Using an existing template (and customizing it) will help you get great results while saving lots of time, compared to creating your own template from scratch. However, if you want full control or need a unique layout, you can make a Joomla template all by yourself. It isn't complicated, but it does require a good deal of HTML and CSS coding skills. If you know how to build a website using HTML and CSS, then you won't experience any problems converting your design into a Joomla template. Most of your time and effort will go into creating a page design from the ground up, rather than into the adjustments needed to adapt that design for Joomla.

As it is mainly a question of HTML and CSS coding, we won't cover template creation in full detail here. To get you started, here are a few pointers. These are the five main steps it takes to create your own template.