Below you will find instructions on how to install a WordPress theme using both your dashboard and by using an FTP program. I recommend that you read the instructions that came with your theme to decide which method to use. Using your dashboard is the easiest way.
[box type="info"] If you are using WordPress.com for your blog, you can only use the themes that they list under your dashboard. You will find that they offer both free and premium themes. You will need to follow the steps for “Installing Free Themes Listed on WordPress.org Using Your Dashboard” located below. [/box]
[learn_more caption="Free zip and ftp programs"] Need a program for unzipping files? 7zip for Windows is free. Know of a free program for Mac? Please post a comment below and let us know! Need an FTP program? Try Filezilla. It’s free for both Windows and Mac.[/learn_more]
A Note About Using Free Themes
I don’t recommend installing just any old free theme that you didn’t find on WordPress.org or WordPress.com. Anyone in the world can create a WordPress theme and some people just love to ruin your day with malicious code and unwanted links within the theme files. You may also run into sites that are not safe to even just browse around in.
I have a huge list of WordPress theme providers. And don’t forget to check my blog. I update it with new themes and plugins that come out, sales, coupon codes, tips and tricks and the like. You can also sign up for my newsletter and never miss a new post.
Installing Free Themes Listed on WordPress.org Using Your Dashboard
Go to your dashboard under Appearance > Themes and click on the Install Themes tab. Use the search feature to find the free theme that you wish to install. Once you find the theme you are looking for, you can simply click on the link titled Install under the picture of the theme. Confirm the installation once again.
Your new theme is now installed. If you are using WordPress.com, the theme is now active. If you host your own WordPress site, you need to activate it before you can use it. The screen you are now on will have the link titled Activate. If by chance you have navigated away from this page, don’t worry. Just go to Appearance > Themes. This page will give you a list of all the themes that are installed. Click on the Activate link for your new theme.
Installing a Theme Not Listed on WordPress.org Using Your Dashboard
If you want to use a theme that’s not listed under your dashboard, you will need to first download the zip file onto your computer and then upload it. Sometimes you will find that this zip file contains more than just the files for your theme. It may also come with instructions, PhotoShop file, etc. You will need to locate just the files for your theme for the installation process.
example of files for a WordPress theme
Sign into your WordPress dashboard and go to Appearance > Themes and click on the Install Themes tab. Now click on the Upload link. Browse your computer for your zip file and click on the Install Now button. If you received an error, please see below .
Once your theme is installed, you need to activate it. The screen you are now on will have the link titled Activate. If by chance you have navigated away from this page, don’t worry. Just go to Appearance > Themes. This page will give you a list of all the themes that are installed. Click on the Activate link for your new theme.
Read This If You Received an Error While Trying to Upload Your Theme Using Your Dashboard
If you purchased a theme and it came with source files (PhotoShop file, etc.) and you only received one zipped up file that contains everything, you’ll need to unzip that file first. Within it should be a separate zip file just for the theme.
If you’re still having problems, use the FTP method.
Installing a WordPress Theme Using an FTP Program
An FTP program is simply a program that allows you to upload a whole bunch of files all at once.
Unzip the file that you downloaded for your theme. Sometimes you will find that your theme came with other files, such as a PhotoShop file for editing your logo, etc.. If this is the case and everything came in one zip file, you will find your theme’s zip file within the zip file. You are looking for the zip file that contains your theme, and you want to unzip it.
example of files for a WordPress theme
You will now upload the entire folder that contains your theme’s files to the folder on your hosting account named wpcontent > themes.
example of files for a theme
