Skip to content
IDX Cloud is live - deploy from Git in 30 secondsFree managed migration on every annual plan24/7 SupportIDX Cloud is live - deploy from Git in 30 secondsFree managed migration on every annual plan24/7 SupportIDX Cloud is live - deploy from Git in 30 secondsFree managed migration on every annual plan24/7 Support

Knowledge base

Search every guide

Why and how to use a child theme

Customise a theme without losing changes on update.

If you edit a theme's files directly, the next theme update overwrites your changes. A child theme holds your changes separately and inherits everything else from the parent.

  1. Many themes offer a ready-made child theme to download. Otherwise, create a folder in wp-content/themes (for example mytheme-child) with a style.css that starts:
/*
Theme Name: My Theme Child
Template: mytheme
*/
  1. Activate the child theme under Appearance → Themes.
  2. Put your custom CSS in its style.css and custom code in its functions.php.

Only need a few CSS tweaks? Appearance → Customize → Additional CSS is simpler and also survives updates.

Related articles

PreviousBuilding pages with ElementorNextStopping spam comments and fake sign-ups

Need a hand?

Can't find what you're looking for?

Reach us the way that suits you; our team is happy to help.

Open a support ticket

For technical problems and anything about your services. It goes straight to the right team.

Live chat

For quick questions, from the chat bubble at the bottom of the page.

WhatsApp

For quick questions and sales enquiries.