How can I edit a theme?

Warning: Changes directly to the theme CSS will be overwritten by automatic updates. 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 WP Child Theme Generator plugin.

How to use the WP Child Theme Generator plugin

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

2. Go to Appearance > Child Theme Gen.

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

4. Ensure that your child theme is activated. You can do this directly on the WP Child Theme Generator plugin screen by selecting the 'Create & Activate' option, or activate it later by navigating to Appearance > Themes.

5. To edit a child theme, go to Appearance > Theme File Editor.

6. Select which child theme and edit files as needed.

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.