For the past three years, WordPress has released a new WordPress theme annually to go along with the most recent version of the blogging software. This year’s version, which is named (appropriately enough) “2012,” debuted last month, when WordPress put out version 3.5 of the WordPress blogging back end.
2012 now replaces “2011” as WordPress’s default theme. That means that every blog will initially be formatted using 2012; unless blog owners choose to update their blog with another, different theme, 2012 will be what the world sees when they visit the blog. Of course, more advanced users are apt to switch out 2012 for something more to their liking, or at least create a child theme with the features and widgets that they need. But countless novice users, or bloggers who are simply uninterested in the design of their blogs, will not change the theme. As such, expect to start seeing many, many sites running the 2012 theme in the very near future.
Also See: 5 Widgets Every WordPress Site Should Have.
So what does 2012 have that the 2011 theme did not?
Also See: How to Optimize Your WordPress for Cloud Computing
2012 now replaces “2011” as WordPress’s default theme. That means that every blog will initially be formatted using 2012; unless blog owners choose to update their blog with another, different theme, 2012 will be what the world sees when they visit the blog. Of course, more advanced users are apt to switch out 2012 for something more to their liking, or at least create a child theme with the features and widgets that they need. But countless novice users, or bloggers who are simply uninterested in the design of their blogs, will not change the theme. As such, expect to start seeing many, many sites running the 2012 theme in the very near future.
Also See: 5 Widgets Every WordPress Site Should Have.
A Guide For Designers
But 2012 isn’t only for the beginner. It also serves as a template for advanced WordPress users who design themes for other WordPress bloggers. The style and features included within 2012 are considered to be an indication of what WordPress’s makers want to see more of from theme builders. Additionally, the standards 2012 adheres to will give WordPress designers an idea of what WordPress’s makers consider to be most important in a WordPress blog. As of now, 2012 is the model WordPress theme, and designers will begin taking cues from it when they build their own themes.So what does 2012 have that the 2011 theme did not?
No Default Header
The 2012 theme does have the option for users to display a header, but in its default settings, there is no header used. In fact, there are no images at all in the basic layout, although there is ample space for users who want a more visually stimulating layout to add their own images. As for the header, if the user would like to add a header, doing so is only a matter of activating the header option within the control panel and then uploading whatever photo is desired in the header space. In 2012, the header displays below the menu bar, which is itself beneath the title and short description of the blog.Minimalism In Design
WordPress’s default themes are never extraordinarily complicated in their designs, but 2012 takes the minimalism typical of the default themes a step further. 2012 is extremely stripped down, with almost no styling, no images (as mentioned above), and little detailing aside from the post content, the blog title, and the very basic details about the blog post (author, publication date, and current number of comments). This minimalism is probably a reflection of current trends in web design, which dictate that more features and more showy displays of cool new widget-wizardry are not what make a web site great. WordPress seems to be embracing this return to the basics, and encouraging their bloggers to do the same.Also See: How to Optimize Your WordPress for Cloud Computing
Highly Customizable
But the minimalism of 2012 isn’t only about encouraging bloggers to follow a “more is less” approach. It’s also serves a very practical purpose, in that it makes 2012 far easier for bloggers to and theme designers to customize. Those making child Premium WordPress themes out of 2012 won’t have to deal with stripping away CSS or other features that might hamper them in the process of building more complicated themes on the back of this one. 2012 is ready to be rebuilt into something much grander, and theme designers and bloggers are sure to appreciate that.About Jimmie Luthra
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