[Brad]

Originally Posted by CommuneZoom

Start with the header and footer templates, they control the basic forum layout. From there, the FORUMHOME templates control the display of the main forum showcase (i.e. what you see when you visit index.php). The FORUMDISPLAY templates will modify what you see when you enter a forum.

This is a good way to start, but I just want to note that everyone learns their own way. Do what comes easy to you.

When I first started learning how the templates worked I started with the postbit and worked my way out. The order I work in goes something like: header -> footer -> postbit -> showthread -> threadbit -> forumdisplay -> forumbits -> forumhome.

Alot of people tell me that is backwards, but it works best for me. The usercp and other sections I leave for last. They are seen less then forumhome/forumdisplay/showthread so you can get away with using a default template in these areas most of the time, or at least save them for a later date.