Textpattern Admin Themes

The themes

View live demo and download themes

Themes are compatible with Textpattern 4.0.5 through 4.0.9. 4.2.0 is not yet fully supported. 3rd row tabs are supported (for plugins such as ghb_permanent_links or mods like MLP).

These themes are only CSS files, so you don't have to worry about modifying PHP files or uploading any images. There are two different ways to install the themes.

dds_admin_style plugin

As a companion to these themes, I've developed a plugin that allows the back-end to use styles saved within Textpattern. Once the plugin is installed and enabled:

  1. Open the CSS file of the theme you want. Copy its contents.
  2. In the Textpattern admin. Go to Presentation > Style.
  3. Create a new style. Paste in the CSS. Save the new style. I typically name my style with a prefix of admin to indicate this style is meant for the Txp admin only.
  4. Go to the Extensions > Admin Style. Select the style you just saved.

Pros: easy to save and switch in between lots of different themes. No FTP. Cons: since this is a plugin, the theme will not be active on the Plugins tab or the login page.

Overwriting textpattern.css

  1. Open the CSS file of the theme you want.
  2. Save this file as textpattern.css.
  3. Via FTP navigate to your /textpattern installation.
  4. Upload the new textpattern.css, overwriting the old version.

Pros: theme will be in effect throughout the entire back end. No need to install plugin. Ideal for more permanent solution. Cons: You’ll have to repeat the whole process if you want to switch a theme.

Graceful degradation

The CSS uses some more elaborate properities and selectors that are not supported in IE6 and IE7 — rounded corners, attribute selectors, data URI images, etc. While Internet Explorer users will get a comparable experience, the overall look may differ.

simplexmild

My top candidate to replace the default CSS. simplexmild screenshot

simplexdark

simplexdark screenshot

wilsonblue

Tightly kerned Helvetica. Inspired by Wilson Miner. wilsonblue screenshot

dropmag

Designed for dropshado.ws. dropmag screenshot

smallmarine2

People seem to like this one. smallmarine2 screenshot

hixep

My take on John Hicks' theme, which seemed awfully similar to an earlier Engine Expression theme. hixep screenshot

wp25

A port of the Wordpress 2.5 theme designed by Jason Santa Maria. wp25 screenshot

dds_admin_style

Download dds_admin_style

dds_admin_style is a Textpattern plugin that enables two features for the Textpattern Admin 1. Select a style saved within Textpattern as the admin CSS. 2. Set a unique favicon for the admin.

With this plugin activated, you’ll find a new tab “Admin Style” under “Extensions.”

To set a favicon for Textpattern, upload the appropriate favicon.ico file to your /textpattern installation. Then select "Yes" next to "Enable Favicon."

To use an alternate CSS for the admin, first save a new style in the Style module. Then select that CSS from the drop-down menu. You can revert back to the original Textpattern style by selecting the empty field.

Please note that the custom style and favicon will not be active under the Admin > Plugins tab or the login page. Textpattern disables plugins in these modules as a safety precaution.

You are encouraged to create your own styles. The plugin works by overwriting the URL of the default admin stylesheet with one of your choice. So your custom CSS should be a complete style, not just tweaks or userstyles that change a couple properties. The best way to make your own is to build off of the default CSS file.

Works with Textpattern 4.0.5 and up.