Installing and Activating Themes (Free vs. Premium)
Getting a Theme Onto Your Site
Installing a theme is one of the first customisation steps after setting up WordPress, and it can be done directly from the dashboard in a few clicks.
How to Install and Activate a Theme
- Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New to search the official WordPress theme repository by name, feature, or layout.
- Click Install on your chosen theme, then click Activate to make it live on your site immediately.
- For premium themes, upload the theme's .zip file via Appearance > Themes > Add New > Upload Theme, then activate it the same way.
Free vs. Premium Themes
Free themes are a great starting point for beginners and are reviewed for basic security and coding standards before listing.
Premium themes usually offer more design options, dedicated support, and regular updates, but come at a one-time or recurring cost.
| Aspect | Free Themes | Premium Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | One-time or subscription fee |
| Support | Community forums only | Dedicated developer support |
| Design options | Basic to moderate | Extensive, often with page builders |
| Updates | Depends on developer | Usually regular and reliable |
Once your theme is installed, the next step is shaping it to match your brand using the built-in Customizer.
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