Move from Magento 1.9.x to 2.x.x

[marcvy915g7d11]

We are working on moving an existing Magento 1.9.x site to version 2. We are considering purchasing a pre-made Magento template to aid in setup of the new site.

Is this a good/bad idea?

[toniagency82ed]

It can speed you up for sure, but a lot of themes are bloated with unnecessary extensions and code so it is not an optimal solution.

You can start with a theme that's more like a framework for better performance, like Hyva theme.

[ibtisamdev8aef]

Purchasing a pre-made template can be a good idea if it aligns with your design vision, is well-coded, and compatible with Magento 2. However, be cautious, some templates may come with unnecessary features or outdated code that could complicate future updates. Always opt for a template from a reputable source and ensure it’s responsive, secure, and customizable.

On a related note, consider managed magento hosting for your new site. It can simplify the transition with expert support, optimized server configurations, and regular updates, letting you focus on your migration without worrying about the technical infrastructure.

[Milople]

Hello @marcvy915g7d11,

Moving from Magento 1.9.x to 2.x.x is a big step, and it's smart to think through the design and theme part early.

When a Pre-made Magento 2 Theme is a Good Idea

•  If you want to launch quickly and don’t need highly custom layouts.
•  Many themes (like Porto, Claue, etc.) come with tons of built-in UI features.
•  Perfect if you're replatforming and want to get live before refining further.

When It Can Be a Bad Idea

Some themes are bloated or not well optimized, which can cause performance or upgrade issues.

If you look-up a theme and then heavily customize it, it can become a maintenance nightmare - especially after Magento updates.

Many themes override core templates and JS, which can conflict with third-party modules.

Use a lightweight starter theme (like Luma or Hyvä) and have it customized based on your needs which is better in our opinion.

Conduct a pre-migration audit to assess your Magento 1 site’s customizations, extensions, and design requirements. Decide which features are essential and whether a pre-made template can support them.

If this resolves your issue, kindly click Kudos and Accept as a Solution.