![\"what](\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/change-theme-resource1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn a nutshell, a WordPress theme is a visual template for your site. It can also add new features, but you\u2019ll mainly use a theme to determine how your site looks, before extending its functionality using plugins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually, you\u2019ll stick with the theme you\u2019ve chosen for a long time \u2013 it\u2019s not something you want to change on a whim. This is because specific design elements related to the theme will disappear once you make the switch, and you may need to do some work to get your site looking right again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, many WordPress users do change their active theme at some point, in order to introduce a fresh design or incorporate desired features. If that\u2019s something you’re thinking of doing, you\u2019ll want to choose your new theme carefully<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Picking the wrong theme can hamper your site\u2019s ability to reach its goals. Fortunately, choosing a solid option isn\u2019t hard. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll want to look for<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, you\u2019ll want to make sure the support channels available from the developer are top-notch, just in case you need assistance. Usually, the reviews and ratings for the theme will help to indicate the quality of its support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, you\u2019ll also want to ensure that the theme has been coded with Search Engine Optimization (SEO)<\/a> in mind, and that it\u2019s mobile-friendly. Fortunately, most themes now take both of these aspects into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we mentioned earlier, changing your theme isn\u2019t a one-step process. In fact, there are a number of aspects to consider<\/a> before getting started. You\u2019ll want to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, the more you do here to make sure every aspect of your site is unaffected by the change, the better the transition will go. So we\u2019d advise running a fine-tooth comb over your site, so you know everything will make the jump unharmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, let\u2019s talk about how to actually switch your WordPress theme. The steps are pretty simple, and we\u2019ll walk you through each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you do anything else, make sure you have a full site backup in place. This is absolutely vital, mainly because if something goes wrong, you\u2019ll have a clean restore point to work from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, we\u2019ve previously covered how to back up your site<\/a> in detail. In that article, we looked at a number of different methods that might work, depending on your expertise and resources. We\u2019d advise you to work through whichever technique is more convenient for you before moving onto the second step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you\u2019re ready to change your theme. To get started, head to Appearance<\/em> > Themes<\/em> within WordPress:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, you\u2019ll see a list of all your currently-installed themes. Your active theme will be clearly highlighted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What you do next depends on whether your new theme can be found in the WordPress Theme Directory<\/a>, or whether you\u2019ve bought a premium theme elsewhere. Regardless, click the Add New<\/em> button, and move on to the next phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To choose from the thousands of free themes that are available, simply search for one using the drop-down menus on the Add Themes<\/em> page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve bought a premium theme, on the other hand, you\u2019ll be provided with a ZIP file. This can be installed by using the Upload Theme<\/em> link on the same page, and then using the Choose File<\/em> dialog to locate the file:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Either way, once you\u2019ve found or uploaded your desired theme, you\u2019ll just need to click on the relevant Install<\/em> button. WordPress will work its magic, and you\u2019re almost done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final step is to activate your theme. For premium themes, you\u2019ll usually see an activation link on a confirmation screen, after the installation process is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If not, you can view all of your currently installed themes by heading back to the Appearance<\/em> > Themes<\/em> screen. To apply a new one, simply hover over it and click on the Activate<\/em> button:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once that\u2019s finished, you can check out your new theme on the front end of your site. It should be up and running, and looking pretty good. However, if there are any issues, you\u2019ll want to check out the next section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Changing your WordPress theme might not always go to plan. Here are two of the most common issues that can occur, along with how to rectify them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First up, the White Screen of Death (WSoD) is arguably the most frustrating error within WordPress. This is because you\u2019ll be faced with a blank screen, without any indication of what\u2019s wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, this error is due to a compatibility issue you haven\u2019t discovered yet. Fortunately, the fix is straightforward, albeit time-consuming. We\u2019ve actually covered how to resolve the WSoD<\/a> over on the Torque blog, so check out that article if you run into this error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Settings<\/em> > Permalinks<\/em> screen can help you solve many theme-switching issues, namely ugly URLs (i.e. those that use random character strings) and 404 errors. Admittedly, these problems are both usually associated with new installations, but we have seen them occur with theme changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that by navigating to the Permalinks screen, you can select a new, \u2018prettier\u2019 permalink structure<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re also seeing 404 errors after switching themes, simply clicking Save Changes<\/a> here and checking out your site again should resolve the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A quality and reliable WordPress host<\/a> is arguably the best foundation for your site, regardless of the theme you choose. Here at WP Engine<\/a>, we offer both that and a stellar support team. Plus, there are plenty of other WordPress tips and tricks<\/a> to be found in our Resource Center<\/a> \u2013 check it out for all manner of helpful tidbits!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Both themes and plugins are essential to the WordPress experience, and fortunately, they\u2019re relatively simple to install and use. However, changing your active theme isn\u2019t simply a matter of clicking a button. In fact, there\u2019s plenty to consider before you activate a new theme. For example, you\u2019ll need to select the theme you\u2019ll use carefully,…<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":200,"featured_media":145978,"template":"","resource-topic":[912,901],"resource-role":[896,906,897,899],"resource-type":[916],"class_list":["post-42034","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat to Look For in a Theme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Things to Do Before Switching Themes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How to Change Your WordPress Theme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Back up Your Site<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Navigate to Your WordPress Themes Section<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/change-theme-resource2.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"change](\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/change-theme-resource3.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 3: Install Your WordPress Theme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"install](\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/change-theme-resource4.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"changing](\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/change-theme-resource5.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 4: Activate Your New WordPress Theme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"activate](\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/change-theme-resource6.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMost Common Mistakes Made When Changing WordPress Themes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White Screen of Death<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Changing URLs and Everything 404s<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"fixing](\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/change-theme-resource7.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGet Support for More Common WordPress Questions from WP Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n