How to Create a Child Theme for Any Theme in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you want to customize your WordPress website without losing changes during theme updates, learning how to create a child theme for any theme in WordPress is essential. A child theme lets you safely tweak your site’s design and functionality while keeping your parent theme intact and updatable. In this guide, you’ll learn two foolproof methods—manual and plugin-based—to create a child theme for any WordPress theme. You’ll also discover tips, best practices, and where to find official child themes for popular themes.

What is a Child Theme in WordPress?

A WordPress child theme is a theme that inherits the functionality and styling of another theme, called the parent theme. With a child theme, you can add custom CSS, PHP functions, or even override template files—without ever touching the parent theme’s code. This means your changes are safe, even when the parent theme is updated.

Why Use a Child Theme? (Benefits)

• Safe Updates: Keep your customizations when the parent theme updates.
• Easy Customization: Add or override styles and functions without risk.
• Reversible: Disable the child theme to revert to the original design instantly.
• Organized: Keep your changes separate for easier troubleshooting.

Method 1: How to Create a Child Theme Manually

Best for: Users comfortable with basic file editing.

Step 1: Create the Child Theme Folder

• On your local machine, open File Explorer
• Create a new folder and name it by adding “-child” to your parent theme’s name. ( e.g., if your theme is called “generatepress,” name the folder “generatepress-child”)

Step 2: Add a style.css File

• Inside the child theme folder, create a file called style.css.
• Add this code at the top:

/*
Theme Name: GeneratePress Child
Template: generatepress
*/

• Replace GeneratePress Child and generatepress with your theme’s names.

Step 3: Add a functions.php File

• In the same folder, create a file named functions.php.
• Paste this code:

<?php
add_action('wp_enqueue_scripts', function() {
  wp_enqueue_style('parent-style', get_template_directory_uri() . '/style.css');
});

• Themes > Add New > Upload Theme in your WordPress dashboard.
• Upload the ZIP file and activate your child theme.

Method 2: How to Create a Child Theme Using a Plugin

Best for: Beginners or anyone who prefers a no-code solution.

Step 1: Install a Child Theme Generator Plugin

• Go to Plugins > Add New.
• Search for and install a plugin like Child Theme Configurator or Generate Child Theme.

Step 2: Generate the Child Theme

• Go to the plugin’s settings (usually under Tools > Child Themes).
• Select your parent theme.
• Enter a name for your child theme.
• Click Create Child Theme.

Step 3: Activate Your Child Theme

• Go to Appearance > Themes.
• Find your new child theme and click Activate.

Official Child Themes from Theme Developers

Did you know? Many popular themes offer official child themes for download on their websites. These are pre-built and optimized for their parent themes.
Always check your theme’s official site before creating your own child theme!

Examples:

• Astra Child Theme Download
• GeneratePress Child Theme
• WordPress.org Child Themes Documentation

Tips for Working with Child Themes

• Never edit parent theme files directly.
• Only copy template files you want to modify into your child theme folder.
• Test your site after activating your child theme to ensure everything works.
• Use a staging site for major changes.
• Keep your parent theme updated for security and new features.

Internal Links

• How to Install a WordPress Theme
• Beginner’s Guide to WordPress Customizer
• Best Free WordPress Themes for 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Creating a child theme for any WordPress theme is the safest way to customize your site. Whether you choose the manual method or an easy plugin, you’ll keep your changes safe and your site up-to-date. Don’t forget to check for official child themes from your theme provider—they’re often the quickest way to get started!