Child Theme
A child theme is the safest and recommended way to modify the parent (main) theme files. This is a standard feature provided by WordPress.
It is not recommended to edit the main theme files directly. Any changes made to the parent theme files will be overwritten when the theme is updated.
Please note that support may not be provided for update-related issues if the main theme files have been modified.
When to Use a Child Theme
A child theme should be used when you need to modify or override files from the parent theme.
Common use cases include:
- Editing template files (PHP files)
- Adding custom functions to
functions.php - Modifying theme layouts or structure
- Overriding theme template files
All such modifications should be done in the child theme to prevent them from being lost during theme updates.
When a Child Theme is Not Required
You do not need a child theme for the following changes:
- Adding Custom CSS (can be added via Customizer → Additional CSS)
- Changing Theme Options / Customizer settings
- Creating or editing pages and posts
- Uploading images or media files
- Configuring plugins
These changes are stored in the WordPress database and will not be affected by theme updates.
The theme package includes a child theme in All files & documentation folder.
How to Install the Child Theme
Method 1: WordPress Admin Upload
- Upload and install the parent theme first (as described in the theme installation guide).
- Upload the child theme ZIP file as you would install any WordPress theme.
- Activate the child theme.
After installation, you will see two theme folders in:
/wp-content/themes/
- themename (parent theme)
- themename_child (child theme)
Make sure the child theme is activated.
Method 2: FTP Upload
- Upload the parent theme first.
- Upload the themename_child folder to:
/wp-content/themes/
You will then see two folders:
- themename (parent theme)
- themename_child (child theme)
Activate the child theme from Appearance → Themes in the WordPress admin panel.