Where can I learn to create my own theme?

There are many different ways to learn to create your own theme.

1. First, there’s the “official” WordPress Codex on Developing Themes, but I’d say that it is more of a reference than a tutorial.

2. Another approach and one I like a lot is to read some of the better tutorials about WordPress Theming on the various blogs around the web. Here are some reasonably good ones, in no particular order:

   • “How to Build a Custom WordPress Theme from Scratch” on SpoonGraphics.co.uk (Feb 2010)

   • “How To Create a WordPress Theme: The Ultimate WordPress Theme Tutorial” on Themeshaper.com (Jun 2009)

   • “Building Custom WordPress Theme” on WebDesignerWall.com (Nov 2008)

3. Yet another option is to check out some of the videos/screencasts on the subject such as this series of videos/screenacasts which I’ve found to be one of the better ones:

   • WordPress Theme Tutorial by andrewanimation/AMPtutorials on YouTube:

     • Part 1 – Setup
     • Part 2 – Homepage and Functions
     • Part 3 – Single Post Template
     • Part 4 – Custom Comment Display
     • Part 5a – Customizing Your Comment List
     • Part 5b – Customizing Your Comment List
     • Part 6 – Additional Pages
     • Part 7a – Dynamic Sidebars
     • Part 7b – Multiple Sidebars
     • Part 8a – Adding a Theme Options Page
     • Part 8b – Adding a Theme Options Page

     .

4. Then of course there are the books you can get, if you must go this route (be sure to hunt for the used ones on Amazon; they are often much cheaper than new):

   • Smashing WordPress: Beyond the Blog
   • Build Your Own Wicked WordPress Themes
   • Rockstar WordPress Designer
   • WordPress Theme Design: A complete guide to creating professional WordPress themes
   • WordPress 2.8 Themes Cookbook
   • WordPress 2.8 Theme Design

   .

5. Lastly you can hang out here and ask questions and/or any of these other places where there are always WordPress-istas willing to help:

   • WordPress Group on LinkedIn – for WordPress users, developers, and consultants, to connect, and to share ideas, questions, and contacts.
   • WP Tavern Forum – forum with various sections for discussion including topics such as general WordPress, business, plugins and hacks, resources and tutorials, themes and templates, and troubleshooting.
   • WP Garage – mailing list at Yahoo which provides advice and answers to questions relating to WordPress.

Hope this helps!