In this blog post, we will explore themes for ClassicPress that I have personally tested on various ClassicPress sites. While this list is not exhaustive, it will provide you with a solid starting point for choosing a theme for your ClassicPress website. This post will remain a work in progress as I continue to discover and test new themes.
Check out the themes directory on ClassicPress site
Introduction
When selecting a ClassicPress theme, consider the following key factors:
- Design: Ensure the theme’s aesthetics align with your brand and target audience.
- Responsiveness: Choose a theme that is mobile-friendly and looks great on all devices.
- Customization options: Look for themes that offer flexibility to tailor the design to your needs.
- Plugin compatibility: Verify that the theme works seamlessly with essential plugins you plan to use.
Where to find themes for ClassicPress?
I have published a separate post on this topic in the past, and also mentioned a few themes in the ClassicPress forums. Based on the same, here is an overview of the themes. This is not an exhaustive list by any standards, but I have tested each of these themes on ClassicPress 1.x (1.3 to 1.7) and also Version 2.
Free vs. Premium Themes
ClassicPress offers both free and premium themes to cater to different budgets and requirements.
Free Themes
The default ClassicPress installation comes with a variety of free themes that you can install directly from your dashboard. These themes are ideal for beginners and those on a tight budget. However, they may have limited customization options compared to premium themes.
Premium Themes
If you require advanced features and extensive customization options, premium themes are the way to go. Developed by professional designers, premium themes offer a wide range of designs and functionalities. They often include dedicated support and regular updates.
I would strongly suggest giving a try to free or paid themes by Alx Media– majority of them work very well with ClassicPress.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular themes for ClassicPress that have been tried and tested.
Showcase of Themes
“Twenty X” series from WordPress
A default ClassicPress installation includes the Twenty Fifteen, Twenty Sixteen, and Twenty Seventeen themes, along with child themes customized for ClassicPress. Other themes in this series, such as Twenty Nineteen and Twenty Twenty, have also proven to work well. These themes are highly customizable and compatible with most plugins, making them a popular choice among ClassicPress users.
Astra or Hello Theme
Astra is a lightweight and fast-loading theme that offers an extensive range of customization options. Its compatibility with popular page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder makes it an excellent choice for creating visually stunning websites. Likewise for the Hello Theme by Elementor.
GeneratePress
GeneratePress is another lightweight and highly customizable theme. It provides a wide array of design options and seamlessly integrates with popular plugins like WooCommerce and Yoast SEO.
Hestia and Neve
Hestia is a modern and stylish theme that is well-suited for small businesses and startups. It features a one-page design with parallax scrolling and works well with page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder. Neve, on the other hand, is a versatile multipurpose theme that offers numerous customization options and pre-built demos, making it a great choice for various types of websites.
Themes by Anders Noren (Rams, McLuhan, iwata and Baskerville) work seamlessly with ClassicPress.
More Themes from ClassicPress
- Susty Theme
Susty is a lightweight, minimalist theme that works well with ClassicPress. It serves as a good starting point or boilerplate theme for developers. - Bedrock Theme
Bedrock is a starter theme specifically designed for ClassicPress. It provides a solid foundation for building custom ClassicPress themes. - Xsimply Theme
Xsimply is another theme built for ClassicPress. - Elevenwider
Elevenwider is a child theme for the WordPress Twenty Eleven theme, but it is built specifically for ClassicPress - Relation Theme
Relation is a blogging theme created exclusively for ClassicPress by tradesouthwest - White Spektrum Theme, Lunar, Solo, ClassiPress
It’s important to note that while these themes are built for or compatible with ClassicPress, the selection is still quite limited compared to the vast library of WordPress themes. However, as the ClassicPress community grows, it’s likely that more developers will create themes tailored to this CMS.
Conclusion
Selecting the right theme or themes for ClassicPress is crucial for saving time and resources in the long run. A well-designed, feature-rich theme allows you to focus on creating quality content and growing your online presence instead of dealing with technical issues. When choosing a theme, prioritize your specific needs and goals, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different options to find the perfect fit for your website.
As I continue to explore and test new ClassicPress themes, I will update this post periodically to share my findings and recommendations.
