WordPress Themes and Templates: What Sets Them Apart?

As I delved deeper into the world of WordPress, I encountered a common source of confusion: the interchangeable use of the terms “theme” and “template.” In this article, we will clarify the distinctions between these two crucial aspects of WordPress web design.

To begin, let’s consult Wikipedia’s definition of the WordPress content management system:

WordPress is an open-source content management system written in PHP, utilizing a MySQL database server, and released under the GNU General Public License, version 2. It finds applications ranging from blogs to complex news outlets and e-commerce websites. Its built-in system of “themes” and “plugins,” coupled with its robust architecture, allows users to construct highly functional projects.

You might notice that the term “template” is conspicuously absent from this definition. This omission is a point of confusion for many users, including seasoned webmasters, web developers, and project creators. Even search engines contribute to this ambiguity. For instance, try searching “WordPress Themes” in Yandex or Google, and you’ll encounter a landscape where themes and templates are used interchangeably.

So, let’s demystify these terms.

What is a WordPress Theme?

A theme in WordPress refers to a collection of files, both mandatory and supplementary, responsible for shaping the visual appearance of your website. It encompasses everything from images, style sheets, page templates, to additional files that collectively define the unique design and functionality of your blog.

In the admin panel, to access the list of installed themes, navigate to “Appearance” → “Themes” (note that it’s “Themes,” not “Templates”). If you open the style.css file in a text editor, you’ll find the theme’s name at the very top. For example:

Once again, the key term here is “Theme,” not “Template.” This underscores the notion that in WordPress, we install Themes, not Templates.

What is a WordPress Template?

A template in WordPress, on the other hand, is a separate script that determines the appearance of a specific element on your blog. Templates dictate what elements are displayed on a page and where they are positioned. These scripts are placed in files, which often refer to page templates (e.g., index.php, single.php) or templates governing specific design aspects of a theme (e.g., header.php, footer.php). Each theme may comprise several templates, each with its unique hierarchy.

To gain a better understanding of what “Templates” are, you can open the built-in WordPress editor (located at “Appearance” → “Editor”). There, you’ll find an extensive list of templates, including those for 404 errors, archives, comments, and more. This list of templates serves as the building blocks for constructing the visual layout of your site.

In summary, “WordPress Theme” and “WordPress Template” are not interchangeable terms. They fulfill distinct roles in shaping your website’s appearance and functionality.

It’s worth noting that despite these differences, many users remain unaware of or unconcerned about the distinction between themes and templates. Therefore, it’s essential to accept this fact and avoid unnecessary debates. As the saying goes, “Call it a teapot if you like, just don’t place it on the stove!”

The majority of readers may not feel compelled to amend their terminology, replacing “theme” with “template.” It’s similar to one person saying “zoh-neet,” and another saying “zawn-it.” We recognize the latter as the correct pronunciation, but the essence remains unchanged. What’s important is that you, the reader, understand the difference.