A new theme gives your site a whole new look, and installing one takes a couple of minutes — no code involved. You can pick a free design from the WordPress Theme Directory, or upload a theme you already have.

## Before you start

- An Administrator account on your site — installing themes is an admin job.
- A theme's `.zip` file, if you'd rather upload one than browse the directory.

## Steps

### Step 1: Open the Themes screen

In the dashboard, open **Appearance** in the left-hand menu and choose **Themes**. Then click **Add Theme** next to the **Themes** heading — that's where the theme directory lives.

![Open the Themes screen](https://wordpress.supportpages.io/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6OTYwOSwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--f27f701ae585ec3b8fdd63f47069bd0fdef3000e/block_open-themes.png)

### Step 2: Find a theme you like

The **Add Themes** screen lists free themes from the WordPress Theme Directory. Type a name, style, or author into the **Search Themes** box — the results update as you type — or narrow the list with **Popular**, **Latest**, **Block Themes**, or **Feature Filter**. When you spot one you like, click **Install** on its card and WordPress downloads it for you.

![Find a theme you like](https://wordpress.supportpages.io/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6OTYwOCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--35e1f4bb257ef0336c301d1dd06f1617bb5d3f74/block_find-a-theme.png)

### Step 3: Or upload a theme file

Already have a theme as a `.zip` file? On the **Add Themes** screen, click **Upload Theme** at the top. Choose the file on your computer, then click **Install Now** and WordPress does the rest.

![Or upload a theme file](https://wordpress.supportpages.io/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6OTYxMCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--e4245c25deb38c64b3898ac44e0d439902cd2792/block_upload-a-theme.png)

## Tips

- Try before you switch: click **Details & Preview** on any card to see the theme with your own content.
- Themes in the WordPress Theme Directory are free and reviewed, which makes them a safe place to start.
- Only upload a `.zip` from a source you trust — a theme runs code on your site.
- Install as many themes as you like. Only the active one is what visitors see.

## Summary

Your new theme is installed and waiting. Open **Appearance** → **Themes** whenever you're ready to put it to work.