Template creation can be a messy business, especially for the initial structure and framework. In fact, customization of base templates through CSS editing can be equally irritating for those uncomfortable (or just too lazy) to do it by hand.

Luckily, there are template generation (or rather just CSS generation) scripts out there, for blog softwares like WordPress and Movable Type, as well as the community-based CMS, Drupal (good for blogs too). I’ll list the few that I know here.

1. Drupal CMS Theme Generator
   • A theme generator that utilizes the power of Excel spreadsheets / scripting (and functions). It comes as an Excel file with various variables that allow for detailed customization of your Drupal template, without requiring a single bit of knowledge of CSS, HTML or PHP. The theme generator is curently at version 3 and has been released with source code to the Drupal community.
   • This theme generator is especially useful given the sheer lack of free Drupal themes out there.
2. Eris’ Template Generator
   • I’ve never tried Eris’ online template generator before, but unlike the other two theme generators, Eris’ generator comes with a lot base templates to choose from (exactly 11 templates). All the templates come in two columns right, two columns left and three column styles. However, unlike the other two generators, you are unable to make detailed customizations using Eris’ scripts. For instance, font, background and sidebar colours or sizes cannot be customized from the script.
   • While the other two generators primarily focus on the CSS files (allowing for detailed visual customizations), I believe that this script doesn’t touch the CSS files of the base templates Eris provides and focuses more on non-visual aspects, such as meta tags, links and basic blog information. But 11 templates is really quite a lot to choose from, so this problem really isn’t that bad. Furthermore, the script can be used to create templates for a variety of platforms, including WordPress, B2 and Movable Type.
3. Movable Type Style Generator
   • This style generator allows you to customize the primary CSS file that comes with Movable Type’s default template. From font colours, font sizes, header and sidebar sizes, borders to hyperlink styles, this online style generator doesn’t disappoint. You can also easily choose between one, two or three column templates using the script.
   • In fact, there is also a random style generator that outputs a random CSS file. You might find it an inspirational tool, I think.

Of course, all of the generators can only generate templates within limits of the base template or templates (in the case of Eris’ Template Generator) provided. So, if you want really original templates, you’ll have to do it manually.

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