Customers often ask me for help to create a customized theme, or skin, for their Content Management System (Joomla, Drupal, WordPress, DotNetNuke etc.).

Many of these CMS users have already discovered that various free templates exist for these platforms, but they haven’t found a template that’s just right for them, or they just don’t have time to wade through thousands of “template preview” pages to choose one.

Some people, on the other hand, don’t know a thing about creating themes except that it sounds like it’s going to be too expensive for them to hire someone else do it. They’re unaware that they might be able to create a theme that makes them happy all on their own!

That’s where Artisteer comes in, providing broad control through a non-technical interface, over all major, and most minor CSS elements of the site, so that you can quickly create new looks for static sites, content management systems, and even blogs on Blogger.

Artisteer costs hundreds of dollars less than Adobe’s Photoshop or Dreamweaver and is far easier to learn. Unlike these more expensive products, you can even make a simple html website with Artisteer.

Artisteer automatically zips and exports all the files in exactly the format you’ll need to install a brand new theme or create new html pages. It’s an excellent resource in several scenarios:

For site owners who’d like to create their own theme for Joomla, WordPress, DotNetNuke, Drupal, or Blogger (Blogspot) but you don’t want to use Photoshop or have to code by hand.

1. For designers who must rapidly prototype multiple themes (that’s how we use it!).
2. For designers and developers who need to bring the cost down for a customer who needs a customized CMS or static site.
3. For developers who would like to complete more projects without having to outsource the front-end design.

Of course, Artisteer isn’t magic, and it isn’t every possible software rolled into one. It isn’t a server-side programming or rapid application development (RAD) tool.

But if you’ve been looking for an affordable product that lets you put together attractive, simple websites, or detailed and stylish themes, then you may want to check Artisteer out!

DETAILS & REQUIREMENTS

• Product name: Artisteer
• Compatibility: Windows and Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6 (Intel-based) computers
• Trial mode: Free trial version available