We will quickly discuss the Hybrid theme framework and present 15 free WordPress themes based on it. All are free, rock solid and provide a plethora of features.

Theme Frameworks, Parent and Child themes

Before we move on, let’s have a quick word on Theme frameworks, Parent and Child themes. WordPress allows the creation of child themes. In simple words, it allows creation of themes which can copy another theme and change the look of it by using just a simple CSS file. It’s a great way for designers to quickly build new themes (called Child themes) based on a solid base theme (called Parent theme).

As you guessed it, Parent themes are more general in nature, packed with loads of features and are generally not made to be used as standalone themes (although you can use it as one). Child themes on the other hand contains nothing but CSS files, images and typically a functions.php file which decides what options from Parent theme it should display.

A theme framework is a special parent theme, which unlike Parent theme can’t be used on its own and is more high level in nature (although this is not a strict definition, but we can use it in the context of the article). Hybrid Theme originally started as a Parent theme, but recently a Framework have been released.

How to install a WordPress Theme

If you are new to WordPress themes, don’t fear as it is not rocket science. Just remember the following steps and you will be all set.

Step 1. Copy the Hybrid Parent theme in the wp-content/themes directory

Step 2. Copy the Child theme in the wp-content/themes directory

Step 3. In the WordPress Admin area, go to Appearance > Themes and choose the Child theme as your current theme

Only for Prototype Theme, you do not have to perform Step 1. Also, in case you are installing theme directly from WordPress site, install both the Parent theme and Child theme.

1. Hybrid Parent Theme

This is the Parent theme for all Hybrid based Child themes. Install this theme in your WordPress themes folder, along with any other Child theme you want to use. If you want, you can use it as your current theme without any Child themes.

2. Outline Theme

Outline theme has been specially developed based on Hybrid 0.8 and WordPress 3.0 and features custom background and navigation menus.

3. Prototype Theme

Prototype is a special parent theme, multiple nav menus, several widget areas, and per-post layouts. It is made to be used by web designers for creating beautiful Child Themes. Although you can use it without any Child themes.

4. Hybrid News Theme

Hybrid News has a magazine type layout, double navigation menus and special widget areas. The main purpose of the theme is to be used as a News site.

5. Structure Theme

Structure is a visually stunning theme through its pixel-perfect layout and beautiful typography.

6. Original Hybrid Layout Theme

Hybrid 0.6 has a new default layout. This Child theme was developed for people who liked the old layout.

7. Old School Theme

Old School is a stylish blue design with a custom page type scroll and cool animations.

8. Bliss Theme

Bliss is a very simple, very minimalistic in appearance. Great for people looking out for a minimal wordpress theme.

9. Critical Theme

Designed specially for a Movie database site, this theme is great for writing reviews and building a community of people around a single topic.

10. Leviathan Theme

Leviathan gives focus to your content and giving clutter free design. This theme works well with large images and long posts.

11. Life Collage Theme

Life Collage theme is meant to allow you to share your thoughts with the world. It’s purely about blogging and having a little fun while you do it.

12. Skeleton Theme

Skeleton is a blank child theme created for web designer in mind. If you’ve ever wanted to create your own custom child theme, then this is the place to start. Everything is laid out and ready for you.

13. WP Full Site Theme

WP Full Site theme built for small businesses that that is tailored towards the basics of gaining customers.

14. Malleable Theme

Malleable is another theme which can be used for sites seeking a magazine style layout.

15. Boxpulse Theme

Boxpulse theme offers a certain elegance and includes a template made specifically for the included slider.

What Next..??

I tried to generalize the process you need to follow for installing Hybrid based themes. Check out getting started tutorial incase you decide to use them. Hope you enjoyed the article. Let me know your views using the comments section.