Do you want to install a WordPress theme either manually or via the dashboard area or via FTP? This article will help you do just that.
Whether you want to install a WordPress theme, child theme or purchased theme, I will walk you through the necessary steps.
What is a WordPress theme?
A WordPress theme is the front-end design of your blog or website. It is a collection of files that together produce a design for your blog.
The theme you choose will determine how your website looks, it’s colours, design, style, columns, font size, widgets, etc.
When choosing to install a WordPress theme please keep the following in mind.
Choose a simple theme that is user-friendly, fast, responsive, SEO and browser friendly.
When looking to install a WordPress theme, go with themes that have good reviews and are compatible with popular plugins.
WordPress themes from studiopress are an excellent choice and they are free if you host with Wp Engine.
How to install a WordPress theme?
Now depending on where your blog is hosted, you can install a WordPress theme is different ways.
Your blog will either be self-hosted on a different web host and you have WordPress installed or your blog is hosted directly on WordPress.com
Either way, I will show you how it’s done.
How to install a WordPress theme from the dashboard area.
1- Log in to your WordPress admin area.
2- Click on Appearance and then themes.
3- Click on the Add new button.
4- Search for your themes. Use the search button at the top right to search with any keyword. You can also click on the featured, popular, and latest links to get a list of themes. The feature filter will also help in narrowing your results.
5- Point your cursor on the desired theme to preview it.
6- Click the install button if you are satisfied with the theme.
7- Click the activate button to activate your theme.
8- Change your theme settings as desired.
How to install a WordPress theme manually?
If you need to install a WordPress theme manually please follow the below steps.
You can browse and download free WordPress themes from the WordPress theme directory.
If you are looking for better alternatives, please scroll below. If you have the Jetpack plugin installed, you can upgrade and gain access to premium WordPress themes.
Before you install a WordPress theme manually, you will need to download the theme in a Zip format and save it on your computer.
Now, you are ready to install a WordPress theme from zip.
1- From your Wordpress admin area, click on Appearance then themes, then Add new, then Upload theme.
2- Click on the browse button and select the theme you downloaded in a Zip format.
3- Click Install Now to install your theme.
4- Activate the newly uploaded theme from the admin area.
How to install a WordPress theme via FTP?
Firstly you will need to install an FTP client software like FileZilla on your computer. You will also need a software to unzip your Zip file. Win Zip is free and useful for that.
After you have downloaded your theme in a zip format, follow the steps below to install a WordPress theme via FTP.
- 1- Upzip your themes .zip file on your computer to a folder of your choice.
- 2- Open the FTP client and sign in. Ask your web host for your FTP hostname, username, password and port number.
- 3- Go to the /wp-content/themes folder of your WordPress install.
- 4- Transfer the unzipped folder containing your new theme to your themes directory.
- 5- Activate your new theme. Go to Appearance/themes/ from your admin area, then select your new theme and click activate.
- 6- Play around with your new theme settings until you are satisfied with the results.
How to install a WordPress theme on WordPress.com?
If you are hosted with Wordpress.com, follow the steps below. Please note that you will not be able to upload a theme but only search and install themes from Jetpack which comes preinstalled.
You will have access to more than 100 themes to choose from. If you are interested in premium themes then you will have to be a premium or business plan member.
The process to install a theme on Wordpress.com is easy. In your dashboard area, click on themes. Then click the add new button, select your theme and click install. Don’t forget to activate it and configure your theme accordingly.
WordPress.com is one of the best hosting platforms to host your blog. You will have access to the Jetpack plugin, which has hundreds of free themes and two hundred plus premium themes.
If you prefer to host your blog with another web host, Bluehost and WP Engine are both exceptional choices.
What are the best places to buy WordPress themes.
Before you decide to install a WordPress theme manually from zip, or via FTP, please choose the best. If your blog is self-hosted and you are looking for fast, superior, well-coded themes, look no further than StudioPress, Elegant themes, or Thesis themes.
From business to health to news to food to travel, the above sites will have a theme for you.
These themes are built for speed and are search engines and browsers friendly.
They are updated frequently, compatible with the most popular plugins and will set your blog apart from others.
If you are interested in setting up a new blog, we have written an article on how to start a blog the right way.
Thanks for letting me help you install a WordPress theme and be sure to also read my article on how to install a Wordpress plugin.
Wordpress themes always perform best when you have fast, superior web hosting.
If you are not satisfied with your current web hosting company, do give Bluehost or WP Engine a try.
Please keep in mind: WordPress constantly evolves. The process of installing a WordPress theme may change at times.
All the best and blessings,
Mind On Jesus