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Alex
Alex

Posted on • Originally published at smashingthemes.com

How to Install a WordPress Theme

Congrats!! You have purchased a new WordPress theme!! Now what?

The next steps are to Install the WordPress theme in your WordPress repository.

I will show you How to Install a WordPress theme.

Step 1: Download the Zip File

Once you have made your purchase, you will get sent a link. The link contains the theme file. The theme file will need to get uploaded onto WordPress.

Step 2: Go to WordPress

The next step to install the WordPress theme is to go to your WordPress repository.

As you log in you will get brought to your WordPress dashboard. On the left-hand side is a navigation bar. Click on "Appearance." Once you click on "Appearance," you will see the "Themes" page. This page lists every theme that has gotten uploaded to your WordPress website. If this is a fresh WordPress install, at least one free theme will be there. But no premium themes.

Step 3: Add New Theme

The Themes page of a WordPress site

Then, on the "Themes" page, click the Add New button at the top of the page.

Next, without moving your mouse or cursor, click on "Upload Theme." A form will show up. The form prompts you to upload your zip file for the theme. Click "Choose File" and upload the theme file. After uploading, click Install Now button. 

Step 4: Customize

Now, you have officially installed your new WordPress theme. 

After the theme gets uploaded, you have three options.

The Page you are sent to after uploading a WordPress theme

Live Preview

The "Live Preview" option will take you to the customize tab, where you can make changes. In Live Preview, you see the new theme with your current elements. You will have the option to change the header image, header menu, or footer menu, to name a few.

Once the changes you have made satisfy you, click Activate & Publish. Your new theme will become active.

Activate

The second option after uploading the theme is "Activate" without making any edits. After clicking the Activate button, you will get sent back to the "Themes."

Go to Themes Page

The final option, "Go to Themes Page," will take you to the "Themes" page. Clicking this does not install your new WordPress theme.

Final Step

Congrats!! Your new WordPress theme has gotten installed. The final step is to have fun with it!!

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