How to install a theme in WordPress

Step 1

Log in to the WordPress admin dashboard

Firstly, you'll need to log in to the WordPress admin dashboard. To access the login screen, simply go to yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

At the login screen, enter your username and password into the fields provided, then click the button labelled 'Login'.

Step 2

Choose 'Appearance'

After logging in, you will be taken to the WordPress admin dashboard.

Use the navigation bar on the left-hand side of the screen, and choose 'Appearance'.

Step 3

Add new theme

The Themes screen lists all the themes currently installed on your WordPress website.

To install a new theme, click on the button labelled 'Add New'.

Step 4

Choosing a theme

On the add theme screen, you can browse popular and recommended themes, as well as search for something more specific using the 'Search themes' form.

When searching for a theme, you can either search with keywords related to the theme you are looking for or if you are searching for a specific theme, just search for its name.

Tips for choosing a theme: There are thousands of different WordPress themes to choose from, and whilst many of them are great, some are not. Themes that are no longer kept up-to-date can pose a security risk to your website.

If you are unsure which theme to choose, check how many downloads the theme has had, and look at reviews from previous customers. If a theme has had lots of downloads and lots of positive reviews, then it is more than likely a safe bet to install.

Step 5

Preview the theme

When deciding which theme to choose, you can view a preview by hovering over, and clicking on the button labelled 'Preview'.

Step 6

Install the theme

When you have found a theme you wish to use, simply click on the 'Install' button to begin installing the theme.

Step 7

Activating the theme

After the theme is installed, you then need to activate it. Firstly, return back to your themes screen by using the navigation bar on the left-hand side of the screen, and choose 'Appearance'.

Step 8

Live preview the theme

The theme screen will list all the themes you have installed on your site, including the theme you have just installed.

Before activating the theme, you can preview how your website will look by clicking 'Live Preview'.

Step 9

Activating the theme

If, after using Live Preview you wish to make the theme live, simply click 'Activate'. Once the theme has been activated, the appearance of your website will be updated.

Step 1

Choose 'Appearance'

If you wish to delete a theme, use the navigation bar on the left-hand side of the screen, and choose 'Appearance'.

Step 2

View theme details

Before you can delete a theme, you need to ensure it is not the active theme on your site.

After ensuring that the theme is not active, simply click on the 'Theme Details' button.

Step 3

Delete a theme

Clicking 'Theme Details' will open up an overlay for the theme. To delete the theme, click 'Delete' in the bottom right-hand corner, then if prompted click 'OK' to confirm the deletion.