Finding WordPress Themes
It is recommended that you use the official WordPress Theme Directory. The Theme Directory contains only themes that have been checked by WordPress and only themes that are free to download.
Installing the Theme Using the Admin Panel
After finding a theme you like using the Theme Directory, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the installation instructions for the theme. This is because, while it is easy to add a theme, it may require more customization and setup to get the site to look the way you want it.
Once you have found a theme you would like to install and have familiarized yourself with the theme's installation considerations, you can add the theme using the WordPress Admin Panel:
- Log in to the WordPress Admin Panel
- In the left sidebar, hover over the Appearance option
- In the drop-down, click on Themes
- At the top of the Themes interface, click on the Add New button
- You will be taken to the WordPress Theme Directory. Browse through the available selection or use the search bar to search for specific themes
- When you have found a theme you like, hover over the theme's box and click Details & Preview. This will show you:
- a preview of the theme,
- a description,
- and (if available) reviews for the theme
- If you are interested in using the theme, click on the Install button in the top of the left sidebar
- You can choose to activate the theme now by clicking the Activate button that replaces the Install button.
If you choose not to activate the theme now, you can activate it later by following the steps below in the Activating Your Theme section.
Activating Your Theme
Installing a theme does not automatically set the theme to be your active theme. Additionally, you can have multiple themes installed at once, but only one theme will be active at any given time.
To see your installed themes and select an active theme, visit the WordPress Admin Panel:
- Log in to the WordPress Admin Panel
- In the left sidebar, hover over the Appearance option
- In the drop-down, click on Themes
- You will see a list of your installed themes
- Hover over the box of the theme you want to activate, then click the Activate button that appears
Your theme should now be activated. You will now be able to edit the theme from the Theme Editor interface. Your content will also now be organized with the new theme's style.