What are templates?

An HTML template is really a reusable file that separates form from content. It incorporates non-editable elements common to a whole website, as well as editable regions for content that changes.

Most pages within a website for a travel agency, for example, would look similar and function in basically the same way. The page layout for a Cairns holiday package page would be very similar to the one for Great Britain. Both would display the same logo, navigation and search facility.

One page, however, would describe sunny beaches and display a photo of a tropical fish, while the other would describe Trafalgar Square and show Buckingham Palace.
A template designed for this site would include common elements that would be non-editable: in this case the logo, navigation and search facility. It would also include editable regions containing placeholders for content specific to each page: the main text, the photograph and the heading.

Why should I use templates?

Using web templates is all about consistency, efficiency and economy.

As web pages based on a template will inherit the template's properties, you can have confidence that common page elements will display exactly as intended on all pages throughout a site. Inconsistencies in layout, graphics, text and links, in the non-editable elements, can be eliminated. The result is a more professional-looking site where the user will experience the same look and feel no matter where they are. This is especially important when you are dealing with a large, or potentially large, website.

Development time can be cut dramatically when page creation is simply a matter of inserting content into a pre-constructed file. This can be particularly useful when there is an urgent deadline.

Using templates not only saves time at the development stage, but also has the potential to reduce work in the quality assurance or testing phase. As each page is essentially a copy of an original it is only necessary to test the editable content of each page.

Cross-platform and browser issues can be resolved in the initial stages of development. As long as the template is bug-free you can relax knowing that any pages based on it will probably also be bug free.

Some maintenance procedures can be simplified by the use of templates. If, for example, your client wants the company logo updated, it is only necessary to make the change once: in the template. The logo will then change throughout the entire site. This is far easier and cheaper than altering every page.