Inspired by the well-known Mimbo theme by Darren Hoyt, OpenBook is a free Magazine style WordPress theme, which doesn’t require you to manually edit a file.

I first realeased this theme in January, but at this time it was only available in French. So it is the very first English version.

Download OpenBook

Download OpenBook 2.2 WordPress Theme: zip archive

If you’re looking for a live demo, check out my personnal blog which uses this theme.

OpenBook Features

Here’s what you can expect in OpenBook theme:

• Magazine-style homepage, including 2 columns and SmoothGallery for your featured posts.
• 100% Gravatar compatible.
• Custom fields to insert images on the homepage gallery, on homepage posts and in categories posts.
• Magazine-style dropdown-menu for your categories.
• Not manual editing required. After installing the theme, you’ll find an OpenBook tab under Design, where you can set up the options for the theme, including featured posts, featured category, blog logo, number of posts to display on the gallery, categories to display on the blog homepage…
• If you hate Internet Explorer 6 as I do, you’ll probably be happy: OpenBook have an option which litteraly crash IE6 if checked. If unchecked, IE6 will not crash and people who (still) use it will see your blog just as other users.
• Compatible with Firefox 2, Firefox 3 beta, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer 7 and Internet Explorer 6. (OpenBook is also probably compatible with other browsers like Konqueror, I just haven’t tested it myself)
• Widget-ready sidebar
• SEO-friendly titles
• Page templates for Links and Archives
• Compatible with WordPress 2.3 to 2.5.1

Installing OpenBook

OpenBook install is like installing any WordPress theme: Unzip the archive, and upload the openbook22-en directory into the wp-content/themes of your WordPress install.

Then, go to your WP administration panel, Design » Theme and select OpenBook.

Now, you should go to Design » OpenBook and fill the various fields:

• Your blog logo url
• ID of your featured category
• Number of posts to display in SmoothGallery.
• IDs of categories to display on the homepage.
• If you want to make any IE6 crash, just check the related checkbox.
• Number of posts to display on the homepage, by category

Configuring SmoothGallery

SmoothGallery is a very pretty mootools script by Jonathan Schemoul which display posts along with big images. In order to configure it, you must create a new category (In this exemple, we’ll call it featured) and report its ID to Design » OpenBook.

When you want to show a particular post in the SmoothGallery, just edit the post and check the featured category. Of course, you can add the post to other categories as well.

Now, you should define an image that will display in SmoothGallery. Juste create a custom field, give it featuredimg as key and your image url as value. Once saved, the post will be displayed in SmoothGallery.

The ideal SmoothGallery image size is 600*250 pixels. You can use different size, but the image will be cropped or will not fill all the available space.

Using custom fields to display images in posts

As I said above, it is possible to assign one or more image(s) to a post. Theses images will be displayed on the homepage, or in categories pages, depending of the custom field used.

Here’s the custom fields keys, and the place where the images will be displayed.

• featuredimg » The image will be displayed in SmoothGallery (Only if the related post is in the featured category)
• Image » The image will be displayed along with its related post, on the homepage.
• catimage » The image will be displayed in category pages. Ideal size is 125*125 pixels.

Please note

The OpenBook theme is (and will stay) 100% free. I also try to always help people who use it as much as I can. The only thing that I’m asking, is that you leave my link on the theme footer. Thanks in advance

Edit on July 3, 2008: I just wrote a simple tutorial for modifying OpenBook color scheme. You can read it here.

It has been awhile since I’ve created one of our popular WordPress theme galleries, so I decided it was time to build a new one. In the past I’ve always taken the approach of trying to remove any personal bias and just display the WordPress themes and demo/download information in a manageable way so that the reader can choose their favorite themes that they’d like to use.

This time I decided to comb the internet looking for my personal favorite free WordPress themes and display them below in a convenient format.  Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that there aren’t many free themes available these days, so I’ve decided to throw in my favorite premium WordPress themes at the bottom of this post as an alternative for those serious about blogging!

This theme gallery is broken down into the following categories (click the link to be taken to the section you are looking for):

• Free 2-Column WordPress Themes
• Free 3-Column WordPress Themes
• Free 4-Column WordPress Themes
• Free Magazine WordPress Themes
• Free Video & Photo WordPress Themes
• Best Premium WordPress Themes

This post is updated regularly, so if you find you are often in the market for a free WordPress theme, bookmark this post and check back regularly!

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Best 2-Column Free WordPress Themes

Vintage Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Blues Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Shades of Blue Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Typebased Theme

Source/Demo | Download

PassionDuo Theme (3 Colors)

Green: Demo | Download, Red: Demo | Download, Blue: Demo | Download

WP Freemium Theme

Source | Download

SimpleWP Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Evolution Theme

Source | Download | Demos: Blue, Green, Red

GlossyBlue Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Color Paper Theme

Source | Download | Demo

StudioPress Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Blak Magik Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Mag on Wood Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Simply Ornate Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Agregado Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Notepad Chaos Theme

Source | Download | (Unable to Locate a Demo)

WordPress Fun Theme

Source | Download | (Unable to Locate a Demo)

Daily Press Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Curious Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Pixeled Theme

Source | Download | (Unable to Locate a Demo)

Daily32 Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Digital Statement Theme

Source | Download | Demo

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Best 3-Column Free WordPress Themes

Maggo Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Firebug Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Padangan Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Black and White Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Xplosive Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Blog oh Blog Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Langit Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Blue Block Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Dark Zen Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Tomodachi Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Blue Dream Theme

Source/Demo | Download

BizFresh Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Simple Red Theme

Source | Download (Requires free registration) | Demo

True Blue Theme

Source | Download (Requires free registration) | Demo

Resurrection Theme

Source/Demo | Download

WP Premiere Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Silveray Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Rhea Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Velocity Theme

Source | Download | Demo

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Best 4-Column Free WordPress Themes

Techicon Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Biz Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Quadruple Blue Theme

Source | Download | Demo

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Best Free Magazine WordPress Themes

Options Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Hamasaki Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Structure Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Visionary Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Mimbo Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Morning After Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Forte Theme

Source | Download | Demo

The Studio Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Arthemia Free Theme (Premium Version Also Available)

Source | Download | Demo | Premium Version of Arthemia

Newsweek Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Studio WordPress Theme (Available in Blue, Green, & Red)

Source | Download | Demo

Cellar Heat Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Premium News Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Scarlett Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Small Magazine Theme

Source | Download | (Unable to Locate a Demo)

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Free Video & Photo WordPress Themes

Snapshot Theme

Source | Download | Demo

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Best Premium WordPress Themes

The below premium themes are not free, but come with some more advanced features.  Most can be completely setup from the dashboard via a control panel and special custom widgets, avoiding messing with code all together!

Lifestyle Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP Smooth Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Elisa Magazine Theme

Included with FlexiThemes Membership!  ($19.95 – $49.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Zenko Magazine Theme

Multiple-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Spectrum Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Magazine WordPress Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Reflecta Magazine Theme

Included with FlexiThemes Membership!  ($19.95 – $49.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Blissful Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Manifesto Magazine Theme

Multiple-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Delicious Child Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP-Chatter Magazine Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Initiate Magazine Theme

Included with FlexiThemes Membership!  ($19.95 – $49.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Sleek Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP Sublime Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Estate Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Boutique Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Stunning Magazine Theme

Included with FlexiThemes Membership!  ($19.95 – $49.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Headline News Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP-Prosper Magazine Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

News Flash Theme

Multiple-Use ($59.00), Developer’s Pack ($159.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Minimal Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Mocha Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Gourmet Cooking Theme

Single-Use ($59.00), Developer’s Pack ($99.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Platinum Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Tribune News Theme

Multiple-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Polished Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Amped Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Gadget Theme

Multiple-Use ($19.95), All Theme Junkie Themes ($59.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Streamline Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Evertis Magazine Theme

Single-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Serenity Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Blog Newspaper Theme

Multiple-Use ($59.00), Developer’s Pack ($179.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

NewsTube Theme

Multiple-Use ($29.95), All Theme Junkie Themes ($59.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Emporium E-Commerce Theme

Single-Use ($69.00), Multiple-Use ($99.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Monograph Magazine Theme

Multiple-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

News WordPress Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Cube Light Theme

Multiple-Use ($19.95), All Theme Junkie Themes ($59.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP Launch Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

eNews Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

WP Ellie Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Lexicon Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Sea Light Business Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

My App WordPress Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Lumin Magazine Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

WP Genius Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Optimize Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Bigfoot Theme

Multiple-Use ($29.95), All Theme Junkie Themes ($69.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Going Green Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Bold Magazine Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Arthemia Premium Theme

Multiple-Use ($59.95), Developer’s Pack ($159.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

The Source Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Vega Magazine Theme

Included with FlexiThemes Membership!  ($19.95 – $49.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Memoir Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Crystal Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Newswire Theme

Multiple-Use ($29.95), All Theme Junkie Themes ($59.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Nova Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

My Cuisine Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Fabric Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Yamidoo Magazine Theme

Multiple-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Glider Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

WP Media Magazine Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

In Review Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Church Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Outreach Church Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Magnificent Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Grace Church Theme

Single-Use ($59.00), Developer’s Pack ($159.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Chameleon Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Foundation Church Theme

Included with iThemes Builder Theme ($127.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Pretty Young Thing Kids Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Tapestry Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP Jazz Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Newspaper Theme

Multiple-Use ($59.00), Developer’s Pack ($159.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

“On The Go” Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Daily Edition News Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Aggregate Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

WP Clear Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP-Glide Magazine Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Looking for more premium theme choices? Check out our premium WordPress themes gallery!

Michael at Solostream is no exception. He has created a number of free themes in the past, but has since been concentrating on creating and selling a variety of premium WordPress themes for bloggers and businesses looking for a magazine-style theme.

His most recent premium theme WP-Magazine 1.0 is his best work to date (in my opinion). Here are some screen shots of a few pages:

Once purchased, you have access to five different home page layouts and four different category/archive page layouts. You can find more information about the layouts available here.

Other features include:

• Widget-Ready, User-Friendly, and Optimized for WordPress Versions 2.2 and Above
• Home Page Featured Article Glider Box
• Built-In Banner Ad Blocks
• Built-In Site Guide in Right Sidebar
• Customized Recent Comments in Sidebar With Gravatar Support
• Author Biography Information and Gravatar Included on Single Post Pages
• Alternating Color Comments With Gravatar Support
• XHTML Valid

In addition to these great features, this theme also supports several plugins “out of the box” including the following:

• Popularity Contest
• Most Commented
• WordPress 2.3 Related Posts

If you’d like to view this theme in action, check out the WP-Magazine Demo Site. You can also purchase the theme from that site.