DNN Skins are themes found in DotNetNuke, which control the look and feel of a page in DotNetNuke. DotNetNuke skins were first created to make skinning available to both designer and developers. Most themes contain CSS and HTML that are usually used to structure pages. DotNetNuke skins have a minimum of one pane that is referred to as the ContentPane. They also have multiple panes. On top of panes, the skin can hold whatever custom HTML/Javascript that is required, such as a typical web page. Skin objects can also be included in the skin or any pane. They are tools that provide rich content for essential items, e.g., Search bar, menu, banners, copyright.
There are two skins supported by the skinning engine: ASCX skins and HTML skins. HTML is the most basic form of skin, and it gives designers the liberty to use whichever HTML editor they wish. HTML skins are converted to ASCX skins in the background when they are installed. Only the InnerHtml, which is a part of the HTML skin is retained during the conversion.
A skin is made up of at least one layout template. Each skin may also have a style sheet for each named template and a master CSS style sheet. If a stylesheet is present, the DotNetNuke skinning engine will add them to the page whenever the skin template is assigned. As we are building individual layouts for our skin, it is important to determine where we want to place user generated content and where standard skin elements will be placed.
Other than panes, there are some elements that our skin design has, which are fairly common across designs. These elements include the menu bar, login/registration links, copyright notice, terms of service link, search box and others. These elements, in DotNetNuke are added to the page by Skin Objects.