Understanding Page Templates on Custom Websites

This article explains what a page template is, how to select one, how templates are used on custom websites, and why they are important for consistency, branding, navigation, and functionality.

🧭 How to Select a Page Template

To choose or change a page template:

1. Go to Pages.

2. Open the page you want to edit.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the page settings.

4. Open Page Options.

5. Locate the Page Layout dropdown.

6. Select the required template and save the page.

Available Templates

You will typically see:

• A Homepage template

• A Default (subpage) template

Any additional custom templates created for your site will also appear in this list.

❓ What Is a Page Template?

A page template is a predefined layout and structure used to build pages on a website.

It controls how a page is structured before content is added, including:

• Layout and spacing

• Which elements appear by default

• How content areas are organised

• Which navigation, panels, and branding elements are used

Templates allow multiple pages to share the same structure while displaying different content.

🧩 Page Templates on Custom Sites

Each custom site is built for a specific purpose and often designed to meet particular business, branding, or functional requirements.

Because of this:

• Custom sites can follow specific brand guidelines

• Custom sites may use a bespoke theme

• Layouts and templates are tailored to how the site is intended to be used

Page templates on custom sites are created to support these needs.

🧭 Page Templates & Navigation Structure

Page templates can define different navigation structures, meaning:

• One template can display a completely different menu from another

• Navigation can change depending on which template is applied

This is commonly used for:

• Co-located events within a single website

• Sub-branded event sections requiring dedicated navigation

🧱 Template-Specific Panels & Content

Page templates often include template-specific panels that only appear when that template is applied.

These panels can be used for content such as:

• Event logos

• Dates and locations

• Sponsor branding

• Event-specific messaging

This allows content to vary per page or event without impacting the rest of the site.

🎨 Branding Differences via Page Templates

Branding can also vary by page template within a single website and back office.

For example:

• Event One may use a green primary colour and Logo A

• Event Two may use a blue primary colour and Logo B

• Event Three may use a red primary colour and Logo C

All branding variations can be managed through:

• Different page templates

• Template-specific panels

• Custom colour and styling settings

🆚 How Custom Sites Differ from Composer 1 & Composer 2

Custom sites typically offer more advanced and tailored functionality than Composer 1 or Composer 2 builds.

This can include:

• Bespoke page templates for specific use cases

• Template-driven navigation and branding

• Greater flexibility in layout and structure

• Custom functionality not available in standard Composer builds

Page templates enable this flexibility while maintaining structure and consistency.

🛠️ Creating or Requesting New Page Templates

New page templates for custom sites must be designed and built by ASP.

If you require:

• A new layout

• A different navigation structure

• Additional template-specific panels

• New branding variations

Please contact your ASP Account Manager to discuss:

• The requirements and scope

• The development process

• Any potential costs involved

This ensures templates are built correctly and remain fully supported within your site.

🎯 Why Page Templates Are Used

Page templates help to:

• Maintain consistency where required

• Support complex branding and navigation needs

• Enable multi-event and multi-brand sites

• Speed up page creation

• Reduce layout errors

🔄 How Page Templates Are Used

When creating a page:

1. A page template is selected.

2. The page inherits layout, navigation, panels, and branding.

3. Content is added within the defined areas.

⚠️ Changing a Page Template

Changing a page template can significantly impact:

• Layout and structure

• Navigation menus

• Branding and panels

Always review template changes before publishing.

📝 Key Things to Remember

• Page templates control structure, navigation, and branding

• Templates can define different menus per page

• Template-specific panels allow content variation

• New templates require ASP development

• Templates support complex, multi-event websites