Header Text - Install WordPress Theme: A Beginners Guide

When building a WordPress website, one of the first things you’ll want to do is choose and install WordPress theme. A theme is like an outfit for your website—it changes how your site looks and feels without altering the content. Themes allow you to customize your website’s design, layout, and style fast.

Whether you’re building a blog, an online store, or a business site, the right theme will help you make a great first impression. It can also make your site easy to navigate, fast, and mobile-friendly, which is important to keep visitors happy.

On the other hand, a poorly built theme can slow down your site, make it look outdated, or even confuse visitors. That’s why picking a theme that fits your needs and audience is key to your website’s success.

Here, you learn a step-by-step method to install WordPress theme. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds, even if you’ve never built a website! We’ll cover everything from selecting the right theme to customizing it, so by the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a beautiful, functional website.

What is a WordPress Theme?

A theme is a set of files controlling a WordPress website’s design, structure, and layout. These files include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and sometimes PHP, which provides the foundation for how your website looks and behaves by defining fonts, colors, page layouts, and overall visual design.

The role of a theme in website design is huge. It helps you decide how your homepage, blog posts, and landing pages will be displayed. For example, some themes are designed to showcase images, making them perfect for photographers or artists.

Others are built for speed and simplicity, which is great for business sites. Themes also help organize your site structure, ensuring everything looks neat and is easy for visitors to navigate. Remember, a good theme ensures your site works well on phones, tablets, and computers, so everyone can enjoy visiting your site.

Whenever you want to choose a WordPress theme for your website, you come across two types of themes:

  1. Free WordPress Themes
  2. Premium WordPress Themes

Free themes are available to everyone at no cost; you can find these in the WordPress theme library. They’re great if you’re starting and don’t need fancy features. However, free themes often have limited customization options and might not have regular updates or support.

On the other hand, premium themes cost money, but they offer more advanced features, and customization options, and usually come with better customer support. Premium themes are often updated more often, which helps keep your website safe from bugs or hackers.

A WordPress theme gives your website its unique style, plays a key role in how it functions, and comes in free and premium options to fit your needs.

Important:

A WordPress theme is the overall design and appearance of your website, controlling elements like layout, colors, and typography. It affects how your site looks and functions across all pages. A template, on the other hand, is a single-page layout within the theme. It defines the structure and style for specific content, such as blog posts or contact pages within the broader theme. In short, a theme is the entire site’s design, while a template applies to individual pages or posts.

Things to Consider Before Installing a Theme

Choosing the right WordPress theme is more than just picking something that looks good. There are a few important things you should think about to ensure your website works well and gives visitors a great experience. Let’s discuss the key points to consider before you install WordPress theme.

Responsive Design

A responsive theme design means your website will look good on any device—a computer, a tablet, or a phone. Since more people use their phones to browse the web, having a mobile-friendly theme is important.

A responsive WordPress theme automatically accommodates the layout and images to fit smaller screens, so users don’t have to zoom in or scroll sideways. This makes your site easier to use and keeps visitors happy.

Speed & Performance

Website speed is important. A lightweight theme helps your website load faster. If your site takes too long to load, visitors might leave before they view your content.

Some themes feature several features, but if they are heavy, they will slow down your site. Choosing a theme designed for speed will help enhance your website’s overall performance and ensure visitors don’t have to wait.

Customization Options

Not every theme is perfect right out of the box. That’s why you should pick a theme with easy customization options. Some themes let you change fonts, colors, and layouts without knowing any coding.

You can make your website look unique and fit your brand without being a tech expert. Look for themes that have a built-in customizer so you can make changes and see how they look in real time.

Support & Updates

As with apps on your phone, WordPress themes need regular updates to stay secure and run smoothly. Some free themes don’t get updated often; this leaves your site open to bugs or security issues. That’s why choosing a theme with frequent updates is important.

Also, having access to customer support is helpful if you have problems. Premium themes usually come with better support, but some free themes also have good user forums where you can ask questions and get assistance.

By keeping these things in mind—responsive design, speed, customization, and support—you can ensure your website is beautiful, fast, easy to use, and safe. These features provide you with a solid foundation for creating a successful site.

Now that you know what a theme is and its prerequisites before you install WordPress theme, it’s time to find out how to install a theme in WordPress.

Methods to Install WordPress Theme

Once you’ve picked out the perfect theme for your website, the next step is installing it. Installing a WordPress theme is easy, even if you’ve never done it before. However, before you install the WordPress theme, ensure to backup your website.

This will help you if anything goes wrong. Alternatively, you can create a staging copy of your website to install a new theme without affecting your live website. Once you’re happy with everything, you can deploy the changes to your live website.

Once done with that, you can proceed to install WordPress theme. There are 3 different ways to install a theme, but the most common method is using the WordPress Theme Directory.

This directory has thousands of free themes you can browse and install with just a few clicks. Let’s start with this easy approach (WordPress Theme Directory) to learn how to install WordPress theme.

Use WordPress Theme Directory

As discussed, the WordPress Theme Directory is the easiest place to find and install WordPress themes. Here’s how to do it:

Log in to your WordPress admin area (WordPress dashboard). This is where you control all the settings for your website. On the left side of the dashboard, you’ll see a menu. Hover over Appearance and click Themes.

Install WordPress Theme - WordPress Themes Settings

Once on the Themes page, click Add New Theme at the top. This will take you to the WordPress Theme Directory, where you can browse thousands of themes.

Install WordPress Theme - Add New WordPress Theme

You can search for a theme by typing in keywords or using filters like Popular or Latest to find themes that match your style or needs.

Install WordPress Theme - Search Theme for Your Website

Once you’ve found a theme you like, hover over your theme and click the Install button.

Install WordPress Theme - Install GeneratePress WordPress Theme

After the theme is installed, click Activate to make it live on your website.

Install WordPress Theme - Activate GeneratePress Theme

After you click Activate, your new theme will instantly go live on your website. If you’re not ready to commit, you can use the Live Preview option to see how your site will look with the new theme before making any changes. This way, you can test a few themes before deciding which fits best.

Whatever theme you install, we recommend you navigate to Appearance Themes. Hover over your active theme and click Theme Details.

Install WordPress Theme - WordPress Theme Details

A pop-up will show up; click on Enable auto-updates. This will automatically update your theme to keep your site working properly.

Install WordPress Theme - Enable Auto Updates for the Active Theme

Use Upload Method

In the previous section, we showed you the easiest method to install WordPress theme, which is suitable for absolute beginners. This upload method is used when:

  1. The theme isn’t available in the WordPress repository. For instance, some premium or custom themes are not listed in the WordPress theme directory, meaning you’ll need to upload the theme manually using the .zip file provided by the developer.
  2. You may need to use this method if you’ve purchased a theme from a third-party marketplace (such as ThemeForest) or had a custom theme developed specifically for your website.
  3. Sometimes, you may need a specific theme version for compatibility reasons. If the theme is not available in the desired version in the WordPress repository, the upload method allows you to install it manually.
  4. Also, if you’ve backed up a theme manually and need to reinstall it for some reason (such as after a site migration), the upload method can restore the theme quickly.

Create a captivating website by customizing colors, fonts, and layouts to reflect your brand with a WordPress theme.
Get started with Hosted.com’s WordPress Hosting, specifically designed for optimal performance, security, and ease of use.

Installing themes is still easy, but the process is a little different. This time, instead of choosing a theme from the WordPress Theme Directory, you upload the theme file yourself. Here’s how to upload and install WordPress theme that you’ve downloaded from another site.

First, you’ll need to download the theme from the website where you bought or found it. For this tutorial example, we used WordPress.org. If you’re using the same, search for your required theme and click on it once it appears.

Install WordPress Theme - Search Your WordPress Theme

Then, click Download. You can also check the additional information to decide whether to download this theme. For example, you may check the theme version you’re downloading and the number of active installations to know how popular this theme is.

Moreover, you can compare the PHP and WordPress versions to check for theme conflicts.

Install WordPress Theme - Download Astra Theme

The theme will come in a .zip file format – a compressed folder. Don’t unzip the file; you’ll need to upload it as is. Once uploaded, go to Appearance Themes in the WordPress dashboard. Click the Add New Theme button at the top.

Install WordPress Theme - Add New Theme

Now, you’ll see an option that says Upload Theme. Click on it to start the upload process.

Install WordPress Theme - Upload Theme

Next, click Choose File and select the .zip file for the theme you downloaded earlier.

Install WordPress Theme - Choose Your Theme File

After you’ve selected the file, click Install Now. WordPress will upload and unpack the theme automatically.

Install WordPress Theme - Install WordPress Theme

Once the theme is installed, you’ll see an option to activate the theme. Click Activate to make the theme live on your site.

Install WordPress Theme - Activate Theme

Following these steps helps you easily upload and install WordPress theme from another site, whether a premium theme or one you’ve found elsewhere. Once activated, you can start customizing it and making it fit your brand perfectly.

Using File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

If you cannot access the WordPress dashboard and are comfortable with more advanced methods, using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is another way to install WordPress theme.

FTP is a tool that lets you access your website’s files directly, which can be useful when you want more control over your site. This method is a bit more technical but is handy if you cannot install a theme through the WordPress dashboard.

Here’s how to use FTP to install WordPress theme:

First, you’ll need an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to your website. You’ll also need your FTP credentials, which you can get from your web hosting provider. If you’re a Hosted.com client, you will find these details at cPanel Tools Files FTP AccountsConfigure FTP Client.

In FileZilla, enter your website’s host, username, and password, then click Quickconnect to log in to your website’s server.

Install WordPress Theme - Connect to Website’s Server

Once connected, you’ll see a list of folders on your server. Look for the folder named wp-content. Inside that folder, you’ll find another folder, themes. This is where all the themes for your WordPress site are stored.

Install WordPress Theme - Themes Folder

Take the theme folder (unzip it first) that you want to install and upload it into the /public_html/wp-content/themes/ directory. To do this in FileZilla, drag and drop the theme folder from your computer’s file explorer into the themes folder on the server. Then wait for the upload to complete.

Install WordPress Theme - Drag and Drop Astra Folder From Local Site to Remote Site

After the theme is uploaded, go back to your WordPress admin area. Remember, we said you can install WordPress theme without accessing the WordPress dashboard. However, to activate it, you need to navigate to WordPress DashboardAppearance Themes to see the new theme listed there. Click Activate to apply the theme to your website.

Install WordPress Theme - Activate Astra Theme

Remember, FTP gives you full control over your website files and is useful when you upload or fix themes manually. However, it’s a bit more technical, so if you’re new to WordPress, the other methods might be easier to follow. Still, once you get the hang of FTP, it’s a powerful tool for managing your site!

How to Customize a WordPress Theme

Once you successfully activate it after installing a WordPress theme, you can have fun customizing it to fit your style and brand. WordPress makes this process easy with the WordPress Customizer, where you can tweak your site’s look without coding. Here’s how you can use it to make your website stand out.

Using the WordPress Customizer

To start customizing your theme, log in to your WordPress dashboard. From the menu on the left, go to Appearance Customize. This will open the WordPress Customizer (Visual Customizer), a tool to change your theme and see results in real-time. You can modify your website’s design, layout, and even functionality without a single line of code.

Install WordPress Theme - Open WordPress Theme Customizer

Basic Customization Options: Colors, Fonts & Layout

One of the first things you’ll want to do is adjust your site’s colors and fonts to match your brand. In the Customizer are options to change your site’s primary color and font styles for headings and body text.

Many themes also let you adjust the layout; you can choose between different header and footer designs, sidebar placements, or even full-width pages. These basic options help you customize the look of your site.

Install WordPress Theme - Customize Your Theme

Add Widgets & Menus

Another important customization is widgets and menus. Widgets are small content blocks you can add to your site’s sidebar, footer, or other widget areas. For example, you can add a search bar, recent posts, or social media links.

To add or adjust widgets, go to the Widgets section in the Customizer. Similarly, you can create and edit menus in the Menus section. This lets you organize your site’s navigation, making it easy for visitors to find important pages like your blog or contact page.

Install WordPress Theme - Widgets and Menus Settings in WordPress Customizer

Preview Changes Before Making Them Live

One of the best features of the WordPress Customizer is that you can preview any changes you make before saving them. This means you can experiment with different designs, colors, and layouts without affecting your live website. Once you’re happy with how everything looks, click Publish to make the changes live for your visitors to see.

Install WordPress Theme - Publish Your Theme Customizations

This should help you understand that customizing your WordPress theme is a simple yet powerful way to make your website unique. With easy-to-use tools like the WordPress Customizer, you can adjust colors, fonts, layouts, and much more—all while seeing your changes instantly. Now you know how to customize your theme, you can give your website a personal touch that matches your brand!

Troubleshoot WordPress Theme Installation Issues

Sometimes, when you install WordPress theme, the process doesn’t go as smoothly as you’d like. But don’t worry! Most theme installation issues are easy to fix once you know what’s causing the problem. Here are some of the most common issues you might find and how to solve them.

The Theme is Missing a style.css Style Sheet

One of the most common errors during theme installation is seeing the message: “The theme is missing the style.css stylesheet”. This usually happens when you try to upload the wrong file. If you downloaded the theme from a third-party site, it’s possible you uploaded the full package, which contains extra files including documentation. 

To fix it, you need to unzip the package on your computer and look for the theme’s actual folder, which should contain a file called style.css. Zip that specific folder and upload it again through WordPress.

Broken or Incomplete Themes

Sometimes, after installing a theme, you might find that it doesn’t display correctly or looks broken. This could be because the theme wasn’t fully uploaded or because there’s a missing file.

If this occurs, delete the theme and upload it again to ensure everything is installed properly. If the issue continues, check the theme documentation or contact the developer for support.

Incompatibility With WordPress Versions

Some themes may not work properly if they are not compatible with your version of WordPress. This usually happens with older themes that haven’t been updated. To avoid this error or to fix it, always ensure your WordPress is updated to the latest version.

If your theme still doesn’t work, check to see if a newer version is available. If not, it might be time to find a different theme that’s better supported.

Tips for Avoiding Conflicts With Plugins 

Sometimes, a theme might not work well with certain plugins. These conflicts can cause your website to look or behave strangely.  Here’s how to avoid this: 

  • Always update your plugins and themes to their latest versions. 
  • If you notice an issue after activating a theme, try deactivating your plugins singly to see if a specific plugin is causing the conflict. 
  • Consider using well-known themes and plugins that developers regularly update and support. 
  • Avoid using too many plugins, as this increases the chances of conflicts.

By understanding these common problems and how to solve them, you can install WordPress theme smoothly. And remember, if you ever get stuck, WordPress has a large community ready to help, or you can contact the theme developer.

Strip Banner Text - Premium WordPress Hosting paired with endless customization options. [Get started]

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  1. Installing a WordPress theme is easy, even if you’re new to WordPress.
  2. Always create a backup for your website before making major changes, such as changing the theme.
  3. You can install WordPress theme directly from the WordPress Theme Directory with just a few clicks.
  4. If you download a theme from another website, you can upload and install it manually using the WordPress dashboard.
  5. Advanced users can use FTP to install WordPress theme by uploading the theme files to their website’s server.
  6. Always ensure your theme is responsive and works well on mobile devices.
  7. Choose themes that are fast, lightweight, and easy to customize without needing any coding.
  8. Regularly update your themes to keep your website secure and performing well.
  9. If you run into problems, troubleshooting common issues like missing files or plugin conflicts can help fix installation errors.

FAQs

Can I change my WordPress theme after installing it? 

Yes, you can change your WordPress theme at any time. To do this, go to WordPress dashboardAppearance Themes, and choose a new theme. However, switching themes may affect your site’s layout and design, so always check your website after activating a new theme to ensure everything looks good.

Will I lose my content if I change themes? 

No, changing your theme won’t delete your content. Your posts, pages, and media files will stay on your website. However, some theme-specific features like custom layouts or widgets may not carry over, so you may need to reconfigure these after switching to a new theme.

What’s the difference between free & premium themes? 

Free themes are available in the WordPress Theme Directory at no cost. They are great for beginners but might have limited customization options. Premium themes cost money but often include advanced features, regular updates, and customer support. Premium themes are ideal if you want more control over your site’s design and functionality.

How do I know if a theme is responsive? 

A responsive theme automatically adjusts to fit different screen sizes, like desktops, tablets, and phones. You can check if a theme is responsive by looking at its description or demo. Most modern WordPress themes are designed to be responsive, but it’s always good to test how it looks on different devices before committing.

What should I do if I get an error during theme installation? 

If you get an error, such as “missing style.css stylesheet” or “broken theme”, it usually means the theme wasn’t uploaded correctly. Double-check that you’re uploading the right file (a .zip file for most cases) or try reinstalling the theme. You can also contact the theme’s developer for support.

How many WordPress themes can I install on my website? 

You can install as many themes as you like, but only one theme can be active. You can switch between themes by going to Appearance Themes in your dashboard. Delete any unused themes to keep your site clean and reduce security risks.

Can I customize my theme without knowing how to code? 

Yes. Many WordPress themes include a customizer tool that allows you to change colors, fonts, and layouts without coding.

What happens if my theme isn’t compatible with my version of WordPress? 

If a theme isn’t compatible with your version of WordPress, it might not work correctly, or certain features may be broken. To avoid this, always check that your WordPress version is up to date. You can also check the theme’s description to ensure it is compatible with your version of WordPress.

Do I need to back up my website before installing a new theme? 

Yes, it’s always a good idea to back up your website before making any major changes, including installing a new theme. So, if anything goes wrong, you can restore your website to its previous state.

Can I use a theme from a third-party website? 

You can install WordPress theme from third-party websites by uploading the theme .zip file to WordPress. To do this, go to Appearance Themes Add New ThemeUpload Theme and select the .zip file from your computer. Ensure the theme you download is from a trusted source to avoid security risks.

WordPress Multisite Setup & Installation Guide

How To Configure WordPress Error Logs: Identify & Fix Issues

How to Fix the WordPress 500 Internal Server Error

How to Create a WordPress Landing Page: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Backup Your WordPress Site: A Comprehensive Guide