3 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
3 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

What is a parent child theme?

by chubbsky
2 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
    • |
Hi, I've been using Wordpress for over a year now but I never did understand what a parent child theme is. I tried reading the explanation in wordpress.org but it just went over my head.

So far I know that you use a child theme to modify a parent theme. But why do you need to do that? Can I not just modify the parent theme?

I'm looking at buying a premium wordpress theme that says it supports child pages. So is that the same as a child theme? What do I need it for?

:confused:
#child #parent #theme
  • Profile picture of the author SDStudio
    A child theme lets you modify the functionality of the parent theme without touching the parent theme files. In this way you can upgrade the parent theme without losing your customizations. See this for more details: Child Themes « WordPress Codex
    Signature
    Need Roadside Assistance
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4180973].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Chris Mercer
    You can also think of it this way...

    A parent theme is the main default theme... defining all rules, styles and options.

    A child theme is a copy of that parent. It's basically identical, BUT...

    You can edit parts of the child theme to "override" whatever the parent says.

    If the Parent says to use Times New Roman as a font, but you setup the child to use Arial, then everything will be Arial.

    Why use a child theme? Why not just change the original (parent)?

    If you adjust the original theme and the author sends out an update later... your customization will disappear and you'll have to recode the theme again.

    If you leave the parent as is, then create and adjust a child theme... when the parent is updated... the child will be updated too. But your customization stays intact!

    If the parent was updated and the font changed to Tahoma, but your child was setup to keep it Arial... then it's Arial.

    The child settings will overrule the parent.

    Hope that helps!

    - Mercer
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4181095].message }}

Trending Topics