Hi, I’m new here and am interested in finding out if what I want to do can be done.
I want to build a WP website that is in fact a cookie-cutter/demo-import/template, where everyone who installs the theme only has to replace the text and images content with their own. Has to use the Classic Editor and Classic Widgets.
I have worked with HTML-CSS since 1998 (basic), and WordPress for about 20 years (medium), and lately encountered a site I was approached to edit, refresh, edit. Because the one they use right now makes use of Blocks and it’s pretty rigid for the clients (beginners for the most part). They used Pinegrow to create the theme.
After trying multiple themes, the “magic” of WordPress and page builders has vanished as I can’t get to where I want to go in terms of a layout, which would translate beautifully for both desktop and mobile. So here I am. And I’m still trying to wrap my head around what Pinegrow could do for me. It sounds magical again.
QUESTION:
Could I build a HTML/CSS template that could then be converted to WordPress and which could a few WP selected plugins?
What happens when Wordpress updates (and plugins also) - would my theme be update-free forever, or…
And yes I’m watching video tutorials, but I need to know if what I’m explaining can be done or if it’s a waste of time and energy before investing too much. I don’t think I’m overestimating Pingrow to deliver as the former site was built with it.
Hi @gotta-be-good
Yes, you can build a cookie-cutter WordPress theme using HTML/CSS and tools like Pinegrow, but honestly, with WordPress moving full steam ahead into block-based editing and constant updates breaking compatibility, it feels like a losing battle. Classic themes are being phased out, plugins clash with custom setups, and the maintenance is endless. Meanwhile, AI is evolving at breakneck speed, automating design and content creation, making site builders like WordPress feel increasingly obsolete. Who even browses traditional websites anymore? Certainly not younger generations—they’re on apps and platforms. The web as we know it might just be fading away. Sorry for this overdose of realism (some might call it pessimism), but you asked for honesty
Yes honesty. I’ve been laboring over this for 2 months now and tried all sort of solutions, hours and hours I can’t charge for as it’s only “research” to be able to present a quote. Not matte the solution I always end up with themes I can’t customize correctly entirely, or create a layout with elements that fit on both desktop and mobile, etc.
For the life of me I can’t figure out Blocks, and I tried, But i find it counter-intuitive, oo many details to adjust. I could not just pass this to clients who are newbies. And the forest of code that result (view as Text) makes it really difficult to edit. And the newbie users would be totally lost and move to a different provider. The Classic editor plugin also still shows 9+ million active installations.
I did look into AI, but it was another rabbit hole at the time (last fall) and I couldn’t get answer as to : does the theme backlinks to your own AI site every time my site gets accessed? Things of that nature.
If you understand the type of website I’m trying to build, what solution would you go for? What do you use TODAY?
Note that this theme will be installed on numerous domains and customized by each owner of the site with their own content. So I’ll basically be installing a clone of it on their domain.
And wouldN’T Pinegrow convert a HTML to WordPress theme that uses Blocks if I wanted it to?
Platforms like Wix and others are great for beginners, but they come with the downside we all hate: subscriptions. Ironically, as much as I resisted the “no subscription EVER” stance, I’ve had to let it go over the past year. With the growing number of AI tools I use, my subscription costs have piled up, and it’s hard to avoid them now. Sure, I’m waiting for the day when we can have AI running locally, but that doesn’t seem likely anytime soon.
For now, I use Pinegrow with Windsurf and Stackblitz daily, relying more and more on AI models to build sites. Site builders like Pinegrow, Xway, or Blocs App are now just tools I use occasionally to save time when positioning visual elements. Recently, I built a site from scratch with an integrated blog editor using Windsurf and Xway, then reused that blog system for another project with Pinegrow. Six months ago, my workflow was 20% AI and 80% site builders; now it’s 80-90% AI and only 10-20% site builders. Many full-time professionals are making similar shifts.
If you’re exploring alternatives, maybe take a look at Framer. It’s worth considering for its design-first approach and AI integration. That said, your exact requirements aren’t entirely clear to me. Keep in mind we’re in a period of rapid change that won’t stabilize until at least 2027-2028. And let’s not forget: no AI company has turned a profit yet—they’re all running on debt.
Thank you, Blep, You answered in more details that I deserve as I’m not a coder. I use software that can be accessible to non-tech. I had a wild hope Pinegrow could offer a shortcut to build a theme that finally looks like what I want.
Thank you again, I’ll try to read on the software you mentioned.
If you’re interested in learning how to create both classic and block WordPress themes with Pinegrow, I highly recommend Adam Lowe’s free tutorials available on his YouTube channel. His step-by-step videos are beginner-friendly and cover everything from setup to advanced features. You can find the full playlist here: Building a WordPress Classic Theme with Pinegrow. You’ll find the other playing list for block theme creation on his channel.
Hope you’ll find what you’re looking for
