wordpress install theme without business plan

Install Themes or Plugins Without a Business Plan (A Complete Guide)

• July 3, 2020
• 8 minute read

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What you would need , how to export content from wordpress.com, how to host a wordpress.org website , how to install wordpress on siteground, how to import data from wordpress.com to wordpress.org, redirect existing visitors to your new website , other interesting articles.

First of all, it is impossible to upload a theme or install a plugin on WordPress.com without upgrading to the $299 per year WordPress.com business plan. The only way to install themes and plugins without a business plan is to migrate your existing website from WordPress.com to the self-hosted WordPress.org platform.

The process of migrating your website from one WordPress platform to another may sound intimidating, but as you’ll see in this step-by-step guide it is actually quite easy and much cheaper than upgrading to the WordPress.com business plan.

At the end of this guide, you will be able to install any theme or plugin that you like, and since this is a full website migration you won’t lose any of the data from your existing WordPress.com website.

• Your website data from WordPress.com 
• A custom domain name if you don’t have one already
• A Hosting plan

Start by heading over to WordPress.com and log into your admin dashboard. 

Navigate to the “My Site” tab and locate the menu item “WP Admin” which is located in the menu on the left.

This would bring you to your WordPress dashboard.

From here in the menu to the left hover over the menu item “Tools” and then click on “export” from the slide-out menu that appears. 

On the following screen, click on “export all”

When the export is completed a banner will appear with a download link to your exported content, click on “Download”. WordPress.com will also send a download link to your email address.

This will download a compressed .zip file that contains a custom XML file that contains all of your website data from WordPress.com. 

Congratulation you’ve just exported and downloaded your website data. Now its time to get a hosting plan and a unique domain name. 

WordPress.com provides an all-in-one solution where they provide hosting and a domain name so all you have to worry about is creating the content for your website. 

WordPress.org is a bit different, it is a self-hosted platform which means you’ll need to host your own website. To host your website you will need to purchase a hosting plan from a reputable web hosting provider.

My website (the one you are currently reading this article on) uses Siteground’s managed WordPress hosting , and I couldn’t be happier with their service.

The best part? Their plans start at just $ 2.99 per month , which is incredibly affordable.

I continue to use and recommend SiteGround because of their commitment to speed, security, and customer support.

My website loads quickly, and I feel confident knowing that SiteGround’s top-notch security features are keeping my site safe from threats. Plus, whenever I have an issue, their team of experts is always available to help me out.

I highly recommend SiteGround to anyone transitioning from WordPress.com to a self-hosted WordPress website.

When you’re ready to purchase your hosting plan, follow this link to the SiteGround managed WordPress hosting page . Here you’ll be greeted with a welcome screen with a choice of three hosting plans. 

I recommend that you select the Startup plan even though we are migrating your existing website. The reason being you can always upgrade your plan as your site grows.

Unless of course, your existing website receives a large number of visitors each month. If that’s the case then you should select the GoGeek or GrowBig plan .

After you’ve selected your plan its time to register a unique domain name. Select “register a new domain” and enter a domain name of your choice in the field below. This could be the name of your business or the domain you were using on WordPress.com without the WordPress.com extension.

If you already register a domain name on WordPress.com select “I already have a domain” and enter your domain in the field below. 

How can you tell if your WordPress.com website has a registered domain? Well, it won’t have wordpress.com in the URL.

A free domain from WordPress.com would look like:

• www.yourdomainname.wordpress.com

A unique domain name would look like:

• www.yourdomianname.com

Next, you’ll need to enter your :

• Account information

• Client information

• And payment information. 

Under the “purchase information” section set your hosting duration to 12-month to get the best deal.

Then select domain privacy if you are not comfortable with your personal information such as your name and address being available on Whois services.

Next agree to the terms and conditions then click on “pay now”. 

SiteGround will then process your order. When it’s done click on “proceed to customer area”.

From the customer area, you’ll see a banner with a button that says “set up site” click on it to begin installing WordPress.

On the next screen click on “start new website”

Then select “WordPress” under choose application section.

Next, you will need to create a username and a password that you will use to log into the admin area of your new website.

Siteground will then prompt you again to purchase a few extra add-ons. SG scanner isn’t necessary at this moment however I would recommend you pick up domain privacy unless it does not fit within your budget.

You’ll then be given the choice to view your new WordPress website or go to site tools. Select “Site Tools”.

Within your site tools dashboard click on the Install & Manage option in the menu to the left.

From the Install & Manage WordPress page, click on the “log in to admin button” under the actions heading

SiteGround will then launch the WordPress starter setup wizard, click on “start now”.

Next, select a theme that you like then click on “continue”.

Then select any of the following plugins from the recommended section. Don’t worry about your selections at this point you will be able to install any of these plugins later.

Do the same for the marketing plugins.

SiteGround will then proceed to install WordPress, your theme, and the plugins that you selected.

When its finished installing click on “Go to dashboard”

This is what your new WordPress dashboard will look like with the SiteGround starter plugin installed.

If you prefer the look of the normal WordPress dashboard you can uninstall the SiteGround starter plugin.

In the menu to the left hover over plugins and click on “Installed plugins”.

Next, find the WordPress Started plugin, click on “deactivate”, then click on “Delete”.

Okay great now that you have WordPress installed on your new site it’s time to upload the data you exported from your WordPress.com website.

Remember that compressed zip file we got from your WordPress.com website? Here is where we’re going to use it. 

First, locate the .zip file on your computer. It should have been downloaded to your “downloads folder”. When you’ve found it you will need to extract it. To do this right-click on the file and click on “extract all”.

Then click on “extract”. This will open a new folder with the extracted file close to it for now but remember its location.

Now head back to your new WordPress dashboard hover over tools and click on “import”

On the import screen, you will see a list of platforms that you can import data from. Since we are migrating a WordPress.com website click on “install now” under the WordPress option. 

When the install is completed you then need to click on “run importer”. 

Next, click on “choose file”.

Then select the XML file we exported from WordPress.com, located within the newly extracted folder.

Finally click on “upload file and import”.  

Siteground’s managed WordPress hosting plans offer a generous upload limit of 128mb unlike other web hosting services so you shouldn’t have an issue uploading your website data.

On the following screen, you will see a few author settings for your posts. Here you will be able to create a new user to be the author or select one from the drop-down menu.

Since we are importing data from your existing website we can leave the default author which would be the same author from your WordPress.com website.

Next, select “download and import file attachments” and then click on the submit button

Great now that your new website is live and all of your content has been transferred over from WordPress.com, it is time to set up a redirect from your old WordPress.com website to your new one. 

There are two ways in which you can do this. You can either create a new post informing your current readers on WordPress.com that you have moved your site to a new domain and that you would no longer be publishing new posts on your old site. Please note that this post should contain links to your new website so that your readers can find your new website. 

The other method is to use WordPress.com’s paid redirect service which costs $13 per year.

A redirect will allow your current users to seamlessly be transferred to your new website whenever they try to access your old one. This option will maintain your current audience and search engine rankings.

To use WordPress.com’s paid redirect service you’ll need to go to your dashboard then click on “manage” and in the drop-down menu click on “settings”. 

On the setting page under the site address heading click on “redirect”.

You will then be asked to enter the domain that you would like to redirect to. Here you will enter the domain of your new website. 

Next click on “go”, all you need to do from here is enter your payment information and complete your purchase. 

Remember this service will renew every year at the price of $13. It’s your choice to use this service for however long you need. The recommended period to keep redirects from an old website is two years. But this timeline is for an established website. If you don’t have that many visitors then one year will be fine.  

Set Your WordPress.com Website To Private

If it’s a case where your old website hasn’t yet been picked up before transferring it to WordPress.org then you can set it to private. 

This would prevent the issue of having two websites on the internet with the same exact content. 

To do this head over to your WordPress.com dashboard hover over settings then click on “reading”.

Next under the “user site visibility” section select “I would like my site to be private, visible only to myself and users I choose”.

Remember is always better to redirect your visitor than to leave them wondering why your website is no longer available.

Final Checks

Congrats you have successfully migrated your WordPress.com website to the self-hosted WordPress.org platform.

You will see that you can now go ahead and install a free theme from the WordPress theme directory or you can upload a theme that you purchased or downloaded from a third-party provider . You’ll even notice that you can also install plugins without any restrictions .

While this is all great we still need to check over the migration to make sure everything is there.

First, let’s check to see if all your images came over. This is a common error that some people encounter when migrating a website to a new location.

If you’ve noticed that any of your images are missing you will need to use the Auto Upload Images plugin to fix this issue . 

Finally, you’ll need to check the links in your blog posts. If you added links within your post to other posts on your website there is a good chance that they kept the same URL from WordPress.com. You will need to go through each post and change these links.

Hope your website migration was successful and best of luck on your new website.

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How to Install Plugins in WordPress Without a Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

More Wordpress Editors

Updated on: June 18, 2023

Installing plugins in WordPress is an essential task that can help you add extra functionality to your website. However, if you’re using WordPress without a business plan, you may find it challenging to install plugins. Fortunately, there are several ways to install plugins in WordPress without having a business plan.

One way to install plugins in WordPress without a business plan is by using the built-in plugin installer. To access this feature, go to your WordPress dashboard and select the “Plugins” link from the left-hand sidebar. From there, you can search for the plugin you want to install and click the “Install Now” button. This method is straightforward and convenient, making it an ideal option for beginners.

Another way to install plugins in WordPress without a business plan is by manually uploading the plugin to your WordPress site. This method involves downloading the plugin from a trusted source and uploading it to your WordPress site using an FTP client. While this method may seem more complicated, it allows you to install plugins that are not available in the WordPress plugin repository.

Understanding WordPress Plans

WordPress is a popular content management system that offers different plans to cater to the needs of its users. The plans include free, personal, premium, and business. Each plan has its unique features and limitations.

If you are using the free plan, you can only use the basic features of WordPress. You cannot install plugins or themes, and you have limited storage space. On the other hand, the personal plan allows you to install custom plugins and themes, but you are still limited in terms of storage space and bandwidth.

The premium plan offers more advanced features, including more storage space, advanced customization options, and access to premium themes and plugins. However, you still cannot install custom plugins or themes.

The business plan is the most advanced plan offered by WordPress. It offers all the features of the premium plan, but you can install custom plugins and themes. You also get access to priority support and the ability to monetize your website.

It is important to note that WordPress.com and WordPress.org are two different platforms. WordPress.com is a fully hosted platform, while WordPress.org is a self-hosted platform. If you are using WordPress.com, you will need to upgrade to the business plan to install custom plugins and themes. However, if you are using WordPress.org, you can install custom plugins and themes without any restrictions.

If you are using managed WordPress hosting, you may have additional limitations depending on your hosting plan. Some hosting providers may restrict certain plugins or themes due to security concerns. It is important to check with your hosting provider to ensure that you can install the plugins and themes you need.

In summary, understanding the different WordPress plans is crucial in determining the features and limitations of your website. If you want to install custom plugins and themes without any restrictions, you will need to use the self-hosted WordPress.org platform or upgrade to the business plan on WordPress.com.

Why You Might Need Plugins

Plugins are essential for any website built on WordPress, regardless of whether you have a business plan or not. These tools can help you to customize your website, improve its functionality, and enhance the user experience.

One of the primary reasons you might need plugins is to improve the speed of your website. A slow website can have a significant impact on user experience and can lead to lower search engine rankings. By installing plugins such as WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache, you can optimize your website’s performance and ensure that it loads quickly.

Plugins can also help you to customize your website. If you have a specific idea or design in mind, you can use plugins to add new features and functionality to your website. For example, you can use plugins to add social media buttons, create contact forms, or add a search bar to your website.

Content management is another area where plugins can be useful. Plugins such as Yoast SEO or All in One SEO Pack can help you to optimize your content for search engines, while plugins like Jetpack can help you to manage your website’s security and backups.

In conclusion, plugins are an essential part of any WordPress website, and they can help you to improve your website’s speed, customize its functionality, and manage your content. Whether you have a business plan or not, there are plenty of free and paid plugins available that can help you to take your website to the next level.

Exploring Free and Paid Plugins

Installing plugins in WordPress is an essential part of customizing your website’s functionality. There are plenty of free and paid plugins available that can help you achieve your desired results without having to upgrade to a business plan.

Free Plugins

WordPress.org has a vast repository of free plugins that you can browse and download. These plugins are developed and maintained by the WordPress community, and they cover a wide range of functionality, from SEO optimization to social media integration.

One of the benefits of using free plugins is that they are well-tested and reliable. They are also easy to install and update, and you can find plenty of documentation and support online.

Paid Plugins

If you need more advanced functionality, you can consider purchasing a premium plugin. Paid plugins usually offer more features and customization options than their free counterparts. They are also typically better supported and come with dedicated customer support.

Codecanyon is a popular marketplace for premium WordPress plugins. You can find a wide range of plugins there, from e-commerce solutions to membership plugins. However, it’s important to do your research before purchasing a plugin to ensure that it’s reliable and well-supported.

Choosing the Right Plugin

When choosing a plugin, it’s important to consider your specific needs and requirements. Here are some factors to consider:

Compatibility: Make sure that the plugin is compatible with your version of WordPress and other plugins that you are using.

Ratings and Reviews: Check the ratings and reviews of the plugin to see what other users are saying about it.

Support and Documentation: Make sure that the plugin comes with adequate documentation and support.

Features: Consider the features that the plugin offers and whether they meet your needs.

In conclusion, there are plenty of free and paid plugins available that can help you customize your WordPress website’s functionality. By considering your specific needs and requirements, you can choose the right plugin for your website.

Finding Plugins on WordPress

WordPress offers a vast selection of plugins to choose from, making it easy to find plugins that suit your website’s needs. The WordPress dashboard is the central hub for managing your website, including installing and managing plugins.

To find plugins, navigate to the WordPress dashboard and click on the “Plugins” tab on the left-hand side of the screen. Here, you can browse through the featured plugins, popular plugins, and recommended plugins. You can also search for plugins by entering keywords in the search bar.

The WordPress plugin directory is another excellent resource for finding plugins. It is a repository of thousands of free plugins that you can browse by category, popularity, or rating. You can also use the search bar to find plugins by entering keywords.

Another option is to use a plugin repository like WP Super Cache or Add to WP. These repositories automatically install any new updates for you, and they are both free to use. Additionally, you can use plugin search engines like pluginindex.org or wpmudev.org to find plugins specific to your needs.

It is essential to note that not all plugins are created equal. Before installing a plugin, it is crucial to read reviews, check the plugin’s compatibility with your version of WordPress, and verify that the plugin is actively maintained and updated.

In conclusion, finding plugins in WordPress is a straightforward process that can be done through the WordPress dashboard, the WordPress plugin directory, or plugin repositories. It is essential to take the time to research and verify the quality and compatibility of plugins before installing them on your website.

How to Install Plugins in WordPress

Installing plugins in WordPress is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. However, if you’re using the free version of WordPress, you may not have access to all the features of the platform. This means that you may not be able to install certain plugins without upgrading to a premium plan.

To install a plugin in WordPress, you can either search for it in the WordPress plugin repository or upload it manually. To search for a plugin, go to the ‘Plugins’ tab in your WordPress dashboard and click ‘Add New’. From there, you can search for the plugin you want and click ‘Install Now’ to install it.

If you have a plugin that you’ve downloaded from a third-party website, you can upload it manually by going to the ‘Plugins’ tab in your dashboard and clicking ‘Add New’. From there, click ‘Upload Plugin’ and select the file you want to upload. Once the upload is complete, click ‘Activate’ to activate the plugin.

It’s important to note that not all plugins are compatible with all versions of WordPress. Before you install a plugin, make sure that it’s compatible with your version of WordPress and that you have the necessary permissions to install it.

In summary, installing plugins in WordPress is a straightforward process that can be done in a few easy steps. Whether you’re searching for a plugin in the WordPress repository or uploading it manually, make sure that it’s compatible with your version of WordPress and that you have the necessary permissions to install it.

Activating and Managing Plugins

After installing a plugin, you will need to activate it. To activate a plugin, navigate to the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard, find the plugin you want to activate, and click the Activate button. Once activated, you can manage the plugin’s settings by clicking on the Settings link that appears under the plugin’s name.

Managing plugins is a crucial part of maintaining your WordPress site. It is recommended that you keep your plugins updated to ensure that they are compatible with the latest version of WordPress and to avoid security vulnerabilities. To manage your plugins, go to the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard. From there, you can activate, deactivate, update, and delete plugins.

In addition to managing plugins, you can also search for new plugins to install. To do this, go to the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard and click on the Add New button. From there, you can search for plugins by keyword, author, or tag. Once you find a plugin you want to install, click the Install Now button.

It is important to note that not all plugins are created equal. Some plugins may slow down your site or cause conflicts with other plugins. It is recommended that you research plugins before installing them and only install plugins from reputable sources.

In summary, activating and managing plugins is an essential part of maintaining your WordPress site. Keep your plugins updated, manage them regularly, and only install plugins from reputable sources to ensure the best performance and security for your site.

Using Third-Party Plugins

If you’re looking to install plugins in WordPress without a business plan, you can use third-party plugins. These plugins are available outside of the WordPress repository and can be installed manually. However, it’s important to be cautious when using third-party plugins, as they may not be as secure or reliable as those available in the WordPress repository.

One popular third-party plugin for WordPress is SiteGround Starter Plugin. This plugin includes a variety of features to help you get started with your WordPress site, including a one-click installer for WordPress, a free SSL certificate, and more. SiteGround also offers hosting services that are compatible with WordPress, making it a great option if you’re looking for a reliable hosting provider.

When using third-party plugins, it’s important to ensure that you’re downloading them from a reputable source. Look for plugins that have been reviewed and tested by other users, and check the plugin’s ratings and reviews before installing it on your site.

Another important consideration when using third-party plugins is your domain name. Make sure that you have a unique domain name that is easy to remember and relevant to your site’s content. This will help users find your site and improve your search engine rankings.

Overall, using third-party plugins can be a great way to enhance your WordPress site without a business plan. Just be sure to do your research and choose reputable plugins that are compatible with your site.

Overcoming Upload Limitations

One of the limitations of not having a WordPress business plan is the upload limit. WordPress.com users are restricted to a maximum upload limit of 3GB, which can be a problem for those who want to install multiple plugins. However, there are a few ways to overcome this limitation.

One option is to use a redirect service such as Dropbox or Google Drive to host your plugins. This way, you can upload your plugins to your Dropbox or Google Drive account and then link to them from your WordPress site. This method can help you save space on your WordPress site and avoid hitting the upload limit.

Another option is to upgrade your web hosting provider. Many web hosting providers offer plans with higher upload limits or even unlimited storage. Upgrading your hosting plan can help you overcome the upload limit and give you more flexibility in terms of the number of plugins you can install.

Lastly, you can consider switching to a self-hosted WordPress.org platform. With a self-hosted WordPress site, you have complete control over your site and can install as many plugins as you want without any upload limitations. However, self-hosting requires more technical knowledge and can be more expensive than using WordPress.com.

In summary, while not having a WordPress business plan can limit your upload capabilities, there are ways to overcome this limitation. Using a redirect service, upgrading your web hosting provider, or switching to a self-hosted WordPress.org platform can all help you install plugins without any upload limitations.

Using FTP for Plugin Installation

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a method of transferring files between a local computer and a remote server. It can be used to install WordPress plugins without the need for a business plan.

To use FTP for plugin installation, you will need an FTP client. Some popular FTP clients include FileZilla, Cyberduck, and WinSCP. Once you have an FTP client installed, follow these steps:

Connect to your website via FTP by entering your website’s FTP credentials in the FTP client. You can get these credentials from your hosting provider or your website’s administrator.

Navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory on your website.

Download the plugin zip file to your local computer.

Extract the plugin files from the zip file.

Upload the extracted plugin folder to the wp-content/plugins directory on your website via FTP.

Once the plugin is uploaded, log in to your WordPress dashboard and go to the Plugins section.

Find the plugin you just uploaded and click the Activate button to activate the plugin.

Using FTP for plugin installation is a great option if you are having trouble installing plugins through the WordPress dashboard. It can also be useful if you need to install a large number of plugins at once, as you can upload multiple plugins at the same time via FTP.

However, it’s important to note that using FTP for plugin installation can be more complicated than using the WordPress dashboard. If you are not familiar with FTP or are uncomfortable using it, it may be best to stick with the WordPress dashboard for plugin installation.

Advanced Plugin Installation Methods

For those who are comfortable with more advanced methods of plugin installation, there are a few options available. These methods require a bit more technical knowledge, but can be useful in certain situations.

WP-CLI is a command-line interface for WordPress that allows you to perform various tasks from the command line. One of the tasks that you can perform with WP-CLI is installing plugins.

To install a plugin with WP-CLI, you’ll need to have SSH access to your server. Once you’re logged into your server via SSH, you can navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation and run the following command:

Replace “plugin-name” with the name of the plugin that you want to install. WP-CLI will automatically download and install the plugin for you.

If you don’t have access to WP-CLI, another option is to install plugins via SFTP. SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol, and it allows you to transfer files between your computer and your server securely.

To install a plugin via SFTP, you’ll need to download the plugin files from the WordPress plugin repository. Once you’ve downloaded the files, you can use an SFTP client to transfer the files to your server.

To do this, connect to your server via SFTP and navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory in your WordPress installation. Upload the plugin files to this directory, and then activate the plugin from the WordPress dashboard.

While the methods outlined in this section require a bit more technical knowledge, they can be useful in certain situations. WP-CLI is a powerful tool that can save you time and effort when installing plugins, while SFTP allows you to install plugins when you don’t have access to WP-CLI.

Security Concerns with Plugins

Plugins are a great way to add functionality to your WordPress site, but they can also pose a security risk. It is important to be mindful of these risks when installing and using plugins.

One of the biggest security concerns with plugins is that they can introduce vulnerabilities to your site. This can happen if the plugin is poorly coded or if it has not been updated in a while. Hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access to your site or to inject malicious code.

Another risk is that plugins can conflict with each other or with your WordPress theme. This can cause your site to crash or to display incorrectly. It is important to test plugins thoroughly before installing them on your live site to avoid these issues.

To minimize these risks, it is important to only install plugins from trusted sources. The WordPress repository is a good place to start, as all plugins are reviewed for security before being added to the repository. You can also check reviews and ratings from other users to get an idea of the quality of the plugin.

Additionally, it is important to keep your plugins updated. Developers release updates to fix security vulnerabilities and to improve performance. By keeping your plugins up-to-date, you can ensure that any security issues are addressed promptly.

Finally, it is a good idea to limit the number of plugins you use. The more plugins you have installed, the greater the risk of conflicts and vulnerabilities. Only install plugins that you really need and remove any that you are no longer using.

By being mindful of these security concerns and taking steps to minimize the risks, you can safely use plugins to add functionality to your WordPress site.

Getting Support for Plugin Issues

If you encounter any issues with a plugin, getting support can be essential in resolving the problem. Here are some tips to help you get the support you need:

1. Check the Plugin Documentation

Before reaching out to support, check the plugin documentation. Many plugins have extensive documentation that can help you troubleshoot common issues. The documentation may also include step-by-step guides on how to use the plugin’s features.

2. Contact Customer Support

If you can’t find a solution in the documentation, contact customer support. Most plugin developers offer customer support through email, chat, or a ticket system. Make sure you have your username and password to access your WordPress site ready before contacting support.

3. Be Clear and Specific

When contacting support, be clear and specific about the issue you’re experiencing. Include any error messages you’re seeing and steps you’ve taken to try to resolve the issue. The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for support to help you.

4. Trust the Experts

When contacting support, trust the experts. They have extensive knowledge of the plugin and can help you resolve the issue quickly. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and follow their instructions carefully.

By following these tips, you can get the support you need to resolve any issues you encounter with your WordPress plugins. Remember to check the documentation first, contact customer support if needed, be clear and specific about the issue, and trust the experts.

In conclusion, installing plugins in WordPress without a business plan is possible, but it comes with some risks. You can use the built-in plugin installer to add plugins to your WordPress site. However, some plugins may not be available for free, so you may need to purchase them or find a suitable alternative.

It is important to carefully review the plugin’s terms of service before installing it. Some plugins may have restrictions on how they can be used, and violating these terms can result in your site being suspended or even permanently banned.

Additionally, keep in mind that installing too many plugins can slow down your site’s performance. Only install plugins that you really need, and make sure to regularly remove any plugins that are no longer necessary.

If you are unsure about how to install plugins without a business plan, consider consulting with a WordPress expert or reaching out to the WordPress community for assistance. With the right knowledge and tools, you can safely and effectively add plugins to your WordPress site without a business plan.

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How to Install WP Themes Manually [+ 2 Other Methods]

Updated: May 10, 2022

Published: February 18, 2020

Whether you're creating a new website or redesigning an existing one, WordPress themes make it quick and easy to add character to your site.

WordPress themes are templates and stylesheets created by web designers and developers that are available to download directly to your site. They cut out the difficult parts of website design, like coding, so you can focus on creating and publishing engaging content.

Both WordPress and third-party sources offer a myriad of free and premium themes for you to download. The only work you'll need to do is install and customize it.

Here's a complete guide to installing a WordPress theme on your website.

How To Install A WordPress Theme

There are a few different ways to install a WordPress Theme on your website: through the theme directory, using the upload method, or with file transfer protocol (FTP). The theme directory and upload methods are simpler, but installing via FTP is best for larger themes, custom themes, or when the WordPress dashboard is not accessible.

How to Launch a WordPress Website

Learn how to launch a website on WordPress with this step-by-step guide and checklist. Learn how to...

• Set up your domain name.
• Install an SSL certificate.
• Analyze your content.
• Back up your site.

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Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Installing a WordPress Theme Through the Theme Directory

Installing a WordPress theme can improve the look and performance of your website. The theme directory on WordPress allows you to search for and install a free theme for WordPress.

1. Log in to your WordPress account.

To begin, log in to your WordPress account.

2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes.

On the menu on the left side of the dashboard, hover your mouse over Appearance , and select Themes within that option box.

3. On the Themes page, select "Add New" or search by theme type or price.

On this page, you can search for themes by their style or price. Use the search bar or scroll through the options provided on the home page.

If you would like to upload a new theme, you can do so by selecting the install or upload button. This will take you to the following screen where you can upload your theme file. 

4. Choose a theme.

If you aren't uploading a new theme, you can select from featured themes, popular themes, or latest themes in the theme marketplace. You can even search for themes with specific features, such as themes with sticky posts or full-width templates; layouts, such as grid layouts or two-column layouts; and subject, such as blogs, eCommerce, or photography.

5. Click Download to begin the installation process.

When you've chosen a theme, hover over the preview image of the theme. You'll have the option to click More Info to learn about the theme's features and preview the theme, or you can click Activate This Design  to begin the installation process.

6. Click Activate once complete.

The theme will take a few minutes to install. After installing, you'll receive a message that the installation was successful. But the theme isn't live on your website just yet! Be sure to select Activate for the theme to appear on your site.

Installing a WordPress Theme Using the Upload Method

If you have found a premium or custom theme from a third-party, you can easily upload it using the WordPress dashboard with just a few steps:

1. Ensure you have the .zip file for the theme you want.

First, download the .zip file you bought in the theme marketplace or commercial provider.

Then, log in to your WordPress account and go to Appearance in the menu on the left of the dashboard and select Themes .

3. On the themes page, select Add New at the top of the page.

4. After clicking on the Add New button, select the Upload Theme button.

5. Upload and install the file.

After selecting Upload Theme , click Choose File . Select the theme .zip folder you've downloaded, then click Install Now .

After clicking Install, a message will appear that the theme installation was successful. Click Activate to make the theme live on your website.

Installing a WordPress Theme With File-Transfer Protocol (FTP)

If you have chosen a complex, robust theme with large files, it might be too big to upload manually. In this case, you'll need to use FTP to upload the theme. There are six steps to installing your WordPress theme using FTP.

1. Download FTP Client to your computer.

To begin this process, you will need to download an FTP Client to your computer. This is a software tool that allows you to access and add or delete files on your website server.

2. Create an FTP account through your hosting provider.

Next, you'll need to gain access to your hosting provider account through the FTP Client. Usually, you will have to set up your own FTP user account within your hosting dashboard, however, it is a different process for every hosting provider. Typically, the hosting provider gives you a username and password when you make a new account, which you'll need when creating your FTP Client account.

3. Download your theme and unzip the file.

If you don't already have your theme file downloaded to your computer, download it now. Certain companies provide more in the download folder than you need to upload your theme, so be sure to just download the .zip file. Once you've downloaded your files, you'll need to unzip and compress your file. You can do this by simply right-clicking the .zip file, then selecting Extract .

4. Upload the theme folder to WordPress to install.

Within the FTP Client, find the root of your WordPress install. Next, go into the wp-content folder, and select Themes . Upload the entire folder you unzipped here.

Image Source

5. Activate the theme from your WordPress dashboard.

After you've uploaded the theme folder using the FTP Client, navigate back to the WordPress themes section on your dashboard. You should see your new theme as an option under your downloaded themes. Select the new theme and click Activate to make the theme live on your website.

6. Add plugins to your WordPress site.

After you’ve activated your theme, be sure to add some plugins to add even more functionality to your site. There are thousands of available plugins that can help you with everything from improving SEO to capturing the contact information of visitors to a page.

A great plugin to get started with is the free HubSpot WordPress plugin . It allows you to manage contacts, follow leads, add forms and chat, track conversions, build newsletters, and more.

Create an Attractive Website With a New WordPress Theme

A cohesive and on-brand theme determines whether visitors will stay long enough to engage with your content or make a purchase. Whether you've found a free theme in the WordPress directory or uploaded a premium or custom theme manually, these steps will setup your website to attract and convert prospects.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in February 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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How to Install WordPress Themes: 3 Easy Methods

Last updated on October 28, 2024 by Pavel Ciorici

Learning how to install a WordPress theme is a fundamental skill for anyone looking to create or manage a WordPress website.

We’ll walk you through three main methods: installing through the WordPress theme directory, uploading from a .zip file, and using FTP for manual installation. By mastering these techniques, you’ll have the knowledge to choose the best method for your needs and customize your site with ease.

Table of Contents

How to Install a WordPress Theme Through the Theme Directory

How to upload a theme to wordpress, how to install a theme on wordpress manually using ftp.

Each method comes with its own pros and cons. Let’s explore these methods in detail to help you find the best fit for your needs.

Installing a WordPress theme directly from the theme directory is often the simplest and most accessible option, especially for beginners. This method provides a user-friendly experience with a wide selection of free themes that meet WordPress’s quality and security standards.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

• Navigate to your WordPress site and log in to your WordPress Dashboard using your credentials
• In the left-hand menu, navigate to Appearance > Themes . On the Themes page you can see the current theme and available options.

• Once you find a theme you like, hover over it and click the Install button. WordPress will download and install the theme for you. This process may take a few moments.

• Visit your site to ensure the theme looks and functions as expected. Browse through different pages and posts to see how the new theme displays your content.

Benefits of Using the WordPress Theme Directory

• User-Friendly : The installation process is straightforward and suitable for users of all levels.
• Quality Assurance : Themes in the directory meet WordPress’s quality and security standards, ensuring they are safe to use.
• Free Options : Many themes are free, with premium upgrade options available for more features and customization.
• Support and Community : Popular themes often have strong community support, including forums and documentation, to help you troubleshoot and customize.

Upgrade Your Website with a Premium WordPress Theme

Find a theme that you love and get a 20% discount at checkout with the FLASH20 code

If the free themes available in the WordPress theme directory don’t meet your needs in terms of design or functionality, you might want to consider uploading a premium or custom theme. This method is ideal for users who have purchased a premium theme from a third-party site like WPZOOM or have a custom theme developed specifically for their website.

Here’s how to do it:

• When you purchase a premium theme, you will receive a zip archive containing all the theme files. Download this zip file to your computer.
• Navigate to your WordPress site and log in to your WordPress Dashboard using your credentials.
• Navigate to Appearance > Themes .
• At the top of the Themes page, click the Add New button.
• Instead of browsing the theme directory, click the Upload Theme button at the top of the page. This will open a new section where you can upload your theme.
• Click the Choose File button and navigate to the location on your computer where the theme zip file is saved. Select the file and click Open .

• After the theme is installed, you will see a success message along with the option to activate the theme. Click Activate to apply the theme to your site.
• After activation, you can start customizing your theme. Go to Appearance > Customize to access the WordPress Customizer , where you can make changes to the design and layout of your site.

Benefits of Installing a Theme from a Zip File

• Flexibility : You can use any theme, including those purchased from third-party developers or custom-built for your site.
• Unique Designs : Premium and custom themes often offer more unique and advanced designs compared to free themes.
• Enhanced Features : Premium themes usually come with additional features and customization options, providing greater control over your site’s appearance and functionality.
• Dedicated Support : Most premium themes include support from the theme developer, helping you resolve any issues that may arise.

For users with more technical knowledge or those dealing with larger theme files, installing a WordPress theme manually via FTP is a reliable option. This method requires using an FTP client to transfer files directly to your web server, providing greater control over the installation process.

• You will need an FTP client, such as FileZilla . Download and install the FTP client if you haven’t already.

• Open your FTP client and connect to your web server using the FTP credentials provided by your hosting provider. These credentials typically include the hostname, username, password, and port number.
• In the FTP client, navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation. This directory is often named public_html , www , or after your website’s name. Within the root directory, go to /wp-content/themes/ . This is where all your current themes are stored.

• Once the upload is complete, log in to your WordPress Dashboard. Navigate to Appearance > Themes . You should see the newly uploaded theme listed among your available themes. Hover over the new theme and click Activate to apply it to your site.

Benefits of Installing a WordPress Theme Manually Using FTP

• Greater Control : Manual theme installation via FTP gives you complete control over the theme files and their placement on your server.
• No File Size Limits : This method bypasses any file size limits imposed by the WordPress Dashboard upload feature.
• Useful for Large Themes : Larger themes or those with complex structures can be more reliably installed via FTP.

Discover Your Perfect WPZOOM Theme Today

Now that you know how to install a WordPress theme, it’s time to find one that makes your site truly stand out. WPZOOM offers a collection of premium themes designed for performance, flexibility, and beautiful design. Whether you’re building a blog, portfolio, or business website, there’s a WPZOOM theme to meet your needs.

To continue your WordPress journey, check out these additional resources from our blog:

• How to Choose a WordPress Theme : Discover tips and strategies for selecting the perfect theme that matches your site’s purpose and aesthetic.
• How to Customize Your WordPress Theme : Learn how to make your theme uniquely yours with customization options and tools.
• How to Update a WordPress Theme Without Losing Customization : Ensure your site stays up-to-date and secure while retaining all your custom tweaks and settings.
• How to Create a Custom Theme in WordPress : For the advanced user, delve into creating a custom theme from scratch to perfectly fit your vision.
• How to Delete a WordPress Theme : Keep your site clean and efficient by learning how to safely remove unused themes.

By exploring these topics, you’ll gain comprehensive knowledge to manage, customize, and optimize your WordPress site effectively.

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I'm Pavel Ciorici, the founder of WPZOOM, and I'm passionate about all things WordPress. With over a decade of experience in web development and design, I have established WPZOOM as a leader in the WordPress ecosystem, providing high-quality themes and plugins to thousands of customers worldwide.

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How to Install a WordPress Theme (3 Easy Methods)

WordPress is the most widely-used Content Management System in the world for building self-hosted websites. Chances are if you’re not already, you’ve decided to use WordPress for your own website. But do you know how to install a WordPress theme ?

Understanding how WordPress themes are added to your website is not complicated at all, no matter which method you choose to use — and there are a few! The great thing is, once your theme is installed, you’re ready to start creating a standout website right away.

In today’s post, we’ll dig deeper into how to install a WordPress theme. Let’s get started!

Prefer to watch the video version ?

Where to Find WordPress Themes (Both Free and Paid)

Learning how to install a WordPress theme on your website isn’t hard to do. What is hard, though, is choosing the right theme for your needs. But before we look at what you need to successfully achieve that, let’s have a quick look at where you can find WordPress themes.

Right now, the WordPress Repository is one of the most common places to find reliable and free plugins and themes to extend the design and functionality of your WordPress website. In fact, there are over 7,400 themes in the WordPress Repository alone.

Adding to that, there are also thousands of free and premium themes available for WordPress users that can be found in marketplaces such as MOJO Marketplace, CSS Igniter, and StudioPress. That said, the most famous theme marketplace to date is Themeforest , which currently has over 46,000 WordPress themes to choose from.

How to Choose the Right WordPress Theme

So, how are you supposed to know which WordPress theme is right for you?

Here are some tips to help:

1. Decide Between a Free or Premium WordPress Theme

The free vs paid WordPress theme debate has been around for a long time. This makes it tough to know whether you should save your money and go for a free theme or invest a small amount of money for a premium one and reap the benefits. If you come across a WordPress site with a theme that you like, you can use our theme detector tool to find out what theme it uses.

It really does come down to your budget, there are some things to consider before making a final choice:

Pros of Using a Free WordPress Theme

Using a free WordPress theme comes with plenty of advantages:

• They’re free to use, which means if you end up not liking it and want to change your WordPress theme , you’ve lost no money for giving it a try.
• The free themes in the WordPress Repository are officially approved after going through a strict review process.
• Free themes found at WordPress.org will be compatible with all the free plugins found in the same place.

That said, free themes do come with some disadvantages too.

For example, they typically have a limited feature set, are used by many people (making it hard to create a unique website), and there’s usually little to no prompt support if there are issues. Not to mention, free themes found outside the WordPress Repository may be poorly coded, which opens your site up to vulnerabilities and attacks .

Pros of Using a Premium WordPress Theme

Just like using a free theme, premium themes come with their own set of benefits:

• You get support for it to help you with things like bugs, technical issues, and customization (suggested reading: How to Customize Your WordPress Theme ).
• You’ll receive frequent updates , which come with increased security and features.
• The feature sets range from mild to wild, so you can design your site to look and do whatever you want.
• If from a trusted theme marketplace, company, or developer, you’ll know your premium theme is up-to-date with all the latest versions of WordPress, HTML, CSS , and PHP.

Premium themes do, however, cost money. Some paid themes require a yearly payment, and others require a one-time payment. This means if you buy one, and later decide to change, you’re out whatever money was spent.

2. Know Your Niche

WordPress caters to all kinds of websites , so you can expect WordPress themes to do the same. Knowing your niche before you decide on a theme will help you find WordPress themes that will have the design and functionality you need.

For example, if you’re starting a WordPress food blog , you’ll want to be on the lookout for a WordPress blogging theme that caters to food websites. Better yet, if you think you might want to sell products and services to fellow foodies like yourself, you might want to check out some ecommerce themes that come with the functionality to start both an online food business and blog.

To make a good decision, think about the type of content you want to publish, key features your theme will need, your target audience, and what industry you want to be in, so you can narrow your options and make deciding a little easier.

3. Use Credible Sources

Anyone that can develop a WordPress theme and make a profit off it, will. But the thing is, just because someone has created a WordPress theme doesn’t mean it’s free from bad code, viruses, or even spam links.

If you’ve decided to use a free WordPress theme, the best place to look is the WordPress Repository. If you need a premium theme or want to use a free one from a third-party theme company, check for the following:

• Author reputation
• Frequency of updates
• Positive customer reviews
• Number of sales

In the end, it doesn’t matter what type of WordPress theme you need. What really matters is that you avoid using nulled WordPress themes , so you don’t have problems in the future with site security, downtime , and lost site visitors.

4. Keep It Simple

It’s easy to get caught up in the appeal of popular multipurpose WordPress themes such as Avada or X. And while these themes may have the features and design some people need, the truth is, simple is often better.

This is especially true for those just starting out. Sometimes multipurpose themes come with too many features, have a high learning curve, and affect your site’s speed and performance .

It’s best to use a theme that has just what you need and nothing more.

5. Look for Responsive Design

Not to be confused with mobile-friendly design, responsive design is necessary for giving your mobile site visitors exceptional user experience.

Having a mobile-friendly WordPress theme means that no matter what device your site visitor accesses your website from, it will appear the same. The site visitor will be able to see all your site’s content, navigate the site easily, and click the CTA buttons you want them to. That said, none of the elements on your website will change, no matter the device or screen size accessing your site.

To check for mobile-friendliness, use Google’s Mobile-Friendly test .

On the other hand, having a WordPress theme with responsive design means that when your site visitors click on your website using a mobile device, your website will adjust according to the screen size. Elements on your website will change to render seamlessly for site visitors so they can access your site content with ease.

To check for responsive design, use the free Responsive Checker tool :

The neat thing about this online tool is that you can evaluate your website using multiple device types, including laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. In addition, you can navigate the site as if you were really accessing it using a mobile device to make sure your site looks and functions the way you want it to for site visitors.

6. Evaluate the Theme Support

There may come a time when you need support while using your WordPress theme . That’s why being able to get in touch with the theme developer or their support team is crucial.

Find out what kind of support is offered before deciding on a WordPress theme. And remember, most free WordPress themes come with very little support, if any at all.

7. Consider the Features

Lastly, you should definitely consider the features your WordPress theme comes with. Here are some of the best things to look for in any theme you choose, whether it’s free or premium:

• Social media sharing
• Built-in SEO
• Cross-browser compatibility
• Inclusive WordPress page builders for easier site creation
• Popular WordPress plugin compatibility
• Multilingual and translation ready
• Ecommerce support

Of course, every person needs different things for their website. However, the above-mentioned considerations will help point you in the right direction and help you make a decision.

Now, let’s take a look at how to install a WordPress theme onto your website after you’ve chosen the perfect one.

How to Install a Free WordPress Theme

If you want to use a theme found in the WordPress Repository on your website, the easiest way to do this is on the backend of your website.

To start, log into your WordPress website and go to Appearance > Themes in the WordPress dashboard and click Add New .

From there, you can filter the results based on:

Or, you can use the Feature Filter button to filter the theme results based on specific features.

Lastly, you can search for a specific WordPress theme if you know the name of it by entering the theme’s name into the search bar:

Once you find a theme you might want to use, you can click Details and Preview to see more information about the theme, Preview to see a preview of the theme in action, or Install to install the theme onto your WordPress site:

When you decide you want to use a theme found in the WordPress Repository, click Install .

Then, click on Live Preview first to see how your site will look using the theme. This makes it easier to decide if the theme you’re interested in is the one for you or not. When you’ve made the decision, click Activate to finish adding it to your website.

Your WordPress theme is now installed on your website and you can start publishing content right away .

How to Install a Premium WordPress Theme

If you’ve purchased a premium WordPress theme, you’ll need to use the upload method from your WordPress dashboard to install your theme.

To start, download the theme you purchased from the theme marketplace or company you bought it from. Save the downloaded zip file to your computer.

Next, log into your WordPress website and go to Appearance > Themes in the WordPress dashboard and click Add New:

Next, click Upload Theme to upload the zip file of your premium WordPress theme to your website from your computer:

Click Browse to select the zip file from your computer.

Then, click Install Now to add the theme to your website.

WordPress will install your premium theme on your website. If you want to see how your website will look using the uploaded theme, click Live Preview .

Lastly, click Activate to make the theme ready to go on your website.

The upload method will work for any premium WordPress theme you have saved as a zip file. It will also work when you need to import a theme from ThemeForest. Just download the zip file that’s saved on your computer and follow the same steps above.

How to Install a WordPress Theme Using FTP

The last method we’re going to show you is using FTP ( file transfer protocol ), which is the standard network protocol used for transferring computer files between a client and server on a computer network. In other words, an FTP helps you upload files between you and your website’s servers.

There are several FTP clients you can use, but we’re going to use FileZilla , which is easily downloaded on your computer. It’s free to use and has a simple interface. Keep in mind, however, this is an advanced way of installing a WordPress theme on your website and is not recommended for beginners.

Step 1: Secure FTP/SFTP Credentials

To get started, you’ll need to get your FTP or SFTP credentials to enter into FileZilla so it can connect to your site’s servers (learn the difference between FTP and SFTP ). This information is usually found in your web hosting account. If you have trouble finding it, reach out to your host and have them help you.

If you use Kinsta hosting, first log into your MyKinsta account and click on Sites in the dashboard and then on the Info to get the credentials needed:

When you do this, you should see your credentials under SFTP/SSH . You’ll need your username, password, and port:

Step 2: Enter Credentials into FileZilla

After you’ve found your FTP/SFTP credentials, open up FileZilla.

Here is the information you’re going to need to enter:

• Host : from your MyKinsta dashboard (or your site’s IP address preceded by “sftp://” for other hosting providers)
• Username : from your MyKinsta dashboard
• Password : from your MyKinsta dashboard
• Port : from your MyKinsta dashboard

This is what it will look like at the top of the FileZilla screen:

After you’ve entered your credentials, click Quickconnect . FileZilla will then connect to your site’s servers.

Step 3: Upload WordPress Theme Files

After you’re connected to your FTP, it’s time to install a WordPress theme on your website. Keep in mind that the left side of FileZilla is how you’ll access your computer files, and the right side of FileZilla is how you’ll access your site’s files that are stored on your host’s servers.

To open up your site’s files, click on the folders in the right-side panel until you find the one labeled Themes:

When you do, any WordPress themes already installed on your website will appear underneath the file folders.

Next, go to the left-side panel in FileZilla and search for the zip file of the WordPress theme you want to install. When you find it, right-click on it and select Upload:

When the files are done uploading to your site’s servers (this may take a while depending on the size of the file), you’ll see the files on the right-side panel in FileZilla.

Lastly, log into your WordPress website and go to Appearance > Themes . You’ll notice your newly uploaded theme is right there, waiting for you to activate and use on your website.

If you’re going to use WordPress as your Content Management System , you’re going to need to know how to install a WordPress theme. And chances are, you’ll go through a few WordPress themes until you find the one you like and has everything you need.

Luckily for you, there are not only several methods to choose from for installing WordPress themes, but all‌ ‌of‌ ‌them‌ ‌are also relatively easy, even for novice website owners:

• You can install a theme through the Appearance  >  Themes > Add New option directly from within WordPress.
• You can install a theme by uploading it as a zip file via the Upload Theme feature.
• You can install a theme Using an FTP client.

So, perform a little research and find the perfect WordPress theme for your blog , online business, or ecommerce store . Then, install it on your WordPress site so you can begin building a unique website that represents your brand.

Head of Content at Kinsta and Content Marketing Consultant for WordPress plugin developers. Connect with Matteo on Twitter .

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Thanks for the information! It really helped me in installing my WordPress theme!

I have never used or know anything about WordPress prior to reading this article today. I need to know how to change the contents (mainly text parts) of a website (not to change anything else) very quickly. For example, change 2019 to 2020 or change a some names, etc.

Any help or guidance you may provide is greatly appreciated.

Hey, there are a lot of free resources online available if you are starting with WordPress. Plenty of blog posts, tutorials or even videos. I’d suggest to start with these and follow the steps they provide.

Thanks for sharing! Which WordPress Premium theme sites do you recommend?

Hello, when I need to find a premium theme, I usually go on Themeforest as they have a very wide selection of themes.

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4 Ways to Install a WordPress Theme (Automatically & Manually)

• April 8, 2021
• WordPress Tutorials

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WordPress doesn’t work without a theme installed and activated, even if you want to completely build your site using a page builder, such as Elementor with its Theme Builder feature.

Installing a theme in WordPress is basically the same as installing a plugin . You just need to perform the actions in different sections of your site.

Before proceeding to the installation part, I’ll write a bit about two important things:

• Choosing the right WordPress theme;
• Using a child theme.

Let’s begin!

Choosing the Right WordPress Theme

Using a child theme.

• How to Install a WordPress Theme from Your Dashboard
• How to Upload a WordPress Theme from Your Dashboard
• How to Manually Install a WordPress Theme in cPanel
• How to Manually Install a WordPress Theme via FTP

After the web host, choosing the right WordPress theme is another vital part of your site’s performance and loading time.

Even though there are a gazillion WordPress themes out there, very few are well optimized. So, you need to be really careful with that. Depending on what theme you use, changing it later can be a nightmare.

I recommend choosing a premium theme over a free one because:

• You’ll get support or better support;
• Issues will be fixed faster;
• Updates will be more frequent to improve compatibility or performance;
• You’ll get more features;
• It can offer better support for main plugins, such as WooCommerce, WPForms , etc.

Nonetheless, there are some very good free themes in the WordPress repository , such as GeneratePress or Astra .

To make things easier for you, I’ve written detailed guides on how to choose the right WordPress theme and places where you can find WordPress themes . They should help you make a good decision.

If you don’t want to read yet another long WordPress guide, then I’ll make it even easier for you. I recommend using GeneratePress or Genesis themes from StudioPress , depending on your need. You can’t go wrong with them when it comes to performance and optimization.

If you choose GeneratePress, you can pair it with GenerateBlocks to build your landing pages, in case you want a more marketing-ish site with a more fancy design. It’s a light and optimized page builder based on the WordPress editor’s block system.

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A child theme is installed along with the parent (main) WordPress theme, and it’s the one that’s going to be activated instead of the parent theme.

The child theme inherits everything from the parent theme, but doesn’t get its files replaced after a theme update. So, it allows you to make design or functionality changes to your WordPress theme that won’t go away with the next update.

Back in the day, having a child theme was pretty mandatory if you needed to add design or functionality changes to your WordPress theme.

Nowadays, it’s kind of optional because WordPress lets you add custom CSS code directly in the Customizer, which is accessed from Appearance > Customize . And there are plugins, such as Code Snippets , which let you add functionalities with PHP.

CSS and PHP are web development languages. CSS handles design, PHP handles functionalities. Most of you don’t know anything about them, but you don’t need to unless you want to make some changes to your WordPress site that aren’t possible via theme settings or plugins.

Now, I still use and recommend a child theme because:

• The fewer plugins you have, the better;
• If you perform a lot of changes to your theme, it’s better to place them in the child theme, especially if it’s CSS code because the Customizer adds it as internal CSS, directly into the source code of your page. Usually, CSS should be external, put into one or more separate files.

Even though possible and mentioned in a lot of tutorials, you shouldn’t use the child theme to add design and functionality changes that are not related to the WordPress theme. That’s because if you want to switch the theme in the future, all those changes will be gone.

Usually, the names of the child theme’s .zip file and installation folder have the -child suffix in them, like this: ThemeName-child .

There are some themes, such as those from StudioPress, that are child themes from the start, based on a parent theme/framework. So, they won’t work without their parent theme. This type of child themes usually don’t have nor need the -child suffix added to them.

1. How to Install a WordPress Theme from Your Dashboard

All the free WordPress themes from the repository are found inside your WordPress admin dashboard. So, if you want to install a free WordPress theme, here’s what you need to do.

Go to Appearance > Themes and click on the Add New button at the top.

Find a WordPress theme by using the filters or adding its name in the search field.

Once you found the WordPress theme that you like, hover your mouse cursor over it and click on the Install button.

If you’re not using a child theme for it, then you need to activate the WordPress theme that you have installed.

Go to Appearance > Themes again, hover your mouse cursor over it, and click on the Activate button.

If you’re using a child theme for it, then don’t activate it . You’ll need to upload the child theme and activate that one. You’ll see how to upload a WordPress theme in the next sections.

2. How to Upload a WordPress Theme from Your Dashboard

Uploading a WordPress theme is straightforward as well. This option is usually used when buying a premium WordPress theme, which you’ll not find in the WordPress repository.

Download your WordPress theme from wherever you bought it/found it. It has to be in a .zip file.

Some developers offer an archive with everything in it: documentation, installation file, child theme, etc. So, you might need to unzip that file to get to the installation file.

• Click on the Upload button at the top;
• Click on the Choose File button and select the installation file from your computer;
• Click on the Install Now button.

If you don’t use a child theme, then click on the Activate link after the WordPress theme has been installed successfully.

If you want to use a child theme, then you’ll need to upload it, too, as seen in steps 2 and 3. After it’s installed, activate it as seen in this step.

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3. How to Manually Install a WordPress Theme in cPanel

A lot of WordPress users are on Shared hosting plans. And virtually all Shared hosting plans use cPanel, which is the most popular control panel for servers.

You can install a WordPress theme using cPanel if the default options don’t work for some reason.

The cPanel interface differs from host to host. Yours might look a bit different than the one from my screenshots, but the File Manager tool will be there.

Log in to cPanel.

Normally, you receive your cPanel login information after purchasing the hosting plan. If you don’t have it, check your web host’s documentation or contact support for help.

Search for the File Manager tool.

Navigate to the public_html/wp-content/themes folder. Once there, click on the Upload button at the top. It will open a new tab.

If you’re doing this for an add-on domain, not your main one, the files are usually in a folder with your domain name, instead of public_html .

Click the Select File button and select your WordPress theme’s installation file. Wait for the uploading process to get to 100%, then click on the Go Back link at the bottom.

That should send you back to the themes folder. If not, navigate to it again as seen in step 3.

If you’ll use a child theme, upload and extract it, too, in the same folder, using the same process.

In the themes folder, you should now see your WordPress theme’s .zip file. Right-click on it and select Extract .

A confirmation pop-up will appear. If you uploaded the WordPress theme in the correct folder, the path will be automatically applied – /public_html/wp-content/themes .

So, if everything looks in order, just click on the Extract File(s) button.

After the extraction has finished, you should see your WordPress theme’s folder there.

Delete the .zip file because it occupies space unnecessarily. Select it and click on Delete from the toolbar. You can also right-click on it and select Delete.

If a confirmation popup shows, select Skip the trash and permanently delete the files and click on the Confirm button.

After you’ve uploaded the WordPress theme in cPanel, you need to activate it in WordPress.

Go to Appearance > Themes , hover over it, and click on the Activate button. If you installed a child theme, too, activate that instead of the parent theme.

4. How to Manually Install a WordPress Theme via FTP

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol . SFTP is the better, safer version, but not all web hosts offer access to it. If you have access to it, use that instead.

You can use this method to install a WordPress theme if the default options don’t work, and you also don’t have cPanel.

Unzip your WordPress theme’s installation file on your drive because you’ll need to upload the folder this time, not the .zip file.

All of your theme files need to be in a single, main folder named after your theme (e.g. generatepress ). If you’re also using a child theme, it should contain the -child suffix after the parent name (e.g. generatepress-child ).

My theme’s .zip file is called generatepress.3.0.3.zip .

When I unzip it on my local drive, the resulting folder is generatepress.3.0.3 . And inside of that, it will be another folder, called generatepress , where the actual theme files are.

That’s the one I need. So, I take it out from the generatepress.3.0.3 folder and paste it on its own, in another place. Then, when the time comes, I upload the generatepress folder which holds the WordPress theme files.

To access your FTP, you’ll need an FTP client. I recommend FileZilla . So, download and install it on your computer.

Open up Filezilla and connect to your FTP with the info provided by the web host. If you don’t have it, check their documentation or contact them for help.

At the top of FileZilla, you’ll see a Quickconnect feature. It requires your:

• For FTP , it’s usually ftp. followed by your domain name (e.g. ftp.example.com ). If that doesn’t work, try your server’s IP address. If you don’t how to get the IP, check your control panel, web host docs, or ask support;
• For SFTP , adding the server IP works best. sftp. followed by your domain name might also work (e.g. sftp.example.com );
• Username and Password ;
• Port: It will automatically set it to 21 for FTP and 22 for SFTP. These are the default values in most cases. Unless your web host doesn’t require another port, leave it blank.

After you filled that up, click on the Quickconnect button.

Alternatively, you can save your site in the Site Manager, so you won’t have to add your login info all the time.

Go to File > Site Manager and:

• Click on New site;
• Select the Protocol: FTP or SFTP;
• Add the Host and Port (if necessary);
• Add User and Password ;
• Click on Connect .

After you’ve successfully connected to your FTP, you’ll have:

• Local site on the left – Those are the files from your local drive;
• Remote site on the right – Those are the files that you have access to on the server, including your WordPress files.

From the Local site , search for your unzipped theme folder.

From the Remote site , navigate to /public_html/wp-content/themes . The public_html folder might be named differently, depending on your host or if you’re using an add-on domain.

Then, drag and drop the unzipped theme folder from the Local site’s second box inside the themes folder, in the Remote site’s second box, where the other theme folders are.

Make sure that you don’t drop it over an existing folder because it will add it in there. Drop it over some white space.

Do the same for the child theme, if you’re using one.

You’ll see a bunch of uploading statuses at the top. When it has successfully finished uploading the WordPress theme over FTP, you’ll see a status that writes Directory listing of “/public_html/wp-content/themes” successful .

The WordPress theme also appears as a standalone folder in the themes folder, on the right.

Activate the theme in WordPress by going to Appearance > Themes , hovering over it, and clicking on the Activate button.

If you’ve also uploaded a child theme, activate that instead.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how to install a WordPress theme in not one, but four different ways.

Just make sure that the WordPress theme you’re about to install is a good one, and will not negatively impact your WordPress site’s performance and loading time.

If you have questions or thoughts, feel free to drop a comment below.

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How to Install a WordPress Theme: A Guide for Beginners

• August 15, 2023

A WordPress website’s look is based almost entirely on the theme you use. This is a collection of templates that you’ll style from the platform’s dashboard, and there are thousands of them available within the WordPress Theme Directory, third-party sites such as ThemeForest, and direct from developer sites.

However, you’ll need to know how to install your WordPress theme in a few different ways .

• Skip to tips on how to install a theme 👇👇👇

This is because there are different methods for the various types of themes. For example, free themes have a dedicated interface within WordPress. In contrast, premium themes require you to use an uploader. In other situations, you may need to carry out a manual install too, which comes with a completely different approach.

👨‍🎓 In this tutorial, we’re going to show you how to install a WordPress theme in a few ways.

What to consider before you install a WordPress theme

Later on, we’ll show you how easy it is to install a free theme through the WordPress dashboard. However, despite how fast it is to change themes, you should take some time and think about a few aspects before you do so.

In fact, there are three key questions you should start with:

• What do I want my new theme to achieve?
• Are there any key design elements I want to implement?
• How much do I have to spend on a new theme?

Once you have the answers to these, you can dig in further to find out what theme you should choose. For example, it’s important to consider the quality of development. You can gauge this in a few ways. First, check out the update schedule for the theme. If it works with current versions of WordPress and has had an update within the last six months, it’s a good sign.

For the WordPress Theme Directory, you’ll see this information on the right-hand side of the screen:

However, this isn’t the only aspect you should consider.

User ratings and reviews

User feedback is just as vital as development quality, because if others like the theme and recommend it, you have greater impetus to include it on your shortlist. Again, the WordPress Theme Directory lets users rate and review each theme, so look for at least a four-star rating and higher:

One extra tip here is to check out any one-star reviews for a theme. While there’s a chance that a theme could suffer from “review bombing” (where a product gets lots of low ratings for reasons other than the product being poor), many times these will showcase issues that you’ll want to know about.

This can also show you how well a developer cares for its user base. If a one-star review sees a quick response and resolution from the support and development teams, this is also a good sign.

How to install a WordPress theme (in 3 ways)

Once you have a theme in mind, the next task is to install it within WordPress. There are three ways you can achieve this, and which one you use depends on the cost of the theme, and whether you can access the WordPress dashboard.

If your theme is free and available at WordPress.org, you can view and install it right from your WordPress dashboard using the first method below.

If you’ve purchased a premium theme, or you’re just generally using a theme that’s not available at WordPress.org, then you’ll need to manually add the theme to WordPress. Thankfully, this is usually pretty simple – all you need to do is upload the ZIP file that the developer gives you. We’ll cover this in the second method.

The third method isn’t something that most people will need. However, we’re including it to be thorough. 99% of WordPress users will just need one of the first two methods, though.

• How to install a WordPress theme from the admin screen
• How to install a WordPress theme from a ZIP file
• How to install a WordPress theme via SFTP

1. How to install a WordPress theme from the admin screen

If the theme you want to install is free and available in the WordPress.org Theme Directory , you’ll likely want to use the dedicated interface within the WordPress dashboard. You’ll find it on the Appearance → Themes tab on the left-hand sidebar within WordPress:

This will show you all the themes you have available – the way to add to this list is to install a new theme. To do this, click the Add New button at the top of the screen:

This will bring you to what is essentially the WordPress Theme Directory within the WordPress dashboard:

You’ll see a few different elements to the page here:

• There is (of course) a gallery of thumbnails for each theme in the directory.
• The themes you already have available to you will show the green “ Installed ” bar.
• There’s a header bar at the top that lets you filter the list of themes to narrow down your selection.

The latter warrants a quick discussion.

Filtering the themes list

If you take a look, you’ll see a number of different ways to filter the theme list. If you already know which theme you want, you can search for it by name. Otherwise, you can use the filters to help you browse the 4,700+ themes that are available at WordPress.org

You’ll see a figure for how many themes the filter includes, and tabs for the most popular themes, the latest additions to the directory, and a list of your favorites. For the latter, you can only designate favorites from the browser version of the Theme Directory.

For the last two options, you have a search bar – which is self-explanatory – and a feature filter menu. This gives you a few different checkboxes based on the features a theme will have. This way, you can narrow down your search based on (for example) whether it suits eCommerce applications or uses a three-column layout:

You can find your chosen theme using these different filters. To install one, hover over the thumbnail and click the blue Install button:

👉 Note that you can also preview the theme too, using the Preview button or simply clicking the thumbnail. This will bring up a few more details about the theme, along with how it would look on a typical website:

From here, you can install your chosen theme.

Installing your theme

Once you click the Install button, WordPress will do its thing and the button will change to read, “ Activate “. You’ll also notice that the thumbnail gains the green “ Installed ” bar. If you click Activate , WordPress will make this your current primary theme:

From here, WordPress will send you back to the main Themes page, and you’ll see a confirmation that your new theme is live:

If you browse to your site’s preview, you’ll see that it now uses your new theme.

2. How to install a WordPress theme from ZIP file

The WordPress Theme Directory only handles free themes that the Theme Review team vets and approves. However, in many cases, you’ll want to choose a premium theme. In these cases, you can’t use the WordPress interface because you’ll receive a ZIP file from the developer. As such, you can use another simple way to install your WordPress theme.

For this, you’ll go back to Appearance → Themes page and click the Add New button. However, this time, you’ll forgo the list of free themes and click the Upload Theme button at the top of the screen:

This will open a dedicated uploader, which will let you install a WordPress theme from ZIP file. This is the format most premium themes will come in. In fact, free themes come in this format too, but the built-in interface handles the process for the Theme Directory.

If you purchased a premium theme, you should be able to download the ZIP file from the place where you purchased the theme. If you can’t find it, you can reach out to the company or marketplace from which you purchased the theme or consult their support documentation.

From here, you’ll want to click the button to locate the ZIP file on your computer, then click the Install Now button:

You’ll next see a rundown of what WordPress does to install a theme, at which point, you’ll want to click the Activate link:

This will again take you back to the main Themes screen, and you’ll see your current theme change accordingly.

3. How to install a WordPress theme via SFTP

On rare occasions, you won’t be able to use the dashboard interface or the theme uploader dialog. This is often due to an issue with your WordPress installation, where you can’t access your site at all. Depending on the error, it could mean that you’ll need to install a theme without using the normal channels.

Fortunately, there’s a third way to install a WordPress theme – using Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). This is a way to connect to online servers and move files around using a dedicated app.

There are a few aspects you’ll need to know and have in place before you begin here:

• You’ll need knowledge of SFTP. We cover the basics in our article, how to move a website to a new host .
• In order to log into your server, you’ll need the right credentials. You can find these within your hosting control panel.
• You should also find a suitable SFTP client. Many users opt for FileZilla, but Cyberduck , Transmit , and many more exist too.

Once you have everything in place, you can start to install your WordPress theme.

The general approach is to first log into your server using SFTP. Once it loads, you’ll see at least a list of your server’s files. In some cases, you’ll also see the files on your computer, too.

From here, carry out the following:

• Extract your theme’s files from the ZIP file.
• Within the SFTP client, navigate to your site on the server. In most cases, it’s going to be in the top level directory. However, it could also be in a folder with your site’s name.

Within this directory, look for wp-content and enter it. You’ll see a number of other folders here – we want to head into themes :

The next step is to drop the extracted folder into the themes directory. The SFTP client will upload the files:

From there, you can head into your WordPress dashboard, to the Themes page again. You should see the theme on the list, but you’ll need to activate it in order to use it as your site’s primary theme.

How WordPress themes help you with setup

Once you install your theme, you’ll be ready to customize it. However, this can often be an overwhelming step if it’s new to you, or you don’t understand what a theme will offer in the box.

To help with this, many developers provide setup wizards or screens to help you. There are often a number of points to check off, making sure you have optimized the theme for long-term use. For example, Neve includes its own Welcome screen:

You’ll see various different implementations depending on the theme you choose. However, it’s a good idea to run through these steps because that way you won’t miss out on optimizing some essential functionalities your theme offers.

Two quick notes about WordPress themes

Before we wrap up, let’s quickly touch on two other key details for working with WordPress themes. 👇

Some themes use plugins for premium features

Nowadays, many theme developers use an approach where they offer a free version of the theme at WordPress.org and then sell a premium version with more features.

However, the way that many developers do this can be a little tricky because the premium features usually come in the form of a plugin , not a theme .

For example, consider the Neve theme . The free version of the Neve theme is listed at WordPress.org. If you purchase Neve PRO, you’ll get access to a plugin that you can install alongside that free theme to add the new features.

So – if you’re having issues installing a premium theme that you purchased, make sure that you aren’t trying to install the premium add-on plugin like a normal theme.

Child themes are important for custom code edits

This last one won’t apply to most WordPress users, so most people won’t have to follow this.

However, if you ever plan to make edits directly to the code of your theme, you’ll want to create a child theme before making those changes to the theme’s files.

A child theme is essentially a foolproof clone of your theme, one that you can make changes to as much as you like without fear. The implementation has some technical elements to it in order to understand how it works. However, for your sanity, consider it something you can build on top of, while the theme itself doesn’t change.

⌛ We cover this topic in-depth across on the Themeisle blog , so take a look and make sure that you create your own child theme if you ever plan to edit your theme’s code.

Install your WordPress theme today

Without traffic, your WordPress website won’t have much purpose. One way to attract new traffic is with a professional-looking layout and design. Therefore, a good WordPress theme is crucial, and there are thousands to choose from. Both free and premium options exist – sometimes a theme will cover both, such as Neve .

Given the importance of how your site looks, the platform provides flexibility when it comes to how to install a WordPress theme.

For most people, you can install your theme directly from the WordPress dashboard:

• If the theme is listed at WordPress.org, you can install it by searching for its name and clicking the install button.
• If you purchased a premium theme, you can install it by uploading the zip file to the theme installer.

ℹ️ However, if you need to head around the back way to install a theme for whatever reason, you can do so using SFTP. From there, you can run through your theme’s setup procedure, but remember to create a child theme if you’re going to edit your theme’s code directly.

You may also be interested in:

• How to Create a WordPress Multilingual Site: Considerations + Step-by-Step Tutorial
• A Beginner’s Guide to Troubleshooting WordPress (Step-by-Step)
• 5 Best Local WordPress Development Tools Compared for 2024

Do you have any questions about how to install a WordPress theme? Ask away in the comments section below!

Don’t forget to join our crash course on speeding up your WordPress site. Learn more below:

Tom Rankin is an experienced WordPress content writer, project manager, and course writer with years of service. He covers theme and plugin insights, development, small business facets, marketing, and much more. His work features on most major WordPress blogs, and his client list is a ‘who’s who’ in both web tech and WordPress.

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