How to Install a Premium WordPress Theme
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When you first start working in WordPress (WP) the theme installation process can feel a bit intimidating. We’re here to walk you through the steps.
Let’s get started
The first thing to understand is that there are free and premium (paid) themes. Free themes can be selected from WordPress’ theme library, but premium themes need to be uploaded.
Free themes are often LITE versions of premium themes, to unlock the full potential of a theme you will need to purchase the premium license.
When you purchase a premium theme you will need to download the files onto your computer. The download will be a .zip file. No need to unpack it, you will want to leave it zipped up.
Dive into WordPress
Next, log in to your WP install >> in the WP menu on the left-hand side open the APPEARANCE menu >> then go to THEMES. On this page, you will see two buttons that say ADD NEW. Select either one, they both take you to the ADD THEMES page.
On the ADD THEMES page, you will see a list of free themes available from the WordPress library. In this case, we don’t want to use a free theme, we want to upload a premium theme. Click on the button near the top of the page that says UPLOAD THEME.
This will unfurl the UPLOAD THEME area and you will see the option to CHOOSE FILE. Choose the .zip file you purchased and downloaded to your computer earlier >> then click the INSTALL NOW button >> WordPress will do all the heavy lifting >> the last step is to click ACTIVATE.
Dependences are common
Please note, that most themes have dependencies on some plugins. It is not uncommon to have to pay for and install premium plugins to get the full functionality out of a theme.
For newbies to WordPress, this can sometimes feel like a GOT-YA. From a theme developer’s perspective, it makes a lot of sense to leverage well-built plugins to add much-loved functionality to their theme. It is very common to see slideshow and form plugins as dependencies in a theme. These are both very complex to develop and it makes a lot of sense to add this functionality via a plugin.
If you are shopping for a theme for your next website, stop by the LaLa Shop to check out LaLa Theme 4.
Additional Setup Required
Even though you have your theme installed there will typically be additional settings that need to be calibrated. Every WP theme and every business is structured a little differently, we recommend that you follow the instructions provided by the premium theme developer.