How to Create a WordPress Child Theme: Step-by-Step Guide [2025]

Want to make customizations to your WordPress theme without the risk of losing them during an update? Then you need a child theme. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn exactly what a child theme is, why you need one, and how to create one yourself.

What is a WordPress Child Theme?

A child theme is a theme that inherits the functionality and styling of another theme (the parent theme) but allows your own customizations without modifying the original theme.

How Does it Work?

• The child theme "inherits" everything from the parent theme
• Customizations in the child theme take precedence
• When the parent theme updates, your customizations are preserved
• You only need to create the files you want to modify

Step 1: Create the Child Theme Folder

Navigate to /wp-content/themes/ and create a new folder named [parent-theme-name]-child.

Step 2: Create style.css

Create a style.css file with the required header information including Theme Name and Template.

Step 3: Create functions.php

Create a functions.php file to properly enqueue parent and child stylesheets.

Step 4: Activate the Child Theme

Go to Appearance → Themes and activate your child theme.

Conclusion

A WordPress child theme is essential for anyone who wants to customize their theme safely. It protects your work from updates and keeps your code organized.