Can Anyone Explain the Very first Step In Creating A Directory In WordPress /wp-content/themes

6 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
  • |
Hello everyone! I' trying to create my first WordPress Child theme so that I can modify my chosen theme and not have the changes to that site erased by future theme updates. I'm interested in customizing both Twenty Ten and Weaver 2.0.

As anyone whose's seen my one previous posts might remember, I'm a near total "Nube", and as a result, every tutorial I've come across on this subject seems to begin with Step 2. In other words, the author assumes that I already know some stuff even though the tutorial claims to be for beginners. In this case, he/ they assume that I know how to create a directory in /wp-content/themes in which to put the .css file for the new Child theme. Well, dumb as it may seem, I don't.
I can follow everything from that point forward, but I can't get past that very first step so that I can begin. Again, I'm feeling not to bright! I do know how to create files and folders (directories) on my desktop, etc, but can't figure out how to access wp-content to insert new .css header, nor do I understand at which position it should be inserted.

Could surely use some help…wish I'd thought of coming here hours ago!……..Thanks GerryLee


P.S. Bosses host does not use cPanel
#creating #directory #explain #or wpcontent or themes #step #wordpress
  • Profile picture of the author danemorgan
    Without knowing what your host does you, almost to a certainty the best way is to use FTP software such as FileZilla - The free FTP solution

    beyond that, look around in whatever dashboard the host does utilise for something along the lines of file manager or webspace explorer...
    Signature
    Did you ever notice that “author” is the root of the word “authority“?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3779124].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author GerryLee
      Thanks danemorgan,

      I downloaded FileZilla in preparation for this....just wasn't quite sure of the steps immediately proceeding this even.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3779361].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    With your FTP connected to the server go to wp-content/themes/
    Now place your cursor on the right side (where the theme folders are) and right-click
    From the popup menu select Create directory
    Then name the directory to whatever you need...

    Done. Now you can upload anything in there.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3779505].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author GerryLee
      Istvan, thank you! You da Man! that was the simplest, most direct explanation that I've come across...you cut right to it. Even I can follow that! Maybe you you should write a book for people like me?

      Any way, thanks again. One other thing that I'm still uncertain about though; when I upload the Style.css file to that directory, will that file be automatically placed in the proper position to override Parent theme (rather than the reverse) or do I need to do something manually to insure proper placement?

      If you could clarify that for me, then I think I'd be good to go.

      Thanks again...GerryLee
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3783153].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
        Originally Posted by GerryLee View Post

        Any way, thanks again. One other thing that I'm still uncertain about though; when I upload the Style.css file to that directory, will that file be automatically placed in the proper position to override Parent theme (rather than the reverse) or do I need to do something manually to insure proper placement?
        I am bit confused by your question... but will try to clarify it.

        Child theme = a theme that basically uses the "parent" theme's layout and main features but modifies some of the elements through a new style.css file
        (Notice: the file names are CasESenSItiVe!!!)

        Every child theme MUST have its own folder under wp-content/themes/ and the only required file is the style.css (others are optional).

        On the top of the stylesheet you MUST have certain lines to make it to work:

        Code:
        /*
        Theme Name:     Twenty Ten Child
        Theme URI:      http: //example.com/
        Description:    Child theme for the Twenty Ten theme 
        Author:         Your name here
        Author URI:     http: //example.com/about/
        Template:       twentyten
        Version:        0.1.0
        */
        The key point here is the "Template: twentyten" line! That's how WP will know:
        a) take all the template files from the theme in the folder "twentyten"
        b) add/over-write what is there with the info from this child theme

        Now, that we have these 'small' details clarified once and for all... we need to understand the child themes behave just like any other theme: you MUST activate it (as you'd do with any theme) if you want to use it.

        Does this help?
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3783269].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author GerryLee
          Istvan, I can see how I might have confused you since I was already confused myself. It's obvious to me now that I misinterpreted this part.

          I was thinking that one of the steps involved inserted the style sheet header directly into the .css code. I guess I simply over-thought this and manufactured a step in my head that really doesn't apply.

          Thanks for straightening me out again, my friend...you're a valuable resource to have around!

          GerryLee
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3783340].message }}

Trending Topics