How to create post excerpt for a complete newbie

Do not edit the Twenty Eleven theme. It is the default WordPress theme and having access to an unedited version of the theme is vital when dealing with a range of site issues. First create a child theme for your changes.

Thanks.

So, this is going to sound stupid, but how do I create a directory? I’m logged into cPanel, but haven’t a clue as to what to do next. Do I go under ‘file manager’ and create a new file?

Anyhow, lets assume I figure out how to create a new directory. What then?

Create the child theme & its folder on your computer using a plain text editor. Then upload the child’s folder to wp-content/themes using cPanel’s File Manager

Sorry, but I need more help. I created a file in notepad and saved it as style.css, following the instructions on the link you gave me. This is exactly what I put in that file:

/*
Theme Name:     Twenty Eleven Child
Theme URI:      https://logcabincooking.com
Description:    Child theme for the Twenty Eleven theme
Author:         Annie
Author URI:     https://logcabincooking.com
Template:       twentyeleven
Version:        0.1.0
*/

@import url("../twentyeleven/style.css");

#site-title a {
    color: #009900;
}

I uploaded that file into a child theme directory I created in cPanel. Now all I have is a directory with a notepad file in it. I previewed the theme from my wordpress dashboard—> themes, but not everything shows up. No sidebar, for example. Apparently not everything is copied over, and I don’t know how to fix this.

Also, how would I go about editing things in a child theme? If I go in through cPanel, all there is to edit is that short style sheet. Or, when you guys talk about editing things in the theme is this done from within the wordpress dashboard, or is it done through cPanel? I know that is a basic question, but I seriously have no idea.

Thanks.

Hi Annie,
Creating the folder in /wp-content/themes/ the theme name should be lowercase and no spaces.

/wp-content/themes/twentyeleven-child/
not
/wp-content/themes/twenty eleven child/

If this is correct then you should be able to Activate and see the theme.

I have today written a post about a child theme plugin, which is not mine and I have no affiliation to the plugin.

Part of this post for beginners is about Changing a Style about halfway down the post and adding a text tagline in the footer.

Have a look and see if this post helps?

David

Hello AnnieInItaly,
for you first post – you do all right use the ‘More’ button from within the post editor that it should cut off my post where I want it to.
for your second issue – as i understand you want to set a new theme for your wp, you can use few ways for this. most simple for you will be – go
in your installed wp panel , select Appearance, next select tab “Install Themes” and there you can search , select newest… any theme.
near theme is a link “install”, (click on it) next “install now”, after this you will be asking you host ftp settins.
in your ftp setting i recomend to use on host name you host IP.
when you click proceed Wp engine will upload your selected theme.
next step- you will se process lines and when it will be done a link “activate” , activate this theme. done. you wp use new, installed now, theme.

Also, if for any reason, you cant install new theme within WP engine you can upload a new theme using you hosting panel file manager.
in you File manager go to folder where you install wp engine>next wp-content(folder)>themes(folder)/// in this folder you need to upload a new theme, entire new theme folder.
after you upload new theme activate it your wp panel >appearance

Or, when you guys talk about editing things in the theme is this done from within the wordpress dashboard, or is it done through cPanel? I

you can edit and within wp dashbord/ but for this you need to set to all theme file 666 rules/// whitin you hosting file manager or ftp client you use. If is set to 666 you will see in theme editor button “update file”

I hope I help you

Hi Annie,
Excerpts More Tag will work with the twenty eleven theme, have you tested that?

Also there is a post area for creating a custom excerpt in the post ;Screen Options’

Excepts Explained!

Woo Themes are back up and running!

David

Thanks! I’ve figured it out for the most part now.

I think part of the issue is that the ‘more’ tag wasn’t working…I’d put it in, and the whole post would still show up. I tried it again today, and it worked. I guess there was a temporary glitch in the system or something. But now I’ve figured out how to work with child themes, so I guess it worked out for the best.

I like how you write your tutorials, Digital Raindrops. The step by step nature of them is really helpful for someone like me! I have done a lot mathematical programming, but anything to do with web design is new to me, so I appreciate the help.