The difference between WordPress themes and templates is how many pages you can apply them to. A theme controls the appearance of an entire site, while a template defines a single-page layout.
Two required WordPress theme files are:
- Index.php – the main WordPress template file.
- Style.css – the primary style file.
A theme’s folder may also include additional files, such as:
- PHP files, including the template files for building classic themes.
- Blocks and HTML files for developing block themes.
- CSS stylesheet.
- Graphics.
- JavaScript.
Some WordPress themes offer multiple template files for further customization within the general theme. For example, a theme can contain two landing page templates – a full-width and narrow-width version – or have a different look for blog and portfolio pages.