# Creating Custom Templates
Templates control the HTML structure and presentation of your content. This guide covers advanced template creation, from simple page layouts to complex list views.
## Template Hierarchy
FolderWeb uses a three-level template system:
1. **Base template** (`base.php`) — The HTML scaffold wrapping everything
2. **Content template** — Either `page.php` or a list template
3. **Partials** (optional) — Reusable components you create
```
base.php
└── page.php or list.php
└── Rendered content
```
## Template Resolution
When rendering a page, FolderWeb looks for templates in this order:
**For page views:**
1. `custom/templates/page.php`
2. `app/default/templates/page.php` (fallback)
**For list views:**
1. `custom/templates/{page_template}.php` (e.g., `list-grid.php`)
2. `custom/templates/list.php`
3. `app/default/templates/{page_template}.php`
4. `app/default/templates/list.php` (fallback)
**For base:**
1. `custom/templates/base.php`
2. `app/default/templates/base.php` (fallback)
## Creating a Custom Base Template
The base template defines the HTML structure for every page.
### Step 1: Copy the Default
```bash
cp app/default/templates/base.php custom/templates/base.php
```
### Step 2: Customize
**custom/templates/base.php:**
```php
<?= htmlspecialchars($pageTitle ?? 'My Site') ?>Skip to main content
```
**To use:** Set in metadata:
```ini
[settings]
page_template = "page-portfolio"
```
Wait, that won't work for page templates—only list templates use `page_template`. For page templates, you'd need to select via a plugin or use different template files per directory. Let's stick with one `page.php` that adapts based on metadata.
## Creating Custom List Templates
List templates display collections of items.
### Card Grid Layout
**custom/templates/list-cards.php:**
```php