Things to consider when changing template

Whilst it is quick and easy to install and publish a new template as your DEFAULT template, there are a number of things to consider both BEFORE and AFTER you change template.

First things first.

Uninstall any old templates that are no longer being used.

Reason: not uninstalling old 3rd party extensions (including templates) will increase the risk of your website being compromised by hackers.

Things to do BEFORE changing Template

Perform a full backup of your website.

Reason: installing 3rd party extensions (including templates) may break your website.

Things to do AFTER changing Template

Avoid uninstalling the old template being replaced until you have checked the new one is performing as expected.

Here are some things to check after changing template.

Review Module Positions

Each templates has its own unique set of POSITIONS.

So, after switching from one template to another you will most likely discover that some Modules are no longer visible in your website front end.

Reason: such Modules are currently assigned to POSITIONS which do not exist in the new template.

Solution

Open each Module screen in your website control panel.

Check which POSITION each Module is assigned to.

Re-assign each Module to a POSITION used by the new template.

Review Module Styles

The appearance of website MODULES may be influenced by the use of one or more MODULE CLASS SUFFIX.

If a MODULE CLASS SUFFIX is being used to influence the Look & Feel of a Module then it will be listed in the relevant field under the ADVANCED tab of a Module screen.

See image below.

Note

If you see a change in the Look & Feel of a module after changing template, it could be because the new template does not contain a syle set referenced in the MODULE CLASS SUFFIX field.

Review Template Styles

Modern templates include lots of settings that can be changed by means of a user friendly interface: check the Extensions > Templates > Styles screen of your website control panel.

Others can be changed by editing the underlying code: : check the Extensions > Templates > Templates screen of your website control panel.

Check the old template Styles against the new one's and make whatever changes are necessary.

For example:

Site Banner.
Screen Background.
Font family etc.

Third Party Extensions

If your old template was purchased from a Template Club then it may well have used a number of 3rd party extensions which came with it.

Uninstalling the old template may not automatically uninstall these 3rd party extensions.

You should perform a manual check and uninstall all such 3rd party extensions.

Reason: not uninstalling old 3rd party extensions will increase the risk of your website being compromised by hackers.

Google Analytics (if used)

JCH Optimize (if used)

PERSONAL Joomla! CMS Help & Support

We coach, help and support managers with responsibility for Joomla! websites in organisations across Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North West England & the UK.