Is a Child Theme Necessary If…

You only need a child theme if you are modifying theme files – i.e. style.css or any .php files. Theme options and plugins are safe.

As long as you do not amend any of the theme’s template files or its style.css file, you do not need a child theme. Plugins are independent of the theme.

A child theme is never necessary, but definitely is helpful in avoiding major problems down the road. If the theme author whos theme you are using sends out an update, and you update your theme, you will lose all customization unless you are working off a child theme.

A child theme is never necessary

I disagree. You should never edit the Twenty Thirteen theme as it is the current default WordPress theme and having access to an original, unedited, copy of the theme is vital in many situations.

I reposted this question from a few days back just to be certain I clarified that I’d be actually USING plugins (not just that I installed them) – my concern being that plugins modify the .css and/or .php files to create their magic. (I’ve still a lot to learn about wordpress and unsure on that point.) I am going to be using WordPress’s TwentyTwelve theme.

Seeing the replies above, we’ve already a difference of opinion. So back at you…if the ONLY thing I do is customize using the built-in theme options AND use various plugins, will my customizations to the site be lost during a TwentyTwelve upgrade or not? To clarify, I am not knowingly going into the .css or .php files on my own to make any customizations/changes. If that is happening, it would be via theme options and plugins only. I’m not brave enough or knowledgable enough to touch .css or .php files! ??

my concern being that plugins modify the .css and/or .php files to create their magic.

No – plugins do not modify any files. What they can do is load their own CSS which may impact on how the site is displayed but they do not amend the theme’s own CSS or its template files. You would have to do that manually.

will my customizations to the site be lost during a TwentyTwelve upgrade or not?

No – because you have not actually changed anything in the theme.

If you hack up twenty thirteen and never intend to update it, I don’t see any issues arising.

Of course I make backups and keep an original laying around. But to each his own, I suppose.

I also decide this on a per-project basis. I wouldn’t say I never use child themes, or that I always do.

I don’t see any issues arising.

Wait until you make a mistake, post here and are asked to revert to an unedited copy of the current default theme (2013) as part of the basic troubleshooting. In your case, you should be forking 2013 to create your own, new, standalone theme.

Ok, I see where you are coming from. I guess I need to get in to that habit

Sounding like regardless I should create a child theme to be absolutely safe. Everyone agrees?

Yes – I don’t see how it could possibly hurt.

Thank you everyone. You’ve all been very helpful and very prompt in replying to my plea for assistance.

I think I’ll dive into the child theme waters and see what happens. Wish me luck!

You can download a pre-made Twenty Twelve child theme from here, if that helps.

Brilliant! Thank you so much. Enjoy the rest of your day, esmi.

Glad I could help ??