XF 2.1 Style templates that have no master template

[Mr Lucky]

Please excuse the very basic questions.

I am wondering if you want to create a template (for example to include in another template) whether it's best practice to always create a master template and then edit each within the style, or is it OK to create a template purely in a specific style without creating a master?

I presume that if you intend to create several styles that all need that template then a master is useful, but if you only have one style then are there advantages or disadvantages in creating a master?

One more newb question:

If I create a master template, should I choose xenforo or blank as the addon?

 

[Paul B]

If it's just for your own use on your own site, just create the template directly in the parent style(s).

If creating it as part of an add-on, don't use xenforo.

 

[Russ]

The master templates would usually be associated with an add-on of sorts, you wouldn't be able to export them on a style. Creating the template on the style level itself will export that custom template when you do the actual export.

 

[Mr Lucky]

Thanks, so it likes (as I am not making and addon) there is no adavantge to a master template.

If creating it as part of an add-on, don't use xenforo.

But if I was just creating it for my own site. e.g. if a i wanted a master template because I have several styles that ll use that, should I choose xenforo or just leave that blank?

 

[Russ]

If the template is designed so it's available on a setup like this:

• Main Style
  • Color 2
  • Color 3
  • Color 4

You'd just create the template on the main style, not a master template.

If it's meant for a setup like this where you have multiple styles that aren't children of a main style:

• Main Style
  • Color 2
• Alt Style 1
  • Color 2 Alt style
• Alt style 2
• Alt Style 3

I'd recommend creating an add-on so the template is available to all styles (without having to create it in every single style) which you'd associate the template with the custom add-on (not xenforo).

 

[Paul B]

^ What @Russ said.