Seen as a viable means of creating a remarkable WordPress theme, WordPress theme frameworks have worked wonders for a variety of WordPress designers and developers residing in different corners of the world. Equipped with a pre-built, flexible code in place, WordPress frameworks render you an absolute convenience of building a WordPress theme from scratch. Additionally, the plugins, themes and other options available with WordPress frameworks eliminate the need for re-inventing the wheel for every WordPress theme development project.
Through this post, I’ll be offering you handy insights on three most renowned WordPress theme frameworks which have served as the best options for both, novice as well as professional WordPress theme creators(designers and developers).
1. Builder
Designed by iThemes, Builder is a WordPress framework that comes with a built-in support for highly intuitive and responsive designs. There is a powerful Layout Editor which allows you to build fabulous site via insertion of modules like the building blocks. Some of the commendable features incorporated into Builder include: 80+ child themes, built-in advertising module, navigation menu builder, blocks to be added into custom content hooks, ability to have multiple layouts and many more. On purchasing the Builder WordPress framework, you receive one year of support which includes tutorial videos, community forums, documentation etc. However, if you want to go for the more extensive support option, you can avail the same by making a payment of $247.00 on an annual basis.Builder is available in three packages:
- Foundation- It can be purchased at a price of $80
- Developer Pack- It can be purchased by paying a sum of $197
- All Access- This package is available at a price of #387
2. Backbone
Introduced by Co, Backbone is a WordPress theme framework that comes with a fully responsive design. Other impressive features of this framework include: magazine, pre-made homepage layouts, photo blog and a lot more. The ColorLabs Backbone WordPress framework is available in two price tags viz: Standard Pack, which is available at $59 and the Developer Pack which can be purchased by paying a sum of $127. For both the packages, you receive lifetime support and automatic updates. Plus, the Developer Pack offers you support for unlimited number of websites. Released way back in January 2012, Backbone is the WordPress framework is currently available in its version 1.4.1.You all must be well familiar with what exactly a theme framework must be like. Well, for those of you who aren’t, here’s an explanation. Your theme framework must be clean, simple and loaded with a plethora of features, layouts and customization possibilities. Having being developed with novice WordPress users in mind, Backbone offers you the ease of building a website that ranks well on all major search engines. The level of control and flexibility incorporated within Backbone makes it one of the most preferable options for WordPress theme designers and developers, without making them compromise on the quality of final product.Some standard features defined for Backbone include the ones mentioned below:
- Built on HTML5 and CSS3
- Easy framework update
- Theme Administration panel
- Cross-browser compatibility
- Automatic thumbnail resizer
- Social network integration
- Custom shortcodes
- Responsive layout for all devices and many more.
3. Elemental
With a primary focus on blogging, Elemental is a WordPress framework that comes loaded with features including 9 different themes, built-in advertising support, amazing social networking options, 12 custom page templates and many more. All these features enable you to get your WordPress blog up and running in no time. Moreover, you need not fear about moderating the look and feel of your WordPress blog. Elemental has a wide range of customization options available in control panel, offering you complete control over different web page elements such as typography, columns, navigation etc. Other excellent features of Elemental include: robust customization control panel, social networking widgets, Comment customization, 12 custom page templates, well-defined forums and documentation, localization/translation options, multi-level drop downs and breadcrumb navigations. If you simply want a blog that runs on WordPress, without getting into the hassles of extensive coding, then Elemental is the WordPress framework for you.
Summing Up
So, that was all about the three leading WordPress theme frameworks which have served as the right tools for WordPress users looking out for building a perfect and feature-rich WordPress theme.
Author Bio: Emily Heming is a professional WordPress developer for a leading PSD to WordPress conversion company. She also provides conversion services like HTML to WordPress theme and many more. She has served many worpress companies helping them in developing user-friendly website. So feel free to contact her.