What Is the Difference Between a WordPress Theme and a WordPress Template?

If you’re new to WordPress, the terms theme and template can be confusing. While they’re related, they serve different purposes when it comes to the structure and appearance of your website.

WordPress Theme

A theme is a collection of files that control the overall look and feel of your entire website. This includes:

  • Layout
  • Fonts
  • Colours
  • Navigation
  • Global styling

When you install a theme, it sets the foundation for your site’s visual design and structure. Themes can be free or premium, and many include built-in options for customisation.

WordPress Template

A template is a specific layout file within a theme. It controls how individual pages or post types are displayed. For example:

  • A home page template
  • A blog post template
  • A contact page template
  • A full-width landing page template

You can have multiple templates within one theme, allowing different pages to have their own layout and content structure while keeping the same overall design.

In Summary

  • The theme controls your site’s overall design.
  • A template defines the layout of a specific page within that theme.

At A7Designs, we customise WordPress themes and templates to align with your business goals and branding, ensuring a professional and unique website design.

If you’re unsure which approach is right for your project, we’re happy to guide you.

Contact A7Designs for help with WordPress themes, templates, and full custom builds.