How to install a theme in Simple Machines Forums
The basic SMF theme is fairly good. Heck, I’m using a slightly modified version of it on two different forums. But if you’re looking for something a little different then there are hundreds of themes available at the Simple Machines Theme Site.
Finding one you like
Below is the basic theme. Not too bad, but maybe you’re looking for something different.
First thing we need to do is head over to the SMF Theme site and browse through the available themes. I’m in a holiday mood, even though it’s June, so I’m going to go with the X-mas Scene theme for this tutorial, but you can pick whatever theme you want.
On the right of the screen you should see a download link along with the file size. Click the link and save the theme somewhere on your computer where you can find it later.
Uploading the theme
To upload the theme you’re going to need to login to the admin section of your SMF forum. Along the left side of the admin page, under the config section, you’ll see a link titled Themes and Layout. Click that.
The next screen you see should be the Themes and Layout Settings screen. Towards the bottom is a section labeled Install a New Theme. Click on the Browse… button and locate the theme file you just downloaded. Select it and press Ok. Then click on the Install! button. Click OK if it pops up a confirmation prompt to install the new theme.
If everything worked correctly you should come to a screen that says the theme was installed successfully.
Go ahead and click on Back and you’ll be taken back to the Themes and Layout Settings page.
Default or not?
You now have the option to set the newly uploaded theme as the forum default or to just allow your users to select it.
If you want to set the new theme as the forum default then select it from the dropdown labeled Overall Forum Default: and then click Save. If you just want it as an option for your visitors you don’t have to do anything; the new theme will show up in their options and they can pick it.
And we’re done!
Not to tough, huh? The SMF team has made it very easy to customize their forum software. Below is a screen shot of our newly installed theme.
Problems?
That’s how it’s supposed to work. If you had a problem along the way feel free to post away asking for help in the comments below. No guarantees that I can help, but I’m usually pretty good at working around server issues.
Question, Comments...
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