Once you’ve installed a new theme you’ll want to customize it to meet your needs. In many cases you can do that without touching the underlying code. This video shows you how to use the WordPress theme options to transform your theme into something unique. Choose an alternate color scheme, change the theme layout, and customize the header and background images — all without having to touch a line of HTML or CSS.
If you need help finding or installing a new theme, see our earlier video on using WordPress themes.
[...] learn more about customizing WordPress themes, be sure to watch the next video in this series. Share this:Facebook [...]
Hi Kirk,
I want to change the default wording of the tagline between the site title and the header but can only see how to retain or remove the tile itself and the tag line together. Could you advise me please.
Many thanks,
Tony
Hi Tony,
You can change the tagline wording in Settings -> General.
I have the Genesis/Metric theme. Is there a way I can edit background colors w/o CSS or Php. If I was able to understand the different sections of the pages then I could find the colors and use the proper codes in the CSS style sheets. Can you advise me.
Hi Grafton,
Unfortunately I don’t have a copy of the Metric theme to work with, so it’s difficult to give you specific directions. I would check the documentation for the Metric child theme. If there’s no information there I’d try asking Genesis support. They should be able to point you in the right direction.
I am considering ordering your training. I am new to word press and have a progammer that continually says things can not be done. My biggest issue right now is having an image being to the left of my copy on my first blog page. It wraps on the read more but not on front page. From what I have researched it is something that needs to be changed in the theme. Will this course show me how to access theme and modify for situations like this?
Thank you
Hi Michelle,
Sorry, the Essentials course doesn’t go into template modification. The range of skills required to do that (HTML, CSS, PHP, and occasionally JavaScript) are fairly advanced for the average non-technical user.
It’s likely I’ll be doing a new course specific to WordPress themes in the coming year (I realize that doesn’t help you right now). Please sign up for the mailing list if that’s something you’re interested in.
To answer your specific question, it shouldn’t be a problem to float your images to the left of your text on the home page. For a traditional blog-style WordPress site the home page layout is controlled by the index.php file.
Can I put my logo above the header?
@Jayne, which theme are you using? If Twenty Eleven, you’ll need to modify the header.php template file to put an image above the header block.
Hi Kirk,
Thanks, is there a template I can use that doesn’t need modifying?
Hi Jayne,
Yes, there are many themes that will let you do that. Take a look at this video on evaluating themes. It’ll give you some pointers on finding one that meets your needs:
http://wpapprentice.com/friends/finding-a-theme/
Kirk,
Thanks so much for your helpful course. Worth every penny!
How can I change the font size of the content inside my posts?
I think it is a little too small (without zooming in with my browser), as are about 90% of all web sites IMO. I find myself zooming in on almost every single web site I visit, even with my big new desktop screen.
I have googled this question and the results are not helpful.
Hi Kirk,
Just finished watching the Customizing Theme tutorial and found extremely helpful. I have one question. How do I add customized pictures to the random menu?
@Tonia,
Which random menu are you referring to? Is it a plugin?
How do I post math. terms in my wp-blog
There are a few different ways you can post math equations. You can use HTML entities (instructions for displaying more complex characters).
Here’s a list of math symbols supported by HTML. Note, you’ll have to switch the post editor to Text mode before entering these: http://www.w3schools.com/tags/ref_symbols.asp
If you trying to enter more complex equations you should consider using something like MathJax:
http://www.mathjax.org/
There’s also a WP plugin to enable MathJax on your site:
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/mathjax-latex/