How To Create WordPress Child Theme? [in 2023]

Written by: Mark Coleman
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Have you ever made customizations to your WordPress theme, only to lose them when the theme is updated? Or maybe you want to experiment with design changes without affecting your live website? If so, creating a WordPress child theme is the solution you need.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what a child theme is and why and when you should create one.

We’ll also provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a WordPress child theme and offer solutions to common issues that may arise during the process.

As experts in WordPress development, we’ll share our knowledge and experience to help you create a customized website that meets your needs.

If you prefer to watch a video tutorial on how to Create WordPress Child Theme, check out this video tutorial:

How To Create WordPress Child Theme?

Here is how to create a WordPress child theme:

  1. Open your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Click on “Plugins” and then “Add New”.
  3. In the search box, type “Child Themify” and install the plugin.
  4. Activate the plugin.
  5. Go to “Appearance” and then “Themes”.
  6. Locate your current WordPress website theme, which in this case is 2021.
  7. Click on “View Theme Details”.
  8. Click the box that says “Create Child Theme”.
  9. Select your current theme.
  10. Name your child theme and click “Create Child Theme”.
  11. Your child theme has been created. Check it out.
  12. You will now see two similar themes, one being the parent theme and the other being the child theme.
  13. To activate the child theme, click on “Activate”.
  14. Your child theme has now been activated.

That’s it! You’ve successfully created a WordPress child theme.

Can’t Create WordPress Child Theme – How to fix it?

Creating a WordPress child theme is a great way to customize your website without losing any of the original theme’s functionality. However, sometimes the process of creating a child theme can be tricky. Here are a few possible solutions to fix the issue of not being able to create a WordPress child theme:

1. Check if your theme is compatible with child themes

Not all WordPress themes are compatible with child themes. Before attempting to create a child theme, make sure that your current theme supports it. You can check this information on the theme’s documentation or by contacting the theme developer.

2. Use a child theme plugin

If your current theme does not support child themes, you can use a plugin like Child Themify to create one. Simply install and activate the plugin, then follow the steps outlined in the tutorial to create your child theme.

3. Check file permissions

Sometimes file permissions can prevent you from creating a child theme. Make sure that you have the necessary permissions to create new files and folders in your WordPress directory. You can check this information with your hosting provider or through your FTP client.

4. Use a pre-made child theme

If you’re still having trouble creating a child theme, you can always use a pre-made one. There are many free and paid child themes available online that you can use to customize your website. Simply install the child theme like you would any other WordPress theme, and activate it.

In conclusion, creating a WordPress child theme is a useful way to customize your website. If you’re having trouble creating one, try one of the solutions outlined above. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll have a customized website in no time.

Why and When Should You Create WordPress Child Theme?

Creating a WordPress child theme is important for several reasons. Here are some of the reasons why and when you should create a WordPress child theme:

  • To preserve customizations: If you have made customizations to your WordPress theme, creating a child theme will ensure that those customizations are not lost when the parent theme is updated.
  • To make updates easier: When you create a child theme, you can make updates to the parent theme without worrying about losing any customizations you have made. This makes updating your theme much easier.
  • To improve website performance: A child theme can help improve the performance of your website by reducing the amount of code that needs to be loaded.
  • To add new functionality: You can use a child theme to add new functionality to your website without affecting the parent theme.
  • To experiment with design changes: If you want to experiment with design changes, a child theme is a great way to do it without affecting your live website.

Overall, creating a WordPress child theme is a great way to customize your website while still maintaining the functionality and stability of the parent theme. It’s easy to create a child theme, and it can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.

Conclusion – Create WordPress Child Theme

In summary, creating a WordPress child theme is a practical solution for preserving customizations, making updates easier, improving website performance, adding new functionality, and experimenting with design changes.

With the step-by-step tutorial and solutions to common issues provided in this blog post, you can create a child theme without any trouble.

As experts in WordPress development, we highly recommend creating a child theme to customize your website while ensuring its stability and functionality.

Don’t hesitate to try it out and see the difference it can make for your website’s design and performance.

Mark Coleman - HowTOBuildWebsites
Written by Mark Coleman


Mark Coleman is the founder of HowToBuildWebsites.org, which provides comprehensive tutorials on website builders like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, and Shopify. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a business degree, developing an interest in web design's changing landscape and website builders' potential.

Mark enjoys experimenting with new web technologies, refining his web development skills, and actively participating in web design and development communities.

Learn more about him and read his articles here on HowToBuildWebsites.org.

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