Installing and Activating Plugins
Adding Functionality with Plugins
Plugins let you add features to your site without writing custom code, from contact forms to full e-commerce systems.
How to Install and Activate a Plugin
- Go to Plugins > Add New and search the official repository by name or keyword.
- Click Install Now on your chosen plugin, then click Activate to enable it on your site.
- For premium or third-party plugins, use Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin to upload the .zip file, then activate it.
Best Practices Before Installing
Check a plugin's rating, number of active installs, and last update date before installing it.
Avoid installing too many plugins at once, since each one can affect site speed and increase potential conflicts.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Search | Plugins > Add New |
| Install | Click Install Now |
| Activate | Click Activate |
| Upload (premium) | Add New > Upload Plugin > choose .zip |
Now that installation is clear, let's look at which plugins are genuinely worth having, and how to troubleshoot common plugin issues.
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