Types of Contributed Themes

Some users require a theme that has many configurable options while others need a blank canvas they can use as a starter theme. Some users would like to re-color their theme using the Color module and some would like a dedicated administration theme. Sites in Right to Left languages such as Hebrew and Arabic require a theme that specifically supports RTL.

Drupal themes can serve all these purposes and I have picked out a few themes from each category as examples. Please feel free to add to this or suggest changes.

Please note that there are many more themes available for download.

End User Themes

This type of theme typically includes many "theme settings", which allows an end user (not a developer) to have a customised version of a theme, rather than a completely unique theme. Examples of this type of theme include Tapestry, Artists C01 and Acquia Marina.

Colorable Themes

Colorable themes can be recoloured using the color wheel in your theme settings and usually have many pre-set color schemes to choose from. Typically these themes have a high level of design and you can have a very nice theme simply by choosing a different color scheme. Examples include Garland (a Drupal core theme), Pixture Reloaded and Twilight.

Additionally, the next version of color.module has stable support for Cleanstate, FriendsElectric, Nista, Simpla, Splender, and Spooner.

Starter Themes

These themes are designed with the intention of being customised. Typically they have little or no style and offer tools and features aimed at making it easy to develop your own unique Drupal theme or subtheme. Examples include Zen, Ninesixty, Genesis and Foundation.

Admin Themes

These themes are all about theming the administration section of your Drupal site. Some examples are Root Candy, Activesite and Fruity.