How To Install Joomla Templates

I've tried so many times and have failed everytime time I have even thought of installing them into my Joomla page. Here is what I did to try and get those files into Joomla. First i compressed the files using a zip program. Then I had all the files into one nice folder name joomla. I then went into my joomla directory and went to template. There i was unable to export the whole folder into the directory because it only took it file by file. I am still having trouble with that. Is there anyway to get the files into there. I know there is an FTP, but do you need one to put all those files? Like is that the only way or is there a way to get the template that I want into Joomla without getting one, just uploading them through a web browser like I.E? Also, if FTP is the only way do you know of any good FTP programs, and (this is the last question I will ask you guys I pretty pretty promoise and cross my heart ) What version is the Joomla that is installed Fantastico using? And are you able to use skins that are for an older version. For example, if I'm jusing Joomla V 2.1 can i use a variety of templates that somebody, or a website made specifically for lets say and older version, or is that impossible to do?Thanks a lot guys, hope someone can answer this question and hope im not being too much of a pain in the rear, if you know what I mean!

What version is the Joomla that is installed Fantastico using?

Current Version which you can find in the fantastico link in your cpanel is 1.0.11.

I believe this tutorial is univerisal on how skins/templates are installed so this should help.

https://www.siteground.com/tutorials/.

do you know of any good FTP programs

For FTP programs you can get fireFTP for firefox and or SmartFTP which is easy to use, both of them I recommend.

And are you able to use skins that are for an older version. For example, if I'm jusing Joomla V 2.1 can i use a variety of templates that somebody, or a website made specifically for lets say and older version, or is that impossible to do?

The skins people make or version specific, if you tried installing skins from different versions you will most likey produce either installation problems or viewing of the skin problems when people go to your site.

The way to install templates in joomla is by logging in to the joomla admin page and then going to installers -> Templates - Site.You then need to upload a zip which contains the template files. The files and folders you need are as follows:templateDetails.xmltemplate_thumbnail.pngindex.phpcss\template_css.cssimages\.....You will need the same images that are specified in the templateDetails.xml file.If you go to install the template and you are unsuccessful, you should get a helpful error message. If you can't sort out the error post it back on this thread.If you are wondering what version to use i would recommend using the latest version. Its runs much smoother, less bugs etc. Joomla seems to be very compatible with earlier versions if thats what you are worried about.

Edited January 10, 2007 by paulmason411 (see edit history)

You can download this working template to see how it is structured.
Every template MUST be structured like that, and then compressed into file.
You don't need FTP do upload template.

Go to joomla administration installers --> templates - site, there you browse to that zippy you downloaded to your computer, and click install (or ok i don't remember)

Only conflict that can occur is that you can't install it beacouse you don't have permission to install to TEMPLATES folder.

templates folder is located in joomla installation folder, go to cpanel, file manager find that folder and change permissions to 777. For security reasons later when you install template you can change permissions as they were..
There is a post Here, on joomla template design (links are broken), but maybe it can help.

Thanks guys that rlly helped a lot!