If you’re new to WordPress, you might wonder if switching your theme will erase all the content you’ve worked hard to create. The good news? You can change your WordPress theme without losing your content! In this post, we’ll discuss what happens to your content when you change themes, what might look different, what could potentially go wrong, and how to prepare for a smooth theme transition.
What Stays the Same When You Change Themes
When you switch WordPress themes, your core content remains safe, including:
- Pages and Posts: All the articles, pages, and blog posts you’ve created are preserved.
- Media: Your images, videos, and other files stay in your media library.
- Comments: Any comments on your posts won’t disappear.
- Menus: Custom menus stay saved, although you might need to reassign them to new locations if your new theme has different menu options.
- Widgets: Your widgets will still be available, though their placement may change if the new theme has different widget areas.
What May Look Different After Changing Themes
While your content stays safe, changing themes often impacts the appearance and functionality of your site:
- Design and Layout: The new theme’s colours, fonts, and layout will replace your old design.
- Theme-Specific Settings: Custom fonts, colours, or layouts tied to your old theme might not carry over.
- Widgets Placement: You may need to reassign widgets if the new theme has different widget areas.
- Shortcodes and Theme-Specific Features: Some themes have built-in features or shortcodes (like sliders or portfolios) that may not work the same way on a new theme.
What Could Go Wrong When Changing Themes
Switching themes is generally straightforward, but there are some potential pitfalls to be aware of:
- Page Builder Conflicts: If you’ve built your pages using a specific page builder (like Elementor, WPBakery, or Divi), changing themes can sometimes lead to conflicts. Not all themes are compatible with every page builder, and your page layouts may break if the new theme doesn’t support your builder. This can result in missing sections, layout shifts, or design inconsistencies.
- Plugin Issues: Some plugins are tightly integrated with certain themes, providing unique features that won’t carry over with a new theme. For example, themes with built-in eCommerce or portfolio functionality might use custom code that doesn’t work with other themes, leading to broken features or missing elements on your site.
- Custom CSS and Styling: If you’ve added custom CSS to style specific elements on your site, these styles may not look the same in the new theme. You may need to tweak or rewrite custom CSS to match the new layout.
- Loss of Theme-Specific Features: Many themes come with unique features, like custom post types, sliders, or portfolios. When you switch themes, these features may disappear, leaving gaps or broken sections on your site.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Theme Change
A little preparation can make your theme switch smoother:
- Back Up Your Site: Always create a full backup before making big changes so you can easily restore your site if needed.
- Document Your Customisations: Keep a record of any custom settings, CSS, or theme-specific widgets you’re using.
- Preview the New Theme: Use the preview feature to see how your content will look in the new layout.
- Reassign Menus and Widgets: After activating the new theme, check Appearance > Menus and Appearance > Widgets to ensure everything is assigned correctly.
- Test Your Site: Check your pages, posts, and key features to make sure everything is displaying correctly.
Not Ready to DIY?
If the thought of changing your theme yourself feels overwhelming, you’re not alone! Theme changes can be complicated, especially if you’re managing an active site. Whether you’re short on time or simply want the peace of mind of knowing it’s done right, I’m here to help. Just reach out, and let’s bring your vision to life without the hassle.