Theme

A WordPress theme is a set of files that controls how your website looks. It decides the layout, colors and fonts, along with the design of your header and footer.

Just like you can repaint a room without throwing out the furniture, you can switch themes without losing your posts and pages. Your content stays safe in the database.

What does a WordPress theme contain?

Every theme lives in its own folder inside /wp-content/themes/. Here are the files you will usually find there:

• style.css holds the theme name, version and main styles.
• Template files decide how posts, pages and archives are displayed. Classic themes use PHP files, while block themes use HTML files.
• functions.php adds features like menus and custom image sizes.
• theme.json stores colors, fonts and spacing, mostly in block themes.

Only one theme can be active at a time, but you can keep others installed and switch whenever you like.

Free vs. premium themes

The WordPress.org theme directory offers thousands of free themes, and each one is reviewed before it is listed. Premium themes cost money but usually come with extra designs, options and support. We recommend starting with a free, well-rated theme and upgrading only when you need a specific feature.

Every fresh WordPress install also comes with a default theme named after a year, such as Twenty Twenty-Five.

How to change your WordPress theme

1. First, go to Appearance → Themes in your dashboard.
2. Now, click Add New Theme and search for a theme you like.
3. Next, click Install under the theme.
4. Here, use Live Preview to see how your site looks with it.
5. Finally, click Activate to make it your site's theme.

For more ways, including uploading a ZIP file, see our guide on 3 methods to install WordPress themes.

Your theme is the face of your website, so pick it with care. So that's it. Share the theme you are using in the comment box below. We would love to know.