by Oscar Wellington

Created on: August 22, 2009

Joomladesigns.co.uk is a site that specializes in Joomla templates. They have both free and premium templates, in addition to a knowledge base that gives hints and tips for Joomla and the specific templates. The site doesn't sell templates one at a time, but instead, allows its members to download an unlimited amount. Using a subscription type service, members of Joomladesigns.co.uk are allowed certain benefits, depending on the plan they choose.

These plans are divided by their duration, and thus there exists a three month plan, a six month plan, and a full year plan. Each plan, no matter the duration gives users access to all the current Joomla themes as well as the pertinent Photoshop files. In addition, users will be allowed to access new releases and updates on the site, so long as their membership plan is current. The cheapest plan is of course for three months (25 Euros), while the full year plan is almost double (49 Euros). These plans seem like a good deal, but I'm curious as to why the site doesn't specify how many domains a user can use per template. Whether there is a hidden limit or it is truly not specified remains unknown.

Currently there are about nine free Joomla templates, in both Joomla 1.5 and Joomla 1.0 forms. One positive thing about these templates is that users don't have to register to download them, unlike many other template membership sites. The templates themselves have thumbnails, and although they are free, some share the same design, with just a different color, which can be disappointing.

Unfortunately, the premium templates on Joomladesigns.co.uk are literally only available to members who pay the subscription price. The only way a user can view the templates, if they are curious about joining, is through the site's gallery. This gallery contains all 360 + designs that the website hosts, and users can choose to peruse thumbnails or have a closer look. The site also has two template installation guides, but just like the templates themselves, these are members only, and so I cannot access them.

Oddly enough the knowledge base on Joomladesigns.co.uk can be viewed by all users, which is a plus. This information is important for any user getting into Joomla or general web template use, so even for those who don't have any plans to subscribe with the site, they may still find the information here useful.

Overall, I would recommend Koomladesigns.co.uk. Despite their lack of free templates, the membership templates they have look well designed and flavorful. The price also seems reasonable, and the knowledge base could help more than just members.

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