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Support Portal Home » Specialized Help » Technical » Wordpress » How to Install a WordPress Theme

How to Install a WordPress Theme

WordPress does allow you to download and use custom themes for your blog. If you would like to use a different WordPress theme for your blog web site, first of all you will have to download it to your local machine. You can search for a WordPress themes gallery online and download free themes.

To install a WordPress theme, log in to the WordPress Dashboard panel by using the admin username and password. The URL for the WordPress Dashboard panel is usually http://YOURDOMAIN.com/wp-admin. When you’re logged in, you should see an option “Appearance” on the left side control panel of the Dashboard.


You will see this screen below:
Install WordPress Theme
  1. To upload a wordpress theme make sure the directory is compressed in a ZIP format.
  2. Select the upload tab, select browse and select the file theme zip folder saved on your computer and select the upload button.
  3. If upload correctly the screen will look similar to the image below.  If it is successfully uploaded click on the activate button to activate the theme.
WordPress theme installed
NOTE: Not all WordPress themes are compatible with the newest version of WordPress. Make sure, before you install a theme, that it's compatible with your version of WordPress.

Problems? Read the "blank pages" related article.

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Article Comments

James Anderson
I recently tried to use sitebuilder and would like to return to using wordpress themes. How ca I do this?
Posted: November 19, 2009
HostGator
You may have overwritten those WP files. If you have a backup of your site from before publishing with Sitebuilder, we can help you restore the backup.

No backup?

My best suggestion is to rename index.html and index.htm (maybe to index-old.html and index-old.htm). Then refresh your site and see if it changes back to WordPress.

If not, try replacing your index.php file with a copy of the index.php file from a working WP blog.

If that does not work perfectly, then you will need to reinstall WordPress.
Posted: November 19, 2009
Chris
could you please tell me how to install wordpress at hostgator
Posted: December 2, 2009
HostGator
All you need to do is login to cPanel and scroll to the bottom. Click the Fantastico icon and then near the top of the list is Blogs > Wordpress.

Click to install the newest version and follow the setup steps. Extremely easy to do!
Posted: December 2, 2009
violet
I wanted to purchase Socrates theme but said i should have a wordpress 2.6+. How do I go about it? Hostgator was recommended by socratesthemes.
Thanks.
Posted: July 27, 2010
HostGator
All you need to do is login to cPanel and scroll to the bottom. Click the Fantastico icon and then near the top of the list is Blogs > Wordpress.

Click to install the newest version and follow the setup steps. Extremely easy to do!
Posted: July 29, 2010
Ken
I have loaded a WP theme to my account, but it appears that there is an error. Do I upload the entire zip file, or do I just upload the individual folders in the zip file? Also, how do I uninstall the theme to do a fresh install?
Posted: August 27, 2010
HostGator
You may upload the zip file and extract it using the cPanel File Manager. If that does not work, you can extract it on your computer first, then upload the entire structure.

To remove a theme, simply delete the folder you added from inside the 'themes' folder.
Posted: August 27, 2010
George_E
is the eStore WordPress them supported??
Posted: November 20, 2010
HostGator
All themes are compatible, but not all are recommended.

If your theme was causing load problems on the server, we would let you know.
Posted: November 24, 2010
HostGator
Thank you for your comments. Just a quick reminder that the comments on this page are not monitored by technical support staff, and that for support issues, it is best to contact us by live chat, phone or email so we can assist you right away.

Although comments are not monitored by technical support staff, they are moderated and read by technical writers. Comments will need to be approved by a moderator before appearing.

Our technical writers do read the comments periodically for the purposes of updating the articles, and do appreciate your feedback, suggestions and corrections to the articles themselves, as well as any suggestions or tips for readers of this article. However, support questions posted here are not guaranteed to be replied to in a timely manner or at all. For support issues, it is best to contact our support staff instead by live chat, email or phone.

Posted: December 13, 2011 (Global Reply)
Your comments help us keep the knowledge base updated. This is not a medium for support. If you have questions or need help, please contact us via email, phone or live chat for fast assistance.

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