Story – Responsive One Page Lightweight Multipurpose Template

Story is a free, open-source responsive one-page HTML5 template from HTML5Up that builds lightweight multipurpose sites using the Skel framework instead of Bootstrap.

What is Story?

Story is a one-page multipurpose website template built with HTML5, CSS3, and jQuery, created by the HTML5Up team and distributed by ThemeWagon. You download the static files, replace the demo text and images with your own content, and publish a fully responsive single-page site. The template runs on the Skel framework rather than Bootstrap, giving you six grid systems (extra-extra-small through extra-large) and a mobile-first layout that has been tested across devices. It includes Font Awesome icons, Google Fonts, and placeholder photography from Unsplash.

Key Features

• Skel framework instead of Bootstrap — Story uses Skel, which the developer states produces more responsive layouts than Bootstrap templates, with six grid systems: extra-extra-small, extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large.
• Mobile-first design — The template was built first for feature phones and then scaled up to larger devices, with testing on every device type before release.
• Prebuilt section styles — Five banner and spotlight styles, two gallery styles, three item styles, and wrapper CSS classes let you assemble different page structures from the same code base.
• W3C-valid markups and SEO support — The head section includes meta titles and meta descriptions so you can add your own metadata for Google ranking.
• Mind Inebriated design — CSS3 transition effects, smooth typography, and a high section hierarchy help visitors scan content quickly.
• Cross-browser compatibility — Officially supports Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and mobile browsers.
• Well-commented, customizable code — The code base is fully commented and customizable, with documentation provided on the live demo page.

Who is it for?

Story suits anyone who needs a lightweight one-page site without committing to a heavy Bootstrap foundation. Freelancers and creatives can build a personal portfolio with the gallery and spotlight sections. Small businesses can publish a simple landing page that presents a product or service to potential clients. Event organizers can use the banner and item styles to structure event details on a single screen. Developers can treat the well-commented code as a clean starting point for custom projects.

Use cases

• Photographers: display work in the two gallery styles with hover effects and a clean layout.
• Startups: build a lightweight landing page using the five banner styles to announce a new product.
• Portfolio owners: arrange individual projects using the three item styles and spotlight sections.
• Developers: quickly scaffold a responsive one-pager and customize buttons, radio buttons, checkboxes, and icons via custom CSS classes.

How does Story work?

Story is a static HTML template. After downloading from ThemeWagon, you open the files and edit the HTML and CSS directly; no build process or server is needed. The live demo page includes documentation that walks you through customization from top to bottom, and the well-commented code helps you locate each section. Once edited, upload the files to any web host.

Pricing

Story is free to download. The ThemeWagon listing marks it as open source, usable in commercial projects, and covered by lifetime free updates.

FAQ

Is Story free?

Yes, Story is a free download from ThemeWagon, and the license allows use in commercial projects with lifetime free updates. No payment is required, and there is no mention of paid tiers or premium upgrades.

What framework does Story use?

Story uses the Skel framework instead of Bootstrap. Skel provides six grid systems, from extra-extra-small to extra-large, which the developer says results in a more responsive template than comparable Bootstrap themes.

Is Story responsive?

Yes, Story is 100% responsive and was built on a mobile-first concept. The developer first created the layout for feature phones, then scaled it up for higher devices, testing on all devices before launch.

Is Story SEO-friendly?

Yes. Story includes W3C-valid markups and places meta titles and meta descriptions in the head section, so you can add your own metadata. The responsive layout and valid HTML also meet factors Google considers when ranking websites.

Can I use Story in commercial projects?

Yes, according to the ThemeWagon download page, Story is open source and allowed in commercial projects, so you can use it for client work or paid products without a license fee.