I’ve been fooling around with a new plugin call WordPress Tiger Administration. The plugin changes the entire look and feel of the backend WordPress administration area without touching any of the XHTML framework.
The current default WordPress administration area is functional, but I felt it could be improved. For several reasons, I didn’t want to touch the XHTML framework of the admin, but instead relied on the power of CSS2 to manipulate the presentation. The whole package has been wrapped up into a single plugin. Just install and activate. The new design will be immediately visible.
Currently the Tiger is compatible with Safari and Firefox. Until Internet Explorer complies with CSS2 specifications, this plugin will default back to the original WordPress administration design. The plugin does this automatically, without the need for browser sniffing. If the browser is incapable of displaying CSS2, it will not display the updated design. So if you don’t like the new look, switch to IE (or turn off the plugin).
The new admin layout is certainly different than the old one. It’s cleaner and more functional. The colors are also more eye pleasing as well. Here are some screen shots.
You can download the plugin here.
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hmmm… I actually really like the default admin page, but I might check this out later just to compare
same here
Looks like it might be time to switch away from Blogger! Thanks for the link John.
actually the default admin is not that bad afterall. But at least, there is an alternative when i get really bored with this default admin..
Yeah, it’s always good to have options — even when there’s no need for it.
>hmmm… I actually really like the default
>admin page, but I might check this out
>later just to compare
I really dig WP, but the admin interface gives me eyecancer. I’ve been using spotmilk for some time now… but this one looks pretty nice too. Will try it out.
This isn’t actually “that” new, although I love this theme and have been using it since release.
I have seen this before , I think the original interface is better.
I have seen the older version, and I thought it was pretty good to begin with.
nice review, will give the plugin a go
Hmm it looks pretty cool, I might give it a try.
It is very clean and simple, isn’t it. Nothing beats simple dashboard layouts.
Glenn above is right. It’s really not that new (although I guess to you it is). Steve did a great job on the plugin but if you’re not a Mac guy it takes some getting used to.
I’ve been thinking about getting this… it looks great!
i’ll try it out, too. anyone run into any problems with it? from the screen shots, it looks like it’s probably better for people like me with ADD
Great Plugin, I like the look and feel and it’s simpler to use, works in Flock too
Looks better than the default Wordpress admin. I’m going to give this a try on my new blog which should go online tomorrow
Good luck with the new blog!
What I hate about the default admin is the write a post page. I’d like a wider and bigger screen. It’s also glitchy when you insert images (seems to add them all at the front of the post no matter where the cursor is).
How do plugins handle the new admin panel?
They all work fine. All of mine that I use are not affected at all.
It’s just a different CSS formatting, the actual markup stays completely unchanged.
It’s a great WordPress Plugin but I like the default admin page.
Thanks John.
Tried it…not a big fan.
Interesting idea, but this is the classic case of fixing something that isn’t broken.
I noticed WordPress just loves to provide extras and alternatives. That’s probably a good thing for WordPress users.
Firstly this isnt a new plugin. This has been there for ages.
And I dont really find this plugin to be of any use. Instead I would recomend Wp DropDown Menus.The navigation system in Wordpress Admin Control Panel is sloppy. Most of the pages are two clicks and hence two page loads away. If you want to save yourself from some frustration install this plugin.
Nice plugin.. so now we’ll see backend themes allover?
Yep. I was using this way back with version 2.0.4.
It worked okay. But I reverted back to the original.
Kenneth
I’ve seen this plugin before I saw this post also, so it’s been around a while. I’ve never had the need to install it since the default WP backend is nice looking and so easy to use. It is cool that you can do this kind of thing with WP, however, I wonder how it will scale when new versions are installed. That is an issue with any plugin, of course, but it would be a real pain to have the backend break when you did an upgrade.
This is a cool theme for the existing Wordpress admin
http://www.ceprix.net/archives/spotmilk-admin-theme-for-wordpress/
Looks like an ok Theme.
I also was using this before back with version 2.0.4..I also came back to the original interface..
old habits are hard to break i guess….
man im glad i ran into this post. i could use some help.
http://proaudiomatrix.com/calling-all-php-gurus-or-even-wordpress-gurus/
Yeah, i’m a spotmilk plugin fan as well
Thanks for the screenshot linklove
I use this on a few of my blogs, but most of the main ones I just use the default. It’s good to get away from the old WP admin theme when I am posting on my different blogs, so I enjoy the plugin.
Man, this is useful!
Thanks, I’ll check it out
The Tiger Admin plugin is the best among the others…
I think I’ll just stick to the default admin page for now.
It’s not exactly new as I’ve been using it for 6 months
I do prefer Spotmilk, and especially the ‘Blackmilk’ version of that. I actually use all 3, as I have 3 blogs, it helps me remember which blog I’m writing for
Johny,
I sure will use the new admin plugin to know the difference myself.
Vijay
All in all, it looks great — it’s always easy to go back to the default page if you don’t like the new one anyway.
I saw a review of this plugin on Ades Blog a week ago. It looks to be more organized, so I will try it out later.
This has been around for quite some time. This plugin brings a nice refreshing look to something that you see everyday if you’re John Chow.
Great plugin, I will try it on my blog My first million dollars
If you really want a great WP admin plugin which helps you skip some clicks to your different admin areas … I suggest you all search for a plugin named “Admin Drop Menus”. It works with 2.x versions and above
I had used this plugin when it was released, but then I removed it after a days use. I love the default WP Admin Panel
Thanks, John.
I have just installed the plug-in and I love it!
Something different from what I see everyday and it looks neat.
Warm regards
Tiat
P.S: Can success be accelerated? http://www.AbundanceLaw.com
Pretty nifty looking! I’ve actually started growing bored with the current default look of the WP admin panel, so I’ll be giving this a spin later on today. Thanks mate.
Hey John,
I was just thinking about creating a post on my blog on this plugin
Although I do have to say that while it provides different looks I still ended up going back to the old, default WordPress backend.
To me it seem to be more fit for the task or perhaps I’m a bigger creature of the habit then I have realized
I installed it since i know about WP. hehe. nice interface.
I love the sleek new look. It’s a winner.
Thanks for the link john. I like this skin.
Wp’s default admin panel layout really sucks, and this is a cool plugin : )
Like what Glenn Wolsey said, this plugin isn’t new. The first verion was released in 2005 and I started using it early 2006. The new version is really cool and it’s what I’m using right now.
For those who are looking for another alternative to the default WP admin, there’s also SpotMilk.
Does this make you play better golf?