TemplateToaster Review : Does It Work? Is It Worth It? (2024)

Any business owner or website developer knows how difficult it is to create and maintain a website. They are living, breathing entities that grow and evolve and need constant attention. Websites can be a lot of work, especially if you’re not that experienced in website design. That’s where TemplateToaster (TT) comes in.

TemplateToaster has been creating a buzz for a while now. The tool aims to make it easy for anyone, of any skill level to come up with the perfect website template for just about any purpose.

This article is a comprehensive TemplateToaster review. We will spend time with it, build a website with it and assess how useful it is in the field of web design. 

TemplateToaster summary

What is TemplateToaster?

TemplateToaster is an application that enables you to create website templates and themes quickly. This website template generator software has the ability to produce a wide array of designs for popular content management systems (CMS) including WordPress, Joomla, Magento and Drupal. It is also compatible with PrestaShop, VirtueMart, WooCommerce, OpenCart and Blogger. There is the option to create a purely HTML design template, perfect for static pages.

The program is downloadable through the site, and works as soon as it is installed on the user’s computer.

TemplateToaster has a free unlimited trial that lets you create any number of websites without having to pay. However, if you want to use one of your designs online, you will have to pay. You have the option to choose the Standard Edition ($49) or Professional Edition ($99).

Visit TemplateToaster site now

Why use TemplateToaster?

If you want to launch a website, you generally have three options. You can employ a web designer to create something unique for you. You can buy a theme from a marketplace such as Themeforest. Or you could use a tool like TemplateToaster.

Employing a web designer is the ultimate way to get a website but can be expensive. The more complex the website needs to be, the more expensive it will be to build it. A worthy investment of money no doubt, but it is out of the range of the average individual.

Buying a theme is a cost-effective way to get a website design. You are at the mercy of the developer to keep it updated, you will need to customize it to your specific needs and it won’t be unique.

Tools such as TemplateToaster are a third way. An installable program within which you can design your own website. It will take time, creativity and effort but could result in a high quality, unique website for a lot less than a web designer would charge.

So that’s the what and why taken care of. Now let us look at how to use TemplateToaster.

1. Download and install

The first step is to download and install the Template Toaster software onto your computer. Unlike most other page builders we've seen recently, this is an actual installable program.

Check the system requirements from the bottom of the download page. If your computer meets or exceeds those requirements, select the blue Download Now button.

Select the executable file you just downloaded and install onto your computer.

2. Designing your template

Once TemplateToaster is installed you’re ready to go.

When you first load up TemplateToaster, you will need to select the CMS you want to work with. The program is compatible with WordPress, Joomla, Magento, Drupal, PrestaShop, VirtueMart, WooCommerce, OpenCart, Blogger(BlogSpot) and HTML.

You can then create a website design using one of these two options:

• Start from scratch: If you feel like going for it, go ahead and create your own custom template. All you need is your imagination!
• Go with sample templates: Your installation comes with free sample templates, from which you can build your desired layout. You may modify the content, visual elements, and overall layout of existing TemplateToaster sample templates.

Please note, the start from scratch option is only available with the Professional Edition of TemplateToaster. If you’re using the free trial, you will only be able to use the template option.

Please note, the start from scratch option is only available with the Professional Edition of TemplateToaster. If you’re using the free trial, you will only be able to use the template option.

If you’re on the free trial or are using the Standard Edition, you will need to select a sample template. There should be a list of available templates on the screen after selecting the CMS. Choose the one you like the most and work with that.

You will then be sent to the dashboard which is where you will spend the majority of your time with TemplateToaster. Here you can work with the designs, use the many tools and create your template or web design.

If you have selected a template to work with, you can drag and drop editable elements, change colours, fonts and so on. The drag and drop nature allows TemplateToaster to compete with other page builders and means web designers of all skill levels will easily be able to get to grips with the builder.

The TemplateToaster dashboard

The TemplateToaster dashboard looks a little like old school Microsoft Office. You have a ribbon of tools at the top and a series of menus you can use to access the many web design tools you have available.

You can change most elements of the template depending on what version of TemplateToaster you’re using. 

Standard Edition users will be limited in where they can place widgets and be restricted to using stock images. You will not be able to import your own imagery into a template. You will also not be able to use your own logo.

If you’re a Professional Edition user, you can build your theme from scratch and use your own images, logo and widgets.

3. Export and upload

When you’re satisfied with the website design template that you created, export the template or theme and upload it according to the instructions for your chosen CMS. If you opted for an HTML template, you may upload the TemplateToaster output as-is to your web host.

Visit TT and Download now

What we loved about TemplateToaster

Our TemplateToaster review shows you how it can bring a whole boatload of benefits, some of which include the following:

Compatibility with major and popular CMS such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and Magento

Gone are the days when web developers relied on their programming skills to come up with visually stunning and structurally SEO-friendly websites. These days, CMS has become the default framework for creating any kind of website, whether it’s a simple personal blog or an online shop.

Fortunately, TemplateToaster has the ability to create design templates to fit the most popular CMS in the market. Check out this list of CMS and frameworks that TemplateToaster can cater to:

• WordPress
• Joomla
• Magento
• Drupal
• Prestashop
• Virtuemart
• WooCommerce
• Blogger
• HTML5 / CSS3

Templates that comply with Web standards

The templates and themes generated by the software are aligned with the latest standards in web development, particularly W3C and Bootstrap. Templates contain concise and ultra-clean code that maintains smooth user interface and fantastic user experience (UX).

Many times you'll find that even commercial themes have many W3C compliance issues and fixing these can be a nightmare!

This is, of course, a refreshing and welcome change. This is a positive aspect of TemplateToaster. 

Responsive web design ready template

Ever since Google announced mobile-friendliness as a search ranking signal, everyone has been scrambling to convert their websites to make them look good on mobile. You won’t need to worry about this issue when creating design templates on the application, because all of the themes and templates generated by the software are responsive.

Drag and drop template builder and WYSIWYG editor 

People who need a website ASAP generally don’t like to tinker with programming. That’s the beauty of TemplateToaster. It takes away any form of coding when creating your preferred design templates. This is made possible through a drag-and-drop interface for creating templates or themes, as well as a WYSIWYG editor that makes design modifications easy to do. 

Creation of new widgets and regions

The designer allows you to add as many widget areas or module positions / regions as you see fit for your website. This is very helpful for websites with lots of content and sub-sections for improved site navigation.

This is another great feature that we've found during our TemplateToaster review!

That said, if you know code and want to include it in your template, you can. The Professional Edition allows you to add your own HTML or CSS elements anywhere on the page. Just because you don’t have to code, doesn’t mean you can’t!

The interface will remind you of Microsoft Office 2010, especially its top menu and panels. That’s a huge advantage for long-time Windows users looking for an alternative to Microsoft Expression Web or SharePoint Designer. 

Convenient image editing

Whatever template design you have come up with, TT has a built-in image editing feature that lets you customize your photos and images so that they fit well on the webpage.

Wide range of pre-defined color palettes

With pre-defined colour schemes for backgrounds and fonts, you have the power to customize how you want your site to look. Simply hover your mouse pointer to the Colour Scheme Gallery to choose your desired colours.

Excellent customer support

Errors and issues are bound to happen even in the simplest of services, but users need not worry about being left in the dark. Customer support for clients is possible through its Support Ticket system. A well-populated user forum is also available for those who want to connect with fellow users of the program.

Check out the Designer site now

What we don't like

Our TemplateToaster review shows you how it brings a lot of advantages to the table, but it has some downsides as well. Here are some of them:

1. No Mac / iOS version (we would recommend they hire a couple of app developers - see this article on CollectiveRay to find out how :-))
2. Need for basic CMS or web development knowledge.
3. Pricing setup isn’t the best.
4. More work involved to deploy your website.
5. Once you upload your template you cannot edit it.

No Mac version

The absence of a Mac version is curious given how prevalent Apple devices are in design. You can use TemplateToaster within a virtual machine on a Mac but it isn’t the ideal option. Considering how long the program has been around you would think they would have developed a compatible app for Macs.

Need basic CMS or web development skills

TemplateToaster uses a lot of drag and drop functionality but you will still need an idea of how websites work, how a CMS functions and a basic overview of the customer journey. This is true of any website or page builder but is still a downside.

Pricing

The Standard Edition to TemplateToaster is $49 with free updates for 1 year.

While pricing is reasonable, limiting the ability to create a template from scratch, add your own images and logo and placing extra widgets is restricted to the most expensive tier. While there are startups and smaller businesses who could make use of the Standard Edition, most users are going to have to use the more expensive Professional Edition.

The inclusion of a free unlimited trial is a mark for TemplateToaster though.

More involved website deployment

Although the creation process is easy, the template still needs to be uploaded to your web host or installed in your CMS platform. This requires some basic knowledge of CMS backend processes, which new website owners may not be familiar with. Fortunately, all of the CMS platforms have their respective online help guides to assist users in installing themes and templates.

Once you upload your template you cannot edit it

Once you have uploaded a theme you made in TemplateToaster, there is no opportunity to edit it any further. This is unusual in web design as typically you would edit the theme files, CSS or HTML as much as you like once the website went live. With TemplateToaster you can’t do that. That means you have to be very careful when testing the website to spot any errors as you will have to upload a new version all over again.

TemplateToaster Pricing

TemplateToaster offers pretty good value for money. Given just how much you can do with the program, the cost isn’t all that much.

There are three versions of TemplateToaster, Free, Standard Edition and Professional Edition.

TemplateToaster Demo

There is a free trial and includes unlimited experimentation and use of the program. It will not allow you to create usable website files for upload though.

TemplateToaster Standard Edition - $49

TemplateToaster Standard Edition includes:

•  Full use of theme and template designer.
• Upload created templates/themes/websites on unlimited domains.
• Free updates for a year.
• Dedicated product support.

TemplateToaster Professional Edition - $99 (Currently on offer from ($149)

TemplateToaster Professional Edition adds:

• FTP option for uploads.
• Custom module-positions/widget-areas/regions design.
• Use custom images in the template.
• Custom logo with hyperlink.
• Custom values, like height and width.
• Remove _ttr CSS prefix.
• Element level bookmarking.

While the page doesn’t say so, you will need to pay yearly if you want to receive program updates after your initial year is up.

Discounts and coupons

If we secure any special discounts or coupons, we will feature them here.

Currently, TemplateToaster is offering the Professional Edition for $99 instead of $149.

Click here for the lowest price on TemplateToaster in April 2024

TemplateToaster testimonials

As always with CollectiveRay reviews, we don’t expect you to just take our word on something.

Bart Keating @Hosting.review said:

“We found designing a template with TemplateToaster extremely straightforward. While it doesn't support Linux or Mac it Still offers an impressive list of compatible CMS platforms.”

Satoristudio.net said:

“TemplateToaster is a neat hybrid of a CMS template and a website builder – it allows creating unlimited themes to work with most popular content management systems, at the same time offering the power and flexibility of a drag-and-drop interface which completely removes the necessity of editing any code. Cross-platform compatibility gives it an advantage over traditional CMS themes, while fixed pricing makes it a more sensible choice than a site builder with recurring billing.”

Testing Blogger @Medium said:

“So, at the end of this TemplateToaster review, I confidently recommend this software. Feel free to choose TemplateToaster as your starting point to create themes and templates for almost any platform. And the catch is — it is simple, uncluttered, and easy to use software and that’s what a not so technically skilled person would like about a website builder software. All in all, it is the best solution to create an online presence quickly.”

Alternatives to TemplateToaster

As much as we like TemplateToaster, we do believe that this product has not reached the same maturity level of a number of the top products, especially the page builders such as Divi and Beaver Builder.

Even when it comes to pricing, you'll find that such products as Divi, at $89 (we even have 10% off making it even cheaper until the end of April 2024) and Beaver Builder at about $99 offer similar or better value, for a product which is much more popular, much better supported and has a much bigger community out there to help you out if you have any issues.

So while we think that this product is great, we recommend that you have a look at some other alternatives such as Divi and Beaver Builder before making your final decision.

Visit our Divi vs Beaver Builder review

Template Toaster Frequently Asked Questions

Is TemplateToaster worth using?

TemplateToaster is worth using if you don’t want a cloud solution, if you’re new to web design and want to learn or don’t have the coding skills necessary to build your own website or customize a commercial theme.

How much does TemplateToaster cost?

TemplateToaster doesn’t cost much. It has a free unlimited trial version that you can use as much as you like but cannot upload a usable template. Standard Edition is $49 and allows you to use built-in themes and included imagery. Professional Edition is $99 (usually $149) and includes use of all tools.

Does TemplateToaster work with WordPress?

TemplateToaster does work with WordPress. It also works with Joomla, Magento, Drupal, PrestaShop, VirtueMart, WooCommerce, OpenCart, Blogger(BlogSpot) and HTML.

What is a website builder tool?

A website builder tool is a program or service that includes everything you need to build a fully functional website. The tool will also usually include templates, ready-made examples for you to work with and everything necessary to build a website from scratch or customize a theme. 

Conclusion

At the conclusion of our TemplateToaster Review, we believe we can highly recommend this program if you’re looking for an easy way to create beautiful, industry-grade design templates for just about any site platform.

Despite some limitations – especially for advanced web development and complex e-commerce websites – TemplateToaster brings web design to more people who want to spend less time on making the website and more on running their online business or coming up with amazing content.

We don’t like the pricing structure and we don’t like the lack of a Mac version, but overall, TemplateToaster is a solid tool for designing websites. It has a familiar dashboard that any Windows user will feel comfortable with. It has most of the tools necessary to design websites on the most popular CMS and it includes everything you need within a single tool.

It is especially useful if you’re trying to learn web design and would like a free tool to play around with on your computer. For these uses, it is hard to criticize the program at all.

With the conclusion of our TemplateToaster Review, we believe we can highly recommend it if you’re looking for an easy way to create beautiful, industry-grade design templates for just about any site platform. Despite some limitations – especially for advanced web development and complex e-commerce websites – Template Toaster brings web design to more people who want to spend less time on making the website and more on running their online business or coming up with amazing content.

Visit website to download now

About the Author

Author: David AttardWebsite: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dattard/Email: david@collectiveray.com

David has been working in or around the online and digital industry for the last 21 years. He has vast experience in the software and web design industries using WordPress, Joomla and niches surrounding them. He has worked with software development agencies, international software companies, local marketing agencies and now is Head of Marketing Operations at Aphex Media - an SEO agency. As a digital consultant, his focus is on helping businesses get a competitive advantage using a combination of their website and digital platforms available today. His blend of technology expertise combined with a strong business acumen brings a competitive edge to his writings.