How can I edit a theme?

Warning: changes directly to the theme CSS will be overwritten with the automatic update. If you want the changes to be permanent, please follow the instructions below for creating a child theme.

Renaming the theme to prevent auto-updates

Download the theme from WordPress.org, unzip it, rename the folder, zip it, and upload it to your blog. Changing the theme folder name prevents it from auto-updating.

Creating a child theme to allow auto-updates on the parent

Creating a child theme is the only way the original theme can be updated and changes kept. The easiest way is to use the free Orbisius Child Theme Creator plugin.

How to use the Orbisius Child Theme Creator plugin

1. Log in to your WordPress blog, find and install the plugin.

2. Go to Appearance > Orbisius Child Theme Creator.

3. Pick which theme you want to create a child theme version and then click Create Child Theme.

4. To edit a child theme, go to Appearance > Orbisius Theme Editor.

5. Select which child theme and edit files as needed. If you want to edit or remove the footer links, select the footer.php file. Deleting everything in the file removes the footer links.

6. If you want to add customizations to the theme, select the style.css file.

7. The plugin also allows you to copy snippets from one theme to the other. This is relevant when you want to create a new child version with more theme changes.

8. You have the option to preview the changes first before hitting Save.

You see the changes you made when the child theme is active.

If something goes wrong, you can easily reset the theme with the Report Problem button.

Creating a child theme without plugins

Learn how to create a child theme on WordPress.org (or find a gig on Fiverr). When your child theme is done, upload it in the WordPress Themes menu.