Congratulations on your decision to develop a Learning Management System (LMS) using WordPress! You've likely selected an LMS plugin, which is a significant step forward. The next task is to select the most suitable WordPress LMS theme to complement your chosen plugin.
Before diving into the best LMS themes compatible with WordPress, let's clarify what an LMS is and how we can transform WordPress into a comprehensive LMS platform.
A Brief about LMS
An LMS, or Learning Management System, is a software application designed for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses. While WordPress itself does not inherently possess LMS capabilities, it can be enhanced with various third-party LMS plugins.
Is it Possible to Create an LMS with WordPress?
Absolutely! WordPress can serve as an effective platform for building an LMS. Although it doesn't come equipped with LMS functionalities out of the box, numerous plugins are available that can convert WordPress into a fully operational LMS.
Installing an LMS on WordPress
To integrate LMS features into WordPress, you'll typically use a plugin. Free plugins can be installed directly from your site’s admin dashboard by navigating to Plugins > Add New and searching for an LMS plugin. Click "Install" and then "Activate" to get started.
For premium LMS plugins, you'll first need to download them from the respective developers. After that, go to Plugins > Add New, select "Upload," choose your downloaded plugin file, and activate it. Add the license key on designated field to enjoy continues and easy updates.
If you are utilizing a WordPress LMS theme, head to Appearance > Themes, click "Add New Theme," select "Upload Theme," choose your .zip file, and activate it.
Recommended Themes for Specific LMS Plugins
What is the best theme for LearnDash?
The best theme for LearnDash is Kadence , which is developed by the same company (StellarWP/Liquid Web) that owns LearnDash, ensuring seamless integration. Future enhancements between LearnDash and Kadence are expected.
Kadence provides some no-code, ready-to-use Starter Site Templates.
Starter Site Template is a plugin or add-on that provides fully designed templates made by professional team for building websites, which can be imported into theme.
Some Starter Site Templates are HomeSteading, Meditation, Cooking, Baking, Life Sewing, Writing, Nutrition, Makeup, Design, Fitness, SEO Business, Painting, Photo, Digital, Online and Coach Skills Course.
Other choice is Astra theme , with its extensive integration with LearnDash, enabling users to quickly create a cohesive, professional, and well-branded course site.
Astra stands out as a highly lightweight, user-friendly, and versatile free WordPress theme that offers seamless integration with LearnDash LMS right from the start. It ensures that your courses, progress bars, account pages, widgets, sidebars, and more align perfectly with your brand identity.
Another excellent choice is GeneratePress . Although it may lack some direct integrations that Kadence offers, it is widely regarded as a robust overall theme.
For those seeking themes specifically tailored for LearnDash, consider the eLumine and LearnMate themes. eLumine was among the pioneers in customizing the LearnDash experience, providing unique layouts and designs for course pages. However, while it offers a variety of customization options, its design may not appeal to everyone.
LearnMate, on the other hand, is akin to the BuddyBoss theme and is tailored for users interested in building a community site with LearnDash. It features custom designs for forums, groups, and most LearnDash pages, excluding focus mode pages. I recommend LearnMate for community-oriented websites as a viable alternative to BuddyBoss.
What is the best theme for TutorLMS?
While GeneratePress remains a solid option, TutorLMS has three dedicated themes worth considering. The top recommendation is the free Tutor Starter theme, which is promoted by Themeum, the company behind TutorLMS, as the premier theme for this plugin.
Themeum also offers Edumax and Skillate themes, two premium LMS themes that also tightly integrate with the TutorLMS plugin.
What is the best theme for LifterLMS?
For LifterLMS users, the SkyPilot theme is the top recommendation. This theme offers superior integration with the LifterLMS plugin, making it the best choice available.
What is the best theme for LearnPress?
For those using LearnPress, the Eduma theme by ThimPress, the creators of LearnPress, is highly recommended. Eduma is the most closely integrated theme for LearnPress, ensuring optimal performance.
What is the best theme for MasterStudy?
MasterStudy operates both as a theme and a plugin. They provide both free and premium versions of their plugin, along with a dedicated MasterStudy starter theme. If you plan to use the MasterStudy LMS plugin, it is advisable to use the corresponding MasterStudy theme for the best results.
I would appreciate the opportunity to learn about your experience in developing a Learning Management System (LMS) using WordPress. Specifically, I am interested in the plugin you selected, the theme you implemented, and any additional insights you may wish to share regarding the process.
