> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://abstract27.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Website templates: where to find them in 2026 (free and paid) - URL: https://abstract27.com/where-to-find-website-templates/ - Published: 2024-08-27T00:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-25T08:38:12.000Z - Description: Where to find website templates, free or paid: 20 curated resources and the method for turning a template into a Ghost site you actually own. - Author: Jérémie Raude-Leroy - Tags: Website creation, #import-2026-10-24, #refreshed ## Introduction A well-designed website is essential for standing out online, whether you're a business, a creative, a journalist or a content creator. But [building a website](https://abstract27.com/services/) from scratch costs time and money. That's where **templates** come in: ready-made designs that save you from starting with a blank page. In this guide, updated for 2026, we review **20 platforms** where you can find website templates — free ones first, then paid — and, crucially, how to turn a simple template into a **genuine site that you own**. Because a template is just a shell: its value depends on the platform running it. Choose a theme for [**Ghost® CMS**](https://ghost.org/?ref=abstract27.com) and you get a fast, SEO-optimised site with built-in newsletter and subscriptions — without being tied to a closed-off editor. And with managed hosting, the theme is installed for you. [Book a free 30-minute call](https://abstract27.com/contact/#reserver-un-appel) ## Template or theme: what really makes the difference Not all “templates” are equal, because they don't run on the same thing: - **HTML/CSS templates** — static code you integrate yourself. Flexible and often free, but with no CMS: no editor, no members, no newsletter. Everything has to be wired up by hand. - **WordPress themes** — feature-rich but dependent on a stack of plugins that need maintaining and securing, which ends up weighing the site down. - **Closed-platform builders** (Wix, Squarespace) — easy to get started with, but you're effectively **renting** your site: locked-in design, limited export options, a captive audience. - **Ghost themes** — a modern design built on a complete open-source CMS: a clean editor, native SEO, built-in analytics, members and subscriptions via Stripe. You **own** your content and your audience. If your goal is to publish and build an audience, a Ghost theme will take you further than a raw HTML template. To understand the platform, read [what is Ghost CMS?](https://abstract27.com/ghost-cms-quest-ce-que-cest/) and our guide to [building a website or blog with Ghost CMS](https://abstract27.com/services/). ## Free website template resources To get started without spending a penny, here are the best free sources. ### 1\. The official Ghost CMS theme marketplace ![Official Ghost CMS theme marketplace](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-29.webp) The ideal place if you're aiming for a blog, newsletter or media site: the [official Ghost theme marketplace](https://ghost.org/themes/?ref=abstract27.com) offers free and premium **templates**, all optimised for performance and readability, and easy to customise. Because Ghost is open source, an active community keeps adding to the catalogue. Our curated selection is in [the best Ghost CMS themes](https://abstract27.com/meilleurs-themes-ghost-cms/), and if you're unsure, follow our criteria for [choosing a theme for Ghost CMS](https://abstract27.com/comment-choisir-un-theme-pour-ghost-cms/). > **Pro tip** — Want a website you stay in control of? Go for Ghost CMS: its fast platform and intuitive interface let you focus on content while SEO, monetisation and newsletters run in the background. With [Abstract27's managed hosting](https://abstract27.com/ghost-cms-managed-hosting/), the theme of your choice is installed and configured for you, **from £25/month (£270/year) for a single-language site, newsletter included, with no setup fees — start with a** [**free 30-minute call**](https://abstract27.com/contact/#reserver-un-appel). [See our pricing →](https://abstract27.com/services/) ### 2\. W3Layouts ![W3Layouts](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-28.webp) A vast library of free HTML5/CSS3 **templates**, sorted by industry and use case (business, portfolio, blog). Clean code, easy to customise and responsive across all screens. ### 3\. HTML5 UP ![HTML5 UP](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-30.webp) Modern, clean HTML5 **templates**, free for personal and commercial use under a Creative Commons licence (with attribution). Perfect for a contemporary, understated design. ### 4\. Free CSS ![Free CSS](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-31.webp) Thousands of free HTML and CSS **templates**, filterable by popularity, date or site type. The collection is regularly updated to keep pace with web design trends. ### 5\. Themezy ![Themezy](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-32.webp) Free **templates** for websites and emails, supplied with HTML/CSS files and Photoshop source files. Valued for their simplicity and flexibility. ### 6\. Colorlib ![Colorlib](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-33.webp) A go-to source for quality free WordPress and HTML **templates**: modern designs, responsive layouts optimised for speed, from blogs to portfolios. ### 7\. Start Bootstrap ![Start Bootstrap](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-34.webp) Free, open-source **templates** built on Bootstrap: landing pages, showcase sites, portfolios. Clean code, easy to integrate into an existing Bootstrap project. ### 8\. Templated ![Templated](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-35.webp) Over 850 free, responsive, minimalist HTML5/CSS3 **templates**, under a Creative Commons licence. Ideal for a personal site or a blog with a clean design. ### 9\. Tympanus (Codrops) ![Tympanus (Codrops)](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-36.webp) Creative, experimental web design **templates**, at the cutting edge of interface techniques. A goldmine of inspiration for designers who want to stand out. ### 10\. One Page Love ![One Page Love](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-37.webp) The go-to resource for one-page site **templates** (free and premium): portfolios, landing pages and personal sites with a polished look. ### 11\. HTML5xCSS3 ![HTML5xCSS3](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-38.webp) A large collection of free HTML5/CSS3 **templates**, responsive and well structured, suited to business sites, blogs and e-commerce. Easy to customise. [Book a free 30-minute call](https://abstract27.com/contact/#reserver-un-appel) ## Paid website template resources Ready to invest in more advanced options? Here are the must-know premium marketplaces. ### 1\. ThemeForest ![ThemeForest](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-39.webp) One of the largest premium **template** marketplaces (WordPress, HTML, Shopify, Joomla), with detailed documentation, technical support and user reviews for each template. ### 2\. TemplateMonster ![TemplateMonster](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-40.webp) A comprehensive catalogue of multi-CMS premium **templates**, with customisation and installation services. Responsive, SEO-optimised designs. ### 3\. Elegant Themes ![Elegant Themes](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-41.webp) Known for Divi, both a **template** and a drag-and-drop WordPress page builder. The subscription gives access to a library of premium templates and plugins. ### 4\. Creative Market ![Creative Market](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-42.webp) A marketplace for creative assets — including website **templates** — created by independent designers. Pay per item, no subscription required, for unique designs. ### 5\. Envato Elements ![Envato Elements](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-43.webp) An unlimited-download subscription: website **templates**, graphics, fonts and videos. Ideal for designers and developers juggling multiple projects. ### 6\. Mojo Marketplace ![Mojo Marketplace](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-44.webp) Premium **templates** for WordPress and other CMSs, with direct integration with several hosting providers and one-click installation, plus bespoke design services. ### 7\. Template.net ![Template.net](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-45.webp) A wide range of free and subscription-based **templates**, easy to edit, accessible even without advanced technical skills. ### 8\. Squarespace ![Squarespace](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-47.webp) An all-in-one platform with customisable premium **templates** and no code required. Handy for getting started quickly, but the site remains hosted and locked in with the provider — worth comparing with a Ghost site that you actually own ([Squarespace alternatives](https://abstract27.com/meilleures-alternatives-squarespace/)). ### 9\. BigCommerce ![BigCommerce](https://abstract27-blog.b-cdn.net/fr/2024/08/image-48.webp) Premium **templates** designed for online shops, optimised for conversions and SEO, with built-in product management and payments. ## From template to live website: the final step Finding a beautiful **template** is only half the job. There's still hosting, theme installation, SSL, backups and updates to sort out — the part most people dread. With a Ghost theme, the “going live” step becomes trivial: 1. **Choose your theme** from the marketplace, or have a bespoke one designed. 2. **Set up hosting** — [managed hosting for Ghost](https://abstract27.com/ghost-cms-managed-hosting/) installs the theme, configures your domain and secures everything. 3. **Customise** your logo, colours and navigation from the admin panel, without touching the server. 4. **Publish** your first post and launch your newsletter. That's exactly what we do at Abstract27: one-click installation, **free SSL, daily backups, 99.9% uptime** and data hosted in Europe (GDPR-compliant). You come away with a fast website that we design, build, host and maintain for you, **from £25/month (£270/year), newsletter included, with no setup fees — start with a** [**free 30-minute call**](https://abstract27.com/contact/#reserver-un-appel). Want to see the results? Browse our [showcase website examples](https://abstract27.com/exemples-sites-vitrines/), find out [how to monetise your website](https://abstract27.com/comment-monetiser-site-internet/), and check out our [Ghost CMS tips](https://abstract27.com/tips-et-astuces-pour-utiliser-ghost-cms/). [Book a free 30-minute call](https://abstract27.com/contact/#reserver-un-appel) ## FAQ — Website templates and themes #### 1\. Where can I find free website templates? For **free HTML/CSS templates**, platforms such as HTML5 UP, Free CSS, Templated, W3Layouts or Start Bootstrap are excellent starting points. If you're aiming for a blog, newsletter or media site, the **official Ghost theme marketplace** offers free and premium templates, ready to run on a genuine CMS. #### 2\. What's the difference between an HTML template, a WordPress theme and a Ghost theme? An **HTML template** is static code with no CMS: you have to wire everything up yourself. A **WordPress theme** depends on a stack of plugins that need maintaining. A **Ghost theme** sits on top of a complete open-source CMS — editor, SEO, members, newsletters and analytics all included — with no plugins to manage. #### 3\. Is a free template good enough for a professional website? For a simple showcase page, yes. But as soon as you need to publish regularly, capture subscribers or sell, a raw HTML template quickly shows its limits. A theme built on Ghost gives you the editor, SEO and monetisation from day one, with no extra tinkering. #### 4\. How do I install a theme on Ghost CMS? Download the theme's `.zip` file, then, in the Ghost admin, go to **Design → Change theme → Upload theme**. With managed hosting, installation and configuration are done for you — all you need to do is customise. #### 5\. How much does hosting a Ghost site with a theme cost? The Ghost software itself is free; you only pay for managing your site. At Abstract27, that's **from £25/month (£270/year) for one language, or from £40/month (£432/year) for two languages**, newsletter included and with no setup fees. The theme of your choice is installed for you, with a first version ready in around a week. Start with a [free 30-minute call](https://abstract27.com/contact/#reserver-un-appel). See [all our pricing](https://abstract27.com/services/). #### 6\. Can I use a bespoke theme instead of a ready-made template? Yes. A Ghost theme is built using Handlebars and CSS, allowing for a fully bespoke design while keeping the standard CMS underneath. We can design and deploy a unique theme for your project — take a look at our [showcase website examples](https://abstract27.com/exemples-sites-vitrines/). ## Conclusion A successful website starts with choosing the right **template** — free to get going quickly, premium to save time and gain polish. The 20 platforms above cover every need and every budget. But remember: a template is only a starting point. To publish, build a loyal audience and monetise, you need to put your design on a platform you truly **own**. A Ghost theme gives you performance, SEO and membership features right from the start — and with [Abstract27's managed hosting](https://abstract27.com/ghost-cms-managed-hosting/), installation, security and backups are all taken care of for you. Ready to move from template to live website? Get started with a **free 14-day trial — no credit card required**. [Book a free 30-minute call](https://abstract27.com/contact/#reserver-un-appel)