How to Install a WordPress Theme (3 Easy Methods): A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking for how to install a WordPress theme?

WordPress themes are widely accessible (both for free and for money).

Whether creating a brand-new site or updating an existing one, WordPress themes make it quick and easy to add individuality.

Step-by-step instructions for installing a WordPress theme are provided in this article.

To help you select the one that works best for you, we’ll go over three ways to install a WordPress theme.

What is a WordPress Theme

A WordPress theme is the entire design of a website.

It contains every aspect of web design you might be familiar with, such as color schemes, headers, footers, and sidebars.

With WordPress themes, you can build an appealing online presence without starting from scratch.

What is a WordPress Template

A template is a page layout that is offered by a theme in WordPress terminology.

Simply put, the template is only a layout for a single page, not the entire website. A theme can have an unlimited number of templates when using WordPress.

A WordPress template defines the look and feel of a particular page on your WordPress website.

It differs from a WordPress theme in that a template can be used for a specific page, whereas a theme applies to the entire website.

How To Install A WordPress Theme

WordPress Themes can be installed in three ways: through the theme directory, uploading, or file transfer protocol (FTP).

Although the theme directory and ZIP method are simpler, installing over FTP is recommended for large themes, custom themes, or when the WordPress dashboard is not accessible.

Installing a WordPress Theme Through Theme Directory

You can look for and download a free WordPress theme from the theme directory on WordPress.

Here is the step-by-step process:

  • To get started, log into your WordPress account.
  • Navigate to Appearance > Themes.
Wordpress dashboard
  • Click “Add New” on the Themes page.
Add new

Simply enter the theme name you wish to use in the “Search theme” field.

For example, we looked for a well-known Responsive theme. One of the best WordPress themes, it offers 100+ starter templates and complete customization to simplify building websites.

  • Here, you can also Preview the whole theme before installing it.
  • Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
Search and click install

The theme installation will take some time. After it is finished, you will be notified that the installation was successful. 

  • Click “Activate” once completed.
Activate the theme

Installing a WordPress Theme By Uploading a ZIP File

The following are the fundamental steps for manually installing a zipped WordPress theme:

  • Start by downloading the theme’s.zip file you bought from a marketplace or a commercial theme store.
Download the theme
  • Log in to your WordPress site, and go to the Admin Dashboard.
  • Next, navigate to Appearance > Themes.
Appearance > theme
  • Click on “Add New” to install a new WordPress theme.
Add new
  • Next, click “Upload Theme.”
Upload theme
  • To insert a file, drag it into the area or click “Choose File” and use your operating system’s file browsing to find it.
  • To upload your WordPress theme, click the “Install Now” button.
Upload the file
  • Links to live preview or activate your theme will also be visible. Click “Activate” to begin using this theme on your WordPress website.
Activate the theme

You should now be able to see your new theme in action if you visit your website.

Installing a WordPress Theme via File-Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Another way of installing a WordPress theme is via FTP.

File Transfer Protocol is referred to as FTP. It is a standard method for moving files from your PC to your hosting account for your website. It can be compared to online file management.

You can use this software tool to log in and add or remove files from your website server.

Let’s see how it’s done.

  • First, install FTP Client on your computer.
  • Set up the FTP account.

Typically, you must create your own FTP user account within your hosting panel. However, the procedure varies depending on the hosting company.

You often receive a username and password from the hosting company when you create a new account, which you’ll need to create an FTP Client account.

  • Next, download the theme.zip file and unzip it.
  • Then, you need to connect to your WordPress hosting account using an FTP client. 
  • Provide host, username, password, and port, and click on “Quickconnect.”
Connect with FTP
  • Navigate to the “/wp-content/themes/” folder after connecting. 
Remote site
  • You’ll see folders for each of the active themes on your website.
  • Next, drag and drop the unzipped file into your website’s ‘themes’ folder.
  • Right-click on the file and then click “Upload.”
Upload the file
  • Once the theme has been uploaded, return to your WordPress dashboard. 
  • After that, click Appearance » Themes.
WordPress dashboard
  • The theme that you just uploaded should now be visible.
  • Hover your mouse over the theme and press the “Activate” button.
Acitvate the theme

Conclusion

This article helped you learn how to install a WordPress theme.

These methods will set up your website to draw in and convert visitors, regardless of whether you manually uploaded a premium or custom theme or located a free theme in the WordPress directory.

If you liked this article, don’t forget to check our other similar articles:

Are you ready to start building a WordPress website? Get the Responsive theme right away!

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