Categories are an efficient way to organise software. They work well when you know exactly what kind of tool you need. People do not always arrive with a defined task, though. Sometimes the starting point is a mood, an occasion or a passing interest. CESXY Themes are for that kind of browsing. They are routes into the catalogue by mood and moment.
Why category alone is not enough
A category says what a tool is, such as a travel tool, a family tool or a writing tool. It does not say why you might want it or how it fits a particular moment.
Think of someone who wants something calm to use at the end of a working day. Or someone getting ready for a seasonal celebration. Tools for each of these could sit in several categories. A category search would mean knowing in advance which ones to try. A theme gathers them in one place.
What a theme route is
A theme route is a path through the catalogue that an editor puts together around a feeling, an occasion or a context rather than a function. One theme can draw on projects from many categories.
How themes differ from collections
Both are curated, but they do different jobs. Collections group projects for a practical reason, such as a task, a situation or an access preference. They answer the question of what will help you do this. Themes group projects around a mood or a moment. They answer the question of what you might enjoy right now.
A project can appear in both a collection and a theme if it serves both purposes.
How themes are curated
An editor writes a short description of the theme and a plain rationale for why it exists. Projects in a theme come from the catalogue. Every project in a theme carries its badges and quick tags, the same as anywhere else on CESXY.
A theme is a way to discover things, not an endorsement. Badges remain use notes, not certifications, and external projects remain their creators' responsibility.
Care with sensitive subjects
Themes that touch on cultural traditions, occasions or emotional subjects need particular care. Our aim is for every theme to be respectful, inclusive and accurate. Projects that deal with health, grief or personal relationships get the same caution set out on our Safety page. Health & Fitness, Finance and Family & Kids are sensitive categories and get extra review.
How to use themes
Open Themes and browse the routes. Choose one that matches your mood, occasion or interest. Check each project's badges and tags before you open it. If a theme does not have what you need, try Discover for a direct search, or post a request on Wishes.
Themes at launch
No theme routes are published yet. The first ones will go up once the catalogue has enough reviewed projects to support them.