is able to output HTML5. The current version 1.4.5 was released last February.

The Xtreme One framework – together with a blank child theme – is available for $79.95. Additional child themes can be purchased for $19.95. These are one-time only fees. Lifetime updates, and the use of (video) tutorials, the support forum, and the knowledgebase are included. The framework and child themes are licensed under GPL.

An in-depth review of Xtreme One is available here on wilwebs.com: The Xtreme One WordPress Theme Framework – A First Look.

What’s next

Wow. In case you have read the article entirely: Hats off! It is my intention to update this post whenever I learn about updates, new theme frameworks or terminated projects.

Furthermore, I am going to examine some of these theme frameworks in greater detail. Of course, I will keep you posted on my findings.

By the way, while I was doing my research for this post, I also came across a number of starter themes: 45 so far. I will get back on this topic later – there is a lot of interesting stuff out there!