How to Properly Design and Understand the Template Structure in PrestaShop

Creating a custom template for PrestaShop can seem daunting without understanding its structure and purpose. This article explores PrestaShop’s template architecture, explains the importance of adhering to official standards, and provides a detailed breakdown of the folders and files within a theme.

What Is a PrestaShop Template?

A template in PrestaShop is a collection of files defining the look and behavior of a store's user interface. A well-designed template enhances the user experience and makes administration easier.

Why Follow PrestaShop Standards and Structure?

PrestaShop offers a strict file hierarchy to ensure:

• Compatibility: Adhering to standards simplifies updates to newer platform versions.
• Development Efficiency: A clear structure enables easy navigation and faster work.
• Modularity: Themes are adaptable to various business needs.

Full PrestaShop Template Structure

Below is the detailed structure of a PrestaShop theme:

Key Details

1. _dev
   A folder for development resources like raw CSS and JavaScript files. Contains configuration for tools like Webpack.

2. assets
   Includes compiled resources for production:

   • CSS: Final theme styles.
   • JS: Optimized JavaScript files.
   • IMG: Images used across the theme.

3. config
   Contains the theme.yml file, which defines:

   • Theme name and description.
   • Compatibility with PrestaShop versions.
   • Module dependencies.

4. templates
   Houses the HTML structure for pages:

   • _partials: Shared components like headers and footers.
   • catalog: Templates for categories and product pages.
   • checkout: Pages for the checkout process.
   • layouts: Different layouts for pages, such as full-width or with sidebars.

5. preview.png
   A preview image displayed in the PrestaShop admin panel for theme selection.

How to Create a Theme Correctly

1. Start with theme.yml.
   Define essential theme parameters like name, description, and dependencies.

2. Use _partials for reusable components.
   Simplify maintenance by isolating shared elements.

3. Follow best development practices.
   Keep development files in _dev and production-ready resources in assets.

4. Test compatibility.
   Ensure the theme works seamlessly across devices and browsers.

Understanding the PrestaShop template structure is crucial for building adaptive, functional, and maintainable e-commerce themes. By following the platform's standards, you ensure stability and scalability.

Share your insights! What challenges have you faced while developing PrestaShop themes, and what solutions worked for you? Let us know in the comments!