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Joomla! Feature Roadmap

New “modern and sexy” default template (target: each major version has a new template)

Person in Charge:
Marco Schubert
Status:
Looking for Volunteers
Modified Date
Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Description

Introduction of a new modern, visually appealing, and forward-looking default template for Joomla, with the goal that each major Joomla version ships with a fresh, contemporary design.
Rather than being a complete rewrite, the new default template should be understood as a visual evolution of the existing core template.

The underlying template structure, logic, and core concepts remain largely unchanged, while the visual layer (layout, typography, spacing, colors, UI components) receives a modern refresh — comparable to a make-over or overlay that updates the look and feel without disrupting established functionality.
This approach ensures stability, compatibility, and continuity, while still allowing Joomla to present itself as modern, fresh, and relevant.

The template serves both as a production-ready default and a best-practice reference for designers, developers, and site builders.

Important Scope

  • Deliver a new default template for each major Joomla release (e.g. Joomla 8).
  • Focus on modern UI/UX design principles (clean layout, strong typography, sensible spacing, subtle motion).
  • Ensure full responsiveness and mobile-first design.
  • Maintain accessibility (WCAG) and usability standards.
  • Use current frontend best practices.
  • Provide reasonable customization options without overcomplicating the template.
  • Act as a reference implementation for template developers.
Added Value / Benefits
  • Improves Joomla’s first impression for new users and decision-makers.
  • Reduces dependency on third-party templates for simple or mid-size projects.
  • Demonstrates Joomla’s commitment to modern design and UX standards.
  • Helps agencies and freelancers prototype and launch faster.
  • Encourages consistent visual quality across Joomla websites.
  • Makes Joomla more attractive in competitive CMS comparisons.
Beyond Current Scope
  • Full site builder or drag-and-drop layout systems.
  • Complex theme marketplaces or bundled premium templates.
  • Deep opinionated design systems that restrict customization.
  • Replacing existing third-party template ecosystems.
  • Creating a completely new template
Requirements/Dependencies
  • The default template must be production-ready, not just a demo.
  • It should support core Joomla features out of the box (menus, modules, content, workflows).
  • Customization options (colors, fonts, layout variations) should be: - Easy to use - Non-breaking - Extendable by developers
  • Strong coordination between design, frontend development, and accessibility review.
  • Clear documentation for: - Template structure - Override patterns - Best practices for extension developers
  • Built on Cassiopeia, preserving its structure and architecture while updating only the visual layer.
USPs
  • Modern Visual Identity A clean, elegant, and contemporary look that reflects Joomla as a modern CMS — not legacy software.
  • Major-Version Freshness Each major Joomla release introduces a visually renewed default template, reinforcing innovation and progress.
  • Accessibility-First Design WCAG-compliant layouts, contrast, navigation, and semantics baked in from the start.
  • Developer-Friendly Foundation Clean markup, modern CSS architecture, and clear extension points for overrides and customization.
  • Real-World Ready Not just a showcase — the template works for real websites, from simple company pages to content-heavy sites.
How to participate?
Contact Marco Schubert on Mattermost
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