Looking over template monster's templates, and saw some templates that I like. I thought to myself " How would I install one of these if I do get it?"

So that's my question, how do you? On the site it says you need adobe photoshop for some of the skins the ones that use flash I think, but can anybody tell me how would I install it?

Before I answer, I'll just say that the best webmasters make their own template or pay someone to make a unique template.

It all depends on what you use - SSI, pure HTML, or a CMS, and so how you install it varies very greatly because you will barely have to modify it in some cases, and in other cases you have to completely overhaul the thing.

I would get a unique template, but my site has a budget and I already used up some money to get a domain, and ipb, so I'm running out of cash. Besides, 60 dollars is expensive enough for me.... Plus it's not my paypal, Im too young to get one so all of this is with the help of my *wondeful and thoughtful brother*...(he extorteed me to write that )

Anyway back to the topic: So this all depends on the type of template I am getting?
What I thought is the template that I want would be in a zip and all I do is copy the css and paste it in the index files with the appropriate headers and footers ect. So is it harder then just copying and pasting? Geez........

When you buy a template from someone, be that a large corporation or a freelance graphic designer, you should be provided with all of the editable image files. There are certain 'standards' when it comes to the software used. Usually, the graphics will be in a PSD format - the format used by Adobe Photoshop. When a template is designed, the designer usually makes a mock web page in Photoshop, then performs a process called 'slicing' - cutting the overall image of the web page into smaller images to be used in the CSS.

You should be able to use the template as it is provided to you. Example CSS and HTML pages should also be included. However, usually you will want header images, menus and other things edited. If you don't have the right software then you have to find someone who does have it to edit the images for you.

Flash templates require the Adobe Flash Studio to edit them. Again, if you don't have the software then you can't edit the template. Most people will then go back to the site they got the template from and request they edit it - often at a very large cost.

My advice would be to go to a local graphic designer and see if they will make a custom template for you. You will be able to pick and choose everything for the whole way through the process and discuss the template with a real person, face to face. However, it can be quite expensive, in which case you can be better off buying a template from the 'net and asking a friend with the right software to edit it for you.

TM monster templates really are not that good. Ok so they look flashy but in all honesty they are quite crap. When you go to compare a template it will tell you all the software you can use to edit that template.

Wow, I never knew it could be that complicated to use a template. Like I said before I thought it was as simple as copying and pasting. But, what bugs me is how you must have adobe photoshop, which I dont have. I downloaded the trial and since that ran out I am screwed. I can use the one at school, but since there is a strict "No Download Policy" I wouldn't be able to download it there.
I don't want to get a custom template, because like what was said the cost can be extremely expensive. And I have a budget at hand which I am not willing to go over.

Now all of this brings up another topic. It seems that you dont really like template monster. I had previously just thought, maybe my ignorance, that template monster had the best "templates" hence their name. So if they aren't that good, then do you know of any sites that may have better templates at a cheaper price like 20-30 instead of 60-80.

Who said you needed to buy a custom template? It doesn't take much effort to build your own with a little practice. You can make a professional level template with just notepad, and GIMP, in roughly the same amount of time it takes to make a professional one with the tools of the trade.

I will warn you now that if you use a large CMS like Joomla, phpBB, Post-Nuke, your attempts to build templates will be much more difficult than a simpler,lighter CMS with very similar features and capabilities like DokuWiki, Siteframe, and FlingForum.

No, I am not going to use phpbb, or joomla, or post-nuke, since I've tried building a professional looking site with them, and I've failed miserably. Joomla was my number one choice for a website template, and don't get me wrong it's a great piece of software but it didn't fit my needs. Also, I've never heard of Dokuwiki, siteframe, and flingforum. Are those free software? But, Let you know that I am horrible at trying to design myself a webpage. I've tried on 1111mb.com and the webpage ended in disaster. But, I haven't tried on trap17, yet....

Anyway, if template monster isnt the best, what about subdreamer has anybody tried them?

template monster, i know what it is, a full website templates pack with over 1 000 different webs, including Flash and somthimes their source. i cant find it anywhere, only in my local FTP, if u need some kint of Website pm me ill upload one