We use cookies to ensure you can get the best experience on our site. If you keep using this site we assume that you agree to our use of cookies. Privacy Policy OK

How to install WordPress Theme

by | March 28, 2017

Summary on How to Install WordPress Theme

There are two main methods to install a WordPress theme:

1. You could use the integrated theme search engine.
Go to Appearance->Themes->Add New now choose from the presented options.

2. You could upload a theme you’ve downloaded or purchased from a third party theme provider.
Go to Appearance->Themes->Add New->Upload Theme; Choose the theme file, located on your computer.

Choosing and Installing a theme essential step on the way of starting a website with WordPress. This is so, primarily because the theme you choose will determine not only the general look of your website, and thus, the feel that your brand will create in people’s minds. What is more, some themes have specific functions that others lack.  

When you are choosing a WordPress theme, choose wisely.

Whichever theme you’ve chosen, here is how to install it.

Method 1: Installing a WordPress Theme from the WordPress.org Theme Directory

Step 1: Enter the Theme Options

This step is the common ground between the two main methods. You have to enter the theme options.

To do this you can, again, take to different approaches.

You can either hover the mouse pointer over the Appearance button, then choose Themes(as shown in the image below). Or just click on Appearance. 

You’ll get the same result either way.

How to Install A WordPress Theme

Step 2: Add New Theme

Now, you’ll be able to see all the themes that have been already installed. If you are coming here for the first time, they should be only the two or three basic themes. WordPress install them automatically.

Click on the Add New button above the other themes.

Or, of course, you can click on the huge Add New Theme button.

You will be given a list of themes. And again, you are presented with two options to choose from:

  1.  You can use the search field and type the name or the purpose you want the theme to have. The purpose could be something like News or Business. The results you will receive are from the WordPress.org theme directory. If you find what you are looking for hover over the theme image you like. Again, you will be presented a number of options. You can either preview the theme or just click install. Wait for the installation to finish and click Activate. 
  2. Also, you can find a theme by using the Featured, Popular, Latest, Favorites or the Feature Filter sections.  For example, you can search for NewsTwo columns theme that supports Post Formats. Simply check those tags and press the Apply Filters button.

In the filter results, you will see all the themes from the WordPress.org theme directory that meet your criteria. As we already covered – Find what you like -> Hover over it -> Click Install -> Click Activate.

WordPress Theme

That’s all – you can go to the front page of your site to see how it looks!

Method 2: Manually Uploading a Theme From Your Computer

Step 1: Enter the Theme Options

Let’s say you’ve bought a theme, or downloaded one from a third-party theme provider. To upload it to your site, you have to go to Themes. Then click Add New. This is the same as the first step from the previous method. Even without moving the mouse, you can click on Upload Theme.

Upload WordPress Theme

Step 2: Upload the Chosen Theme

A menu will show. Click the Choose File button, select the archive of your theme from your computer and press the Install Now button. WordPress will finish the operation automatically for you. Just click Activate afterward.

Upload WordPress Themes

Installing WordPress Theme

That’s all you need to know on how to install a WordPress theme!

Here is the WordPress Theme Options Tutorial.

Related Posts

How to Uninstall a Plugin in WordPress

In this tutorial, we will explore the possibilities to properly uninstall a plugin in a WordPress website. The reasons for removing a plugin in WordPress...

How to Underscore Text in WordPress

When creating an article, there are some words or even paragraphs that you might want to stand out from the rest of the text. Of course, you can always...

How to Format Text in WordPress (using the WYSIWYG)

Starting a blog could be a stressful experience. On the other hand, if you know what you are doing, you will be able to just focus on the content. And...

awardspace logo
Where Ideas Turn Into Websites