How To Create a Child WordPress Theme

If working with a WordPress theme that does not look or act the way one wants, it may be prudent to create a “child” theme. That way, if at any point the original theme developer releases a new version of the theme that includes bug fixes and / or new functionality, one can update the parent theme without overwriting customizations contained in the child theme.

Creating a child theme is not inherently hard. What can be a challenge is understanding how the parent theme is built so one is editing the proper files.

If ready to dive in and create a child theme, follow these steps:

  • Create a directory wp-content/themes to contain your theme
    • Create style.css file. Add information about the theme you are creating at the top of the file.

/* Theme Name: INSERT NAME OF YOUR THEME URI: INSERT LINK TO YOUR THEME ON THE WEB Author: INSERT YOUR or YOUR COMPANY'S NAME Author URI: INSERT LINK TO YOUR ONLINE PORTFOLIO or WEBSITE Description: INSERT A BRIEF DESCRIPTION ABOUT THE THEME Version: INSERT VERSION NUMBER Template: INSERT NAME OF PARENT THEME */

  • Create functions.php file and add the following code at the top of the file

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  • Create theme thumbnail (sized 1200 x 900 and named screenshot.png) and place in child theme folder (Optional step)
  • Activate the new theme by going to “Appearance >Themes” in the WordPress admin interface.

Additional Resources