It is a shame that the only way to allow a user to set the default theme is to set "administer site configuration" which provides access to far more confusing features than a site owner, who is only interested in the content and look/layout of the site, needs.

It is possible to specifically allow users/roles to administer the blocks and menus on a site - I think "set the default theme" should be a separate permission in access control.

In particular this is of benefit to Drupal admins whose clients want control over the content and look of the site only, without being bothered/confused by any technical options, such as the plethora of site configuration options that become available when enabling "administer site configuration" which is necessary to set the default theme.

Another situation that would benefit is the one in which the role of "site designer" exists - user(s) responsible solely for the look of the site. This role would have access to the menus, blocks and theme only.

Comments

Justyn-1’s picture

Justyn-1 commented

I'd just like to clarify in case I didn't make it clear: the kind of set-up where I envision this being useful (it would be useful for me at least!) is when a drupal admin manages separate sites for individual clients who create both the look of the site and the content themselves.

tr’s picture

tr commented
Status: Active » Closed (won't fix)

This has been fixed in D7. There is now an "administer themes" permission that can be given to a role to allow users with that role to change the site theme. This won't be backported to D5, since D5 is now unsupported.