TL;DR: If I want to change my WordPress website design, I install a theme from the WordPress Theme Directory, a theme marketplace, or by uploading a .zip file via the WordPress dashboard. After I activate it, I use Customize, templates, and Page Editor settings to match my branding, layout, and functionality. I always create a backup and use a child theme before updates or modifications.
What Do I Actually Need to Know About WordPress Themes?
When I build a WordPress site, the theme controls the site design, layout, colors, fonts, styling, and overall user experience.
As you know, WordPress themes are essentially a collection of template files written in PHP, CSS, HTML, and JavaScript that define the appearance and functionality of my website.
A theme determines:
- How my pages look
- How content and images appear
- How visitors interact with my navigation
- My site’s performance and speed optimization
For example, lightweight themes like GeneratePress and Astra are known for strong performance, fast load time, and better page rank outcomes.
Where Do I Find WordPress Themes?
This is one of the most common questions I see.
Official directory (free themes)
I usually start with the WordPress Theme Directory inside the WordPress dashboard.
Path I follow:
WordPress admin → Appearance → Themes → Add New
Here I use:
- theme search bar
- Feature Filter
- tags
- layout format
- search criteria
Sometimes I browse:
- Featured Themes
- Most Popular Themes
- Latest Additions
These are reviewed under WordPress theme guidelines and available through the WordPress.org directory.
Premium themes (marketplaces)
If I need advanced features, support, and updates, I explore theme marketplaces like:
- Themeforest
- CSS Igniter
- StudioPress
These often include GPL themes compliant with the WordPress General Public License.
How Do I Install a WordPress Theme?
Let’s break it down.
Method 1: Install from WordPress dashboard
This is the simplest way I install a theme.
Steps I follow:
- Log into WordPress admin
- Go to Appearance → Themes
- Click Add New
- Search theme in Theme directory
- Click Install button
- Click Activate link
- Use Preview to review site design
Now I can preview site changes immediately.
Method 2: Upload a theme (.zip file)
If I download a theme from a developer:
- Download .zip file to my local computer
- Open Appearance → Themes
- Click Upload Theme
- Select file using Choose File
- Click Install Now
- Activate
This uses the theme uploader in the administration area.
Method 3: Install using FTP
I only use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) if I need manual control.
Tools required:
- FTP client
- Filezilla
- hostname
- username
- password
Upload path:
/root directory/wp-content/themes
Then I log into the control panel and activate the theme.
However, this method is best for advanced users, since mistakes can affect the server or bring the website offline.
How Do I Customize My Theme?
Once installed, I configure theme settings using:
Appearance → Customize
Here I adjust:
- colors
- fonts
- layout
- branding
- functionality
This ensures the theme aligns with my website goals, budget, and requirements.
How Do I Apply Templates to Pages?
When I open the Page Editor, I can assign templates using the Page Attributes box.
Steps:
- Open WordPress Page Editor
- Select template
- Click Preview
- Click Publish
Templates control pages, content structure, and site design consistency.
How Do I Safely Change WordPress Themes?
If I run an established WordPress site, changing themes is a major step.
Before switching themes, I always:
- Create a backup
- Check customization
- Test settings
- Review navigation
In addition, I use a child theme so modifications don’t overwrite parent theme files during updates.
A child theme inherits:
- styling
- functionality
- template files
This protects my customized pages.
Why Doesn’t My Theme Look Like the Demo?
I’ve seen this confusion many times.
The demo usually contains:
- example content
- images
- pages created by developer
When I install the theme, that content isn’t included I must add my own content and images.
How Do I Detect a WordPress Theme on Another Site?
If I find a design I like, I use ScanWP.
Steps:
- Enter domain
- Run scan
- Detect theme
- Identify CMS
A theme detector helps confirm whether the site uses WordPress.
Can I Create My Own WordPress Theme?
Yes — I can build a custom theme using:
- PHP
- CSS
- HTML
- JavaScript
Or I can hire a web developer.
A unique site built this way helps stand out from the competition.
Keeping Themes Updated
I always install updates because they improve:
- security
- SEO
- enhancements
- performance
However, updates can affect:
- settings
- templates
- customization
That’s why I rely on child themes.
To summarize
When I manage a WordPress website, the theme controls everything from design and layout to user experience, speed, and branding.
By installing themes via the WordPress dashboard, FTP, or uploading a .zip file, customizing them through Customize, applying templates, and protecting changes with a child theme, I can safely control my site’s appearance, functionality, and performance.