Child Theme Considerations

  • Greetings!

    What is the best strategy to migrate an existing WordPress theme to a child theme, if you do not have access to the original version of the parent theme?

    My theme has gone through several updates since I installed it. The theme does not support automated updates. I am now ready to update the theme. However, my theme has gone through numerous customizations by multiple WordPress techs! I know if I update, all those customizations are gone.

    So, what would be the best strategy for getting myself out of this situation? My thoughts…. (and I’m not entirely clear on the child theme process; I just know that it makes sense to implement a child theme)

    * I should create a folder named after my original theme (this will be the child theme folder)
    * I should copy all the theme files into that folder
    * I should create the child theme construct (style.css file)
    * I should have the child theme construct point to the new ChildTheme folder
    * (and now I’m stuck…aren’t I back to the same problem here?)

    Some solid advice would be greatly appreciated. Somewhere along the line, I thought I would have to go file-by-file, noting the differences, and then reproducing those differences in the child theme.

    Thank you.

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

  • if you do not have access to the original version of the parent theme?

    where did you download the original theme from?

    Thread Starter OneWill

    (@onewill)

    I downloaded the original version from ElegantThemes.

    I do not see a repository of previous files versions.

    I’m sorry but this is a commercial theme, you need to seek ask the theme’s vendors about it.

    Thread Starter OneWill

    (@onewill)

    Ahhh! I understand. ??

    I was speaking in general, as the question could apply to *any* theme.

    However, I understand from your answer that having the original version of the theme is essential.

    I guess I was looking more for theme strategy (how to) as opposed to theme support (in terms of a “problem” with the theme, itself)….

    Thank you very much for your time.

    I think your best bet is to re-name the theme in the style.css file and rename it’s folder to create a new standalone theme.

    Thread Starter OneWill

    (@onewill)

    Thank you esmi. I appreciate your advice….

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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