WordPress theme and template are often used interchangeably in this industry. However we would be looking at the wordpress theme vs template as a topic.

This will give us more insight into the difference between the two wordpress tools as we proceed.

WordPress like we all know, is a content management system (CMS) and also an open source software. This software enables the publishers to share their contents for public view through the internet.

About 28% of the recorded websites are powered by wordpress. Because of the popularity of this CMS, many developers have contributed immensely to the growth of the system.

Most of the web developers chose their part, some specialized on wordpress themes while others are good in wordpress plugins.

When we talk about open source software, we are simply referring to those softwares whose developers have given out rights to others to contribute or use their tools freely.

With CMS, one can design a beautiful website without writing any code, all that is required is just to install all the necessary tools and customize to suit your needs.

Apart from the domain name and web hosting, some of the tools required for wordpress website are plugins and themes or templates.

In this article we will be looking at wordpress theme vs template, this to answer the question of some people who find it difficult to differentiate between the two.

WordPress Theme VS Template

Let’s discuss these wordpress tools to know the difference, even though they are doing allmost the same functions.

What is WordPress Theme?

WordPress theme is the main front-end part of your website, this comprises of the website layout, the footer and header section, the typography which includes the fonts size and colors.

WordPress theme is responsible for the appearance of your website and how users interact with your website.

In most cases, these themes comes with a personalized page builder and un-editable layout.

Most of the WordPress theme will limit you to what the developer has defined.

Pros of WordPress Theme

Fast Loading Speed
WordPress theme is what you need if you like fast loading website, who doesn’t want fast website. Even google frowns at low loading website.

Most of the wordpress themes are lightweight which contributes to the fast loading.

Very Simple
Simplicity is one of the advantages of wordpress themes, the developers make things so simple that you don’t even need to do much for the customization.

Once you install most of these themes, few things to do is replacing of the images and tex and you are done.

Professionalism
WordPress theme developers try as much as possible to produce professionally looking wordpress themes.

Don’t forget that the developers create their layout or the theme structure. This will make the front-end fit in to the layout already prepared for the theme in a professional manner.

Adaptability
WordPress themes are developed bearing in mind, that there are different devices and screen sizes that may be used to view this theme.

Themes can adapt to any device and still give the same results depending on the device. Devices like desktop, tablet and mobile devices.

Cons of WordPress Theme

The pros out ways
the cons, if you have been working with wordpress themes. The only identified disadvantage of theme is that the premium ones are not free to use.

If you are looking for premium wordpress theme, it has to come with a price. However, with the free themes available, you can design a professionally looking website without spending a dime.

You see why I don’t believe that wordpress theme has a disadvantage. Even with the con we still have alternative solution to that.

What is WordPress Template?

As we are looking at the wordpress theme vs template, we need to understand what wordpress template is.

Templates are those layouts that are already designed, which you can use to arrange your webpage contents. They are pre-designed for individual pages or sections of a page.

Like contact page, homepage, about page, or header sections, footer sections, hero sections etc.

Many web designers prefers to work with wordpress templates, let’s find why below .

Pros of wordpress template

Saves Time
If you are a very busy designer that doesn’t joke time then, wordpress template is what you should be working with.

You can imagine having a lot of clients waiting for you to deliver, the only way to make it faster is by using templates.

From the host of templates before you, just drag and drop and edit few things and you are done.

Saves Money
With templates, you don’t have to pay for anything unlike the wordpress theme where you will have to pay for premium themes or the pro version of the one you are using.

You can even re-use the templates for another projects, just little changes and you are good to go.

Flexibility
Templates are very flexible to use, it very easy and simple to remove/replace any section or page without affecting the whole website.

If you are not comfortable with the hero section, you can decide to change it with another one and your website will still look good.

Good Layouts
Most of the sections or pages are well arranged in a professional manner, with the hard work already done for you.

There is no point cracking your brain on how your webpage will look like, just go through the list of templates and you must find what you want and make it your own.

Cons of WordPress Template

Uniformity
If you are the type that likes uniqueness in your designs, templates may not give you that because of the uniformity in template design.

In some templates, there are few things you can change, things like text and images.

If all your work appears to be the same designs, you will start loosing clients that wants something new.

Poor Coding
Most the templates are poorly developed, some of them are done by amateurs while some developers are doing for fun.

Unlike wordpress theme that can be sold and make money, these young developers may be testing their coding skills without paying much attention in the quality of codes.

Brand Compatibility
Just like I pointed out earlier that wordpress template may not be good for custom designs.

For instance, you want to redesign an already existing website and still retain their brand identity. It will require a custom coding which template will not give you.


Conclusion

If you followed this article to this stage then you should be able to answer one or two questions on wordpress theme vs template.

As a web designer, you should also know which one to use and when to use them in your projects.

From makawp dot com

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