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A Guide to Themes for Blogs at UMass Amherst

Software: WordPress MU 2.8.1

Every theme provides a unique combination of options. Some themes such as Regulus are more customizable than others. Some, such as WordPress default or Blue Moon, are not customizable at all. This guide is intended to help you locate a theme with the options you care most about.

Note: Most themes are provided by third-party developers. Themes that are not updated in time for WordPress upgrades may not be functional and often pose a security risk. OIT will remove problematic themes, but also add new ones. Check this page for the latest updates!

Tips:

  • If a theme does not include top navigation to pages, you may need to add the Pages widget to a side bar so that visitors can navigate within your blog.
  • Single-column themes display widgets below the main column. Depending on the length and number of entries displayed, visitors may need to scroll down to see 'sidebars.'
  • Some Theme options instruct you to upload image or CSS files to directories that are not available to users in our multi-user installation. Sorry!
  • Widgets may need to be set for individual themes.
  • Once you set up a theme, its settings are preserved if, for instance, you try out a different theme, then decide to return the previous theme.


Andreas09

Andreas09_IMAGE

  • 3 column layout
  • Top navigation tabs
  • Choose from preset color schemes

Barthelme

Barthelme_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout
  • Set layout width
  • No top navigation tabs
  • Choose header background color (solid or gradient) and header font color
  • Choose base and heading font faces, text size, and text alignment for posts

Blue Moon

Blue_Moon_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout
  • Top navigation tabs
  • No options for changing header, fonts, or colors

Freshy

Freshy_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout, sidebar on right
  • Top navigation tabs
  • Choose from 3 preset theme variations, or
  • Use the Options area to choose menu background color and additional header images, or type in Hex colors, or URL to custom image

Grid Focus

grid_IMAGE

  • 2 or 3 column fixed-width layout, sidebar(s) on right
  • Magazine-style top tabs for Front page, Browse categories, Subscribe, and Search Archive
  • Clean white look, no options

K2

k2_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout, sidebar on right
  • Top navigation tabs
  • Change header color or upload custom header image
  • No options for changing fonts

    • Note: Option to link to custom cascading style sheet does not work on our servers

Light

Light_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout, sidebar on right
  • Top navigation tabs
  • No options for changing header, fonts, or colors

Regulus

Regulus_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout, sidebar right or left
  • Top navigation tabs
  • Link to custom header image or use one of several provided header images
  • Several pre-built color schemes to choose from

Simpla

Simpla_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout, sidebar on right
  • No top navigation tabs
  • Choose link color
  • No options for changing header, fonts, or colors

Tarski

Tarski_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout, sidebar on left or right
  • Top navigation tabs
  • Layout left aligned or centered in window
  • Choice of provided header images, or blank

Thoughts

Thoughts_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout, sidebar on right
  • No top navigation tabs
  • No options for changing header, fonts, or colors

veryplaintxt

Veryplaintxt_IMAGE

  • 1 or 2 column layout, adjustable sidebar width, left or right
  • Top navigation tabs
  • Extensive typographic choices include font face, text alignment, and text size
  • Optional sidebar and footer text block "add-ins"
  • No color options or banner options

Vistered Little

Visitered_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout, sidebar can be on left or right
  • No top navigation tabs
  • Several "skins", each of which lets visitors choose from a set of background images

UMass Kubrick

UMass_Kubrick_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout, sidebar can be on left or right
  • Top navigation tabs optional
  • Optional UMass headers
  • Change header color or upload custom header image
  • Choose from several font families for header, body, and headings

WordPress Classic

WordPress_Classic_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout, sidebar on right side
  • No top navigation tabs
  • No options for changing header, fonts or colors

WordPress MU Default

WordPress_MU_IMAGE

  • 2 column layout, sidebar on right side
  • No top navigation tabs
  • Choose header color (solid or gradient)
  • No font choices

Need Help?

If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
- or -
Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.

Last revised July 14, 2009