The Default Magento 2 Frontend

Luma is Adobe's default frontend theme for Magento 2. Built on RequireJS and KnockoutJS, it provides the reference implementation that the entire Magento extension ecosystem is built against. Every Magento 2 module ships with Luma compatibility, making it the safest choice for maximum extension support.

The theme uses a template override system based on a fallback hierarchy, allowing developers to customize specific templates without modifying the core theme files. This pattern supports child themes that inherit from Luma while overriding only the components that need changes.

Architecture and Extension Compatibility

Luma's frontend architecture relies on RequireJS for module loading, KnockoutJS for data binding, and jQuery UI for interactive components. While this stack carries more JavaScript weight than modern alternatives, it provides full backward compatibility with Magento's marketplace extensions and third-party modules.

For teams working with a large number of third-party extensions — particularly checkout modules, payment integrations, and shipping calculators — Luma ensures that every extension's frontend components render correctly without compatibility patches.

When to Choose Luma

Luma is the right choice when extension compatibility is the priority. Stores that depend on multiple marketplace extensions, or agencies that need a predictable base theme across client projects, benefit from Luma's universal support. The extensive marketplace of Luma-compatible child themes also provides a range of design starting points without custom frontend development.

• Default Magento 2 frontend with RequireJS and KnockoutJS
• Full backward compatibility with the extension ecosystem
• Template override system via fallback hierarchy
• Extensive marketplace of compatible child themes
• jQuery UI components for interactive elements