You’ll see a number of completely different components to the web page right here:
- There may be (after all) a gallery of thumbnails for every theme within the listing.
- The themes you have already got out there to you’ll present the inexperienced “Put in” bar.
- There’s a header bar on the prime that permits you to filter the record of themes to slim down your choice.
The latter warrants a fast dialogue.
Filtering the themes record
For those who have a look, you’ll see plenty of alternative ways to filter the theme record. For those who already know which theme you need, you’ll be able to seek for it by title. In any other case, you should use the filters that can assist you browse the 4,700+ themes which can be out there at WordPress.org

You’ll see a determine for what number of themes the filter consists of, and tabs for the most well-liked themes, the most recent additions to the listing, and an inventory of your favorites. For the latter, you’ll be able to solely designate favorites from the browser model of the Theme Listing.
For the final two choices, you’ve a search bar – which is self-explanatory – and a characteristic filter menu. This offers you a number of completely different checkboxes primarily based on the includes a theme can have. This manner, you’ll be able to slim down your search primarily based on (for instance) whether or not it fits eCommerce purposes or makes use of a three-column structure:

You’ll find your chosen theme utilizing these completely different filters. To put in one, hover over the thumbnail and click on the blue Set up button:

👉 Word you can additionally preview the theme too, utilizing the Preview button or just clicking the thumbnail. This can carry up a number of extra particulars in regards to the theme, together with how it will look on a typical web site:

From right here, you’ll be able to set up your chosen theme.
Putting in your theme
When you click on the Set up button, WordPress will do its factor and the button will change to learn, “Activate“. You’ll additionally discover that the thumbnail beneficial properties the inexperienced “Put in” bar. For those who click on Activate, WordPress will make this your present major theme:

From right here, WordPress will ship you again to the principle Themes web page, and also you’ll see a affirmation that your new theme is reside:

For those who browse to your website’s preview, you’ll see that it now makes use of your new theme.
2. How one can set up WordPress theme from ZIP file
The WordPress Theme Listing solely handles free themes that the Theme Review team vets and approves. Nonetheless, in lots of instances, you’ll wish to select a premium theme. In these instances, you’ll be able to’t use the WordPress interface since you’ll obtain a ZIP file from the developer. As such, you should use one other easy approach to set up your WordPress theme.
For this, you’ll return to Look → Themes web page and click on the Add New button. Nonetheless, this time, you’ll forgo the record of free themes and click on the Add Theme button on the prime of the display:

This can open a devoted uploader, which is able to allow you to set up a WordPress theme from ZIP file. That is the format most premium themes will are available in. In reality, free themes come on this format too, however the built-in interface handles the method for the Theme Listing.
For those who bought a premium theme, you must have the ability to obtain the ZIP file from the place the place you bought the theme. For those who can’t discover it, you’ll be able to attain out to the corporate or market from which you bought the theme or seek the advice of their help documentation.

From right here, you’ll wish to click on the button to find the ZIP file in your laptop, then click on the Set up Now button:

You’ll subsequent see a rundown of what WordPress does to put in a theme, at which level, you’ll wish to click on the Activate hyperlink:

This can once more take you again to the principle Themes display, and also you’ll see your present theme change accordingly.
3. How one can set up WordPress theme through SFTP
On uncommon events, you received’t have the ability to use the dashboard interface or the theme uploader dialog. That is usually resulting from a problem along with your WordPress set up, the place you’ll be able to’t entry your website in any respect. Relying on the error, it may imply that you just’ll want to put in a theme with out utilizing the traditional channels.
Fortuitously, there’s a 3rd approach to set up a WordPress theme – utilizing Safe File Switch Protocol (SFTP). It is a means to hook up with on-line servers and transfer recordsdata round utilizing a devoted app.
How WordPress themes enable you with setup
As soon as you put in your theme, you’ll be able to customise it. Nonetheless, this could usually be an amazing step if it’s new to you, otherwise you don’t perceive what a theme will supply within the field.
To assist with this, many builders present setup wizards or screens that can assist you. There are sometimes plenty of factors to examine off, ensuring you’ve optimized the theme for long-term use. For instance, Neve consists of its personal Welcome display:

You’ll see varied completely different implementations relying on the theme you select. Nonetheless, it’s a good suggestion to run by means of these steps as a result of that means you received’t miss out on optimizing some important functionalities your theme provides.
Two fast notes about WordPress themes
Earlier than we wrap up, let’s rapidly contact on two different key particulars for working with WordPress themes. 👇
Some themes use plugins for premium options
These days, many theme builders use an strategy the place they provide a free model of the theme at WordPress.org after which promote a premium model with extra options.
Nonetheless, the best way that many builders do that generally is a little tough as a result of the premium options often come within the type of a plugin, not a theme.
For instance, take into account the Neve theme. The free model of the Neve theme is listed at WordPress.org. If you are going to buy Neve PRO, you’ll get entry to a plugin you can set up alongside that free theme so as to add the brand new options.
So – should you’re having points putting in a premium theme that you just bought, just remember to aren’t making an attempt to put in the premium add-on plugin like a standard theme.
Little one themes are vital for customized code edits
This final one received’t apply to most WordPress customers, so most individuals received’t should observe this.
Nonetheless, should you ever plan to make edits on to the code of your theme, you’ll wish to create a baby theme earlier than making these adjustments to the theme’s recordsdata.
A toddler theme is basically a foolproof clone of your theme, one you can make adjustments to as a lot as you want with out concern. The implementation has some technical components to it to be able to perceive the way it works. Nonetheless, on your sanity, take into account it one thing you’ll be able to construct on prime of, whereas the theme itself doesn’t change.
⌛ We cowl this subject in-depth throughout on the Themeisle blog, so have a look and just remember to create your personal baby theme should you ever plan to edit your theme’s code.
Set up your WordPress theme at the moment
With out site visitors, your WordPress web site received’t have a lot objective. One approach to entice new site visitors is with a professional-looking structure and design. Subsequently, a great WordPress theme is essential, and there are hundreds to select from. Each free and premium choices exist – generally a theme will cowl each, such as Neve.
Given the significance of how your website seems, the platform gives flexibility in terms of how one can set up a WordPress theme.
For most individuals, you’ll be able to set up your theme immediately from the WordPress dashboard:
- If the theme is listed at WordPress.org, you’ll be able to set up it by trying to find its title and clicking the set up button.
- For those who bought a premium theme, you’ll be able to set up it by importing the zip file to the theme installer.
ℹ️ Nonetheless, if you want to head across the again approach to set up a theme for no matter motive, you are able to do so utilizing SFTP. From there, you’ll be able to run by means of your theme’s setup process, however keep in mind to create a baby theme should you’re going to edit your theme’s code immediately.
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Do you’ve any questions on how one can set up a WordPress theme? Ask away within the feedback part beneath!