Are you looking for ways to install a theme in WordPress? Well, it is relatively simple and easy. WordPress is a popular content management system that enables individuals to create websites. You can easily find thousands of WordPress themes and according to your needs, choose the best one.
How to Install Theme in WordPress?
Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you install the theme of your choice in WordPress. Let’s get started!
Installing a Theme in WordPress using WordPress Theme Directory
The easiest way of installing a theme in WordPress is with the help of the WordPress Theme Directory. When you have not selected any theme and want to install a free theme, making use of the WordPress theme directory proves to be the best way. The directory contains a long list of official themes that have been verified and checked against the set standards.
So, if you are planning to leverage the theme directory of WordPress, here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Firstly, you will have to log in to the admin dashboard of your WordPress website and then go to the ‘Appearance’ option.
Step 2: Next, navigate to the ‘Themes’ section. Click on the button ‘Add New’ in order to add a new theme to your WordPress website. The next screen will provide you with a list of options to choose from, such as popular themes, featured themes, and the latest themes.
Step 3: If you know the name of the theme that you want to install, simply enter the name in the search box and the theme will appear below. However, if you want to look for particular features, click the button ‘Feature Filter’. Next, search for the theme by layout, subject, and specific features.
Step 4: Once you get the preferred theme, bring the cursor to the image of that particular theme. It will display the ‘Preview button’, ‘Details button’, and ‘Install button’.
Step 5: If you are sure of the WordPress theme, click on the option ‘Install’.
Step 6: The theme will get installed, and a success message will appear on your screen along with buttons like ‘Live Preview’ or ‘Activate’.
Step 7: Select the option ‘Activate’ in order to successfully install and activate the theme for your WordPress website.
Now you are completely done and can take a preview of how your website looks. However, there may be certain additional settings that you use to personalize the theme.
Installing a Theme in WordPress using Upload Method
If you are planning to install custom themes or premium themes in WordPress that are offered by third-party websites like Elegant Themes, StudioPress, and more, you would need to use the upload method.
Let’s take a look at the steps that you need to follow for using this method to install a theme in WordPress.
Step 1: Firstly, download the .zip file of the WordPress theme that you have purchased from the theme store or marketplace.
Step 2: Next, open the WordPress Admin page and go to the option ‘Appearance’.
Step 3: Open the Theme page and select the button ‘Add New’.
Step 4: The page to add new themes will show you a number of free featured themes. However, as you have the WordPress theme downloaded on your system that you are willing to install, select the button ‘Upload Theme’ at the top.
Step 5: Choose the downloaded zip file and click on the option ‘Install Now’.
Step 6: Once the WordPress theme gets installed successfully, you will receive a success message on your screen along with an activation and preview link.
Step 7: Select the ‘Activate’ link in order to successfully install as well as activate the theme.
An important point to note here is that the upload functionality is available only to the users who are using WordPress software offered by WordPress.org. In case you are using WordPress.com, you won’t be able to find the upload option because it doesn’t allow you to upload themes.
Installing a Theme in WordPress using FTP
When you already have a WordPress theme on your local device and want to install it, you can do it with the use of File Transfer Protocol (FTP). However, with this approach, there exists a risk of file modification or deletion. So, it is advisable to use this approach only when you are an advanced user.
In order to use this method, you need to have an FTP hostname, an FTP client, username, and password. Here are steps that you can follow to install the theme in WordPress using the Filezilla FTP client:
Step 1: Launch the FTP client Filezilla, enter the essential login credentials, and click on the option ‘Quickconnect’.
Step 2: You will be directed to a window that has the Remote site as well as the root directory.
Step 3: In the window of the Local Site, choose the folder that has the saved theme. Right-click to find more options and click on ‘Upload’.
Step 4: The theme will get successfully uploaded to WordPress. Next, log in to the WordPress admin dashboard, go to ‘Appearance’, and then ‘Themes’. Move the cursor to the new theme that you have uploaded and click on the ‘Activate’ button.
Step 5: Check if the new theme has been applied successfully.
Winding Up
When you are using WordPress, it is a must to know the different ways to install a theme. Installing themes in WordPress is not difficult, especially if you know the right steps to do so. While there are several ways to install a theme in WordPress, you can go with the one that seems perfect for your situation.