Why You Should Create a Child Theme and Tips to Make It Easier [WordPress]

“Child theme allows you to modify, or add to the functionality of that parent theme. A child theme is the safest and easiest way to modify an existing theme, whether you want to make a few tiny changes or extensive changes.

1. What is the purpose of using a child theme in WordPress?
2. Why should I use a child theme?
3. Do you need a child theme?
4. Can you make a child theme of a child theme?
5. How do I activate a child theme?
6. What is a child theme vs parent theme?
7. Does WordPress need a child theme?
8. How do I make a child theme for OceanWP?
9. What is a child theme in Divi?
10. How can I create a theme?
11. What is a parent theme?
12. How do I create a child theme in WordPress?

What is the purpose of using a child theme in WordPress?

A child theme is an add-on for your existing WordPress theme

A child theme, as defined by the WordPress Codex, is a theme that “inherits the functionality and styling of another theme, called the parent theme.” Child themes are recommended to modify existing themes while still maintaining their design and code.

Why should I use a child theme?

A child theme built on a powerful theme framework allows a great deal of flexibility without writing a lot of code. You can selectively modify only the template files and functions that you need without going through other template files. You can add new functionality and much more.

Do you need a child theme?

But if you have nothing specific to change for the theme you are using, then no child theme is needed. And in fact, if you have some stuff in your child theme, it's more difficult to switch themes when you want to. Hopefully, you put any non-presentational code into a plugin, so that you can switch themes at will.

Can you make a child theme of a child theme?

You can't really create a "grandchild" theme in the normal sense - i.e make it the child theme of a child theme.

How do I activate a child theme?

Activate Your New Child Theme

To use your child theme, return to your WordPress dashboard and go to the Appearance > Themes tab. Inside, there should be one theme without a featured image — your child theme. Click on the Activate button next to the theme's name and open your website as you normally would.

What is a child theme vs parent theme?

A parent theme doesn't need a child theme to work, while the opposite isn't true. A child theme, on the other hand, works as an additional layer on top of the parent theme. It allows your developer to tweak, add, remove an existing WordPress theme without worrying about losing your customizations.

Does WordPress need a child theme?

The other biggie? the functions. php is the most popular file to change for custom functions or changes in certain WordPress core and/or theme functionality . . . but again, Child Themes are only if you absolutely need to incorporate changes to theme files. Child Themes are not always required.

How do I make a child theme for OceanWP?

Go to Theme Panel > Import/Export and export your settings in a . dat file and save on your computer. 2. Install and activate the OceanWP Child Theme.

What is a child theme in Divi?

A Divi child theme is an extension of the parent Divi theme and can have its own functions, styles, and design that is completely independent of the Divi theme. WordPress executes the child theme files first, so if you've customized your header, footer, sidebar, etc., those files execute instead of the parent theme.

How can I create a theme?

Creating new themes

1. Open the Theme dropdown menu near the top of the right side of the Theme Editor.
2. Click Create New Theme.
3. In the New Theme dialog, enter a name for the new theme.
4. In the Parent theme name list, click on the parent from which the theme inherits initial resources.

What is a parent theme?

A parent theme in WordPress is a theme that is declared parent by a another theme, child theme. ... The parent/child theme functionality allows users to easily upgrade their themes without worrying about losing any custom styling that they have added to their site.

How do I create a child theme in WordPress?

How to Create a Child Theme in Wordpress, Step by Step

1. Step 1: Create a child theme folder. ...
2. Step 2: Create a stylesheet for your child theme. ...
3. Step 3: Enqueue the parent and child themes' stylesheets. ...
4. Step 4: Install and activate your child theme. ...
5. Step 5: Customize your child theme.