A question that I see quite often is how to install a WordPress theme.
WordPress themes, particularly Premium Themes, are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Themes like Thesis are more than just themes – they’re platforms that enable you to maximise the power of WordPress.
If you’re a serious blogger, but not a PHP wiz, you should really check out Premium themes as a way of achieving a unique look and unlocking the power of WordPress
So here’s how to install a theme:
Finding a good theme:
There are thousands of great WordPress themes out there and one of the best ways to find what you’re looking for is to simply do a search on Google or Yahoo.
You can be quite specific with the search term you use. For example, you could do a search for ‘free wordpress music themes’, ‘wordpress magazine style themes’ or ‘wordpress business themes’ and you’ll be presented with pages and pages of results.
Searching on Google is a lot more effective than searching on the WordPress site, because the search function on the WordPress site is completely useless!
Installing your theme:
OK, so once you’ve found a good theme you’ll need to download it to your PC.
Before you do that, though, it may be helpful to make sure your folders are organised effectively.
How you do so is entirely up to you, but I arrange mine so that the folders on my server and the folders on my PC are absolutely in sync.
I find this makes it easier to make sure I upload the right files to the right places!
So, assuming you’ve got your folders well organised, download your new theme. It will be in a zip file.
Step 1: Unzip the files into the wp-content/themes folder on your PC. The result will be a folder with the same name as the zip file (usually!), which contains the theme files.
Step 2: Upload the new theme folder to the wp-content/themes folder on your server
Step 3: Access your Wordpress Admin Area, go to the Appearance>Themes screen and click on the image of the theme you’ve just uploaded.
Step 3: After clicking the theme you just uploaded you’ll see a preview screen, with ‘Activate THEME NAME on the right (1 below) and an ‘X’ on the left ( 2 below).
If you don’t like the theme click the ‘X’, otherwise click the ‘Activate THEME NAME’ link.
Step 4: Check your site to see that the new theme looks OK. Note: if your new theme has a different number of sidebars (either more or less) from your old one you’ll need to re-organise any widgets you’ve used.
That’s it – you’re done!
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you, for enlightening me about word press. It’s really a great help.
You’re welcome – delighted to have been able to help!
Cheers,
Martin.
I am considering wordpress template when I change my blog platform. It is really important to know and learn things first before doing it. I am glad I read interesting posts like this.
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