Installing a new theme in WordPress is a simple process when you become familiar with the WordPress dashboard. When you start using the WordPress dashboard, you may feel daunting, but after you have used it few times everything will be easy.
In this step-by-step beginners guide, we will share clear easy to follow instructions on how to install a WordPress Theme on your Website. We describe two ways to install a WordPress theme in this guide. You can use the method that suitable for your need.
If you follow the instruction here, you can do it without any difficulties even if you are new to WordPress.
What else you need?
Before we continue, let me give you a brief introduction to WordPress.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is started in 2003 by Mike Little and Matt Mullenweg, the first version of WordPress was announced On May 27, 2003, by Matt. since then it becomes popular, and now in 2021, it powers over 30% of websites.
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system written in PHP and it is the most powerful and easiest website creation platform and blogging tool in existence today.
WordPress.com Vs WordPress.org – What is the difference between wordpress.org and wordpress.com?
Most people confused between wordpress.org and wordpress.com when they are new to WordPress.
WordPress.com is a hosting service for WordPress owned by Matt Mullenweg’s company, Automattic. You can build a free WordPress website or blog in wordpress.com in a subdomain something like yourname.wordpress.com.
The paid version gives you more features and flexibility including the use of custom domains, add your own theme and plugins, and Google Analytics integration.
WordPress.org is where you download the free open-source WordPress software to create your website or blog with your own domain on your hosting account or server.
Get Your Hosting and Domain Name
Before you install WordPress you need to register your domain name and get your hosting. The domain name costs anywhere between $9 and $13 but you can get it free for the first year when you get your hosting with Hostgator and select the billing cycle to a minimum of one year.
Hostgator agreed to give up to 65% discount to our readers, click the link below to get your discount.
Check our guide, “How To Create a Website Hosting Account in Hostgator?” for more details.
Install WordPress on your domain using CPanel and login to the WordPress dashboard.
As I mentioned before, you have two options to find your theme and install it.
You can search and select a theme via the WordPress Dashboard Themes section or download it from a third-party website and save it on your computer.
Search and Find a Theme via WordPress Dashboard
In WordPress, you can search for a theme based on specific keywords and features.
In the navigation menu hover the mouse over Appearance and click on Themes Or click on Appearance and then click on Themes. You will see all the themes already installed.
Click on Add New, it will open the page themes and options to sort and select the theme that has the features you need. You can use the quick search options Featured, Popular or Latest themes or search with a keyword, theme name, auther or tag .
Or you have an option to select the features you need and search for a theme with those features.
When you hover over a theme you will see three options Details & Preview, Install, and Preview. Click Preview, to see the preview of the theme if you are happy with it click Install to install the theme.
Next, hover over the theme click on the live preview to see what your site would look like using that particular theme. Activate the theme if you are happy with the look of your site, it will replace the current theme. You can customize your theme using the Customize option under Appearance.
Using The Upload Method to Install a Theme Downloaded From a Third-Party Website
If you want to install a premium theme bought from Themeforest or another company use the upload method to install. You can also use this method to install a custom theme or a free theme you already have on your computer. Remember you should use the zip file.
On your WordPress dashboard click on Appearance –> Themes then click on the Add New button at the top
It will open a page with featured themes. Click on the Upload Theme button at the top.
Now Click on Browse… select your zip file and click on Install Now button. It will install the theme on your website.
When the installation complete you will see the message, “Theme installed successfully.” and links to Activate and Live Preview.
Click on Activate, Well done, you have successfully installed and activated your theme in WordPress.
You can customize your theme using the theme customizer or theme setting depends on the theme you use. By using this option, you can change the look and feel of your website. Usually, premium themes are more customizable than free themes.
You can also use FTP to install a theme or Plugin on your website.
Now you know two ways you can install a WordPress theme on your website. Hope you enjoy this beginner’s guide.
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