Joomla Templates - Installation

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Launch the Joomla Template Installation Video Tutorial now! (Requires Flash) This guide takes you through the necessary steps to install your new template into Joomla! and making it the default install on your website.

Downloading the Template Files

The initial step is to download all the necessary and/or available files from your template provider. This can just be the archived template file or a range of extras such as source files. A list of possible items are list and defined below:

Template File (rt_template.tgz) This file is the template package you will use to install your template into Joomla. This usually has the suffix .tgz or .zip.
Template Extensions (template_modules.zip) Depending on where you receive your templates, you may find that there is an offer of additional extensions such as modules or mambots. These usually are in a .zip format. Information about the modules should be given by the template developer.
Template Fonts (template_fonts.zip) If the template developer is providing a source file, you will want to have the exact fonts used so you can edit the template's graphics to suit your purposes, a popular example is changing the logo text to your company name.
Template Sources (template_source_png) Source files are normally provided which allow you to edit the template's design to suit your personal preferences. At RocketTheme we provide a source PNG file which is editable in Adobe Fireworks, a professional graphics tool for web design. Other template provides may use Adobe Photoshop for their template design and is this case you will be provide with a PSD file.

Installing the Template into Joomla

To install the template into your Joomla site, follow these steps:

Go to your Admin control panel for your site. In the Menu at the top, go to Installers > Templates – Site. Next browse for your rt_template.tgz file you downloaded and then click Upload File & Install. Now the template is installed and in your template list.
Next, from your admin control panel, go to Site > Template Manager > Site Templates. This will pull up the list of your installed templates. Find the template on the list and select the radio button to the left and then click Default up in the top right corner. Now the template is set as your default template. If you view your site, you should see the template up and running.