How to Install your Kadence Child Theme & Import Demo Content
Now that you have bought yourself a domain name and hosting, as described in the Before You Start section, we can move on to the next steps.
Step 1: Download Your Kadence Child Theme File
Locate Your Download Link: After purchasing your Kadence child theme, you’ll receive a download link either in your email or from your account on our website.
Download the File: Click the download link to save a .zip file (compressed file) to your computer. As just mentioned, this is a zipped file, which contains another .zip file, which is your new child theme. Double click the file and open zipped file. Inside you will see 2 files:
Your child theme is called Oasis.zip (don’t unzip it – it needs to be uploaded as a .zip file).
Remember where you save it—you’ll need it soon!
Step 2: Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard
Go to Your Website’s Dashboard: In your browser, go to your website’s address followed by /wp-admin (e.g., www.yoursite.com/wp-admin).
Log In: Enter your WordPress username and password to access your dashboard.
Step 3: Install the Kadence Parent Theme
Before installing the child theme, you need to install the parent Kadence theme.
Go to Themes: In your WordPress dashboard, hover over Appearance in the left sidebar, then click on Themes.
Add New: Click the Add New button at the top of the page.
Search for Kadence: In the search box, type “Kadence.” Once you see the Kadence theme in the results, click Install.
Do Not Activate: After the installation is complete, do not activate the Kadence theme. Just let it remain installed, as the child theme will inherit all the necessary functionality from it.
Step 4: Install the Kadence AI Starter Templates plugin and the Kadence Blocks – Gutenberg Blocks for Page Builder Features plugin
Next, you’ll need to install the Kadence AI Starter Templates plugin.
Go to Plugins: On the left sidebar, hover over Plugins, then click on Add New.
Search for Kadence Starter Templates: In the search bar, type “Kadence Starter Templates.” Click Install Now when you find it, then Activate the plugin.
Then, you’ll need to install the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks plugin.
Go to Plugins: On the left sidebar, hover over Plugins, then click on Add New.
Search for Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks: In the search bar, type “Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks.” Click Install Now when you find it, then Activate the plugin.
Step 5: Install the Kadence Child Theme
Now that the parent theme and plugin are installed, you can proceed with installing the child theme.
Navigate to Themes: Go back to Appearance > Themes.
Add New: Click the Add New button.
Upload Theme: Click the Upload Theme button at the top of the screen.
Select Your Child Theme File: Click Choose File, then locate and select the .zip file of your Kadence child theme that you downloaded earlier.
Install Now: Click Install Now, and WordPress will upload and install the child theme.
Activate: Once the installation is complete, click Activate to set your Kadence child theme as your website’s active theme.
This is a two step process – now you need to activate the Child Theme (this is the second activation).
Step 6: Activate the Child Theme
Navigate to Plugins
Underneath the Kadence Starter Templates plugin, you will see View Template Library – click on that link.
A screen with the image of your new Child Theme will appear – click anywhere on the image.
A new screen will open and you can click on Finish and Launch button. Your Child Theme will then be imported, which can take a few minutes.
When complete, you will see a Success message, and you are now ready to begin building your site.
Step 7: Import Demo Content (Optional)
If your child theme comes with demo content, you can import it to set up your website to look like the demo version.
Import Demo: In your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Kadence or follow any additional instructions provided by your theme’s settings to import demo content.
Troubleshooting Tips
“The link you followed has expired” Error: This may happen if the file you’re uploading is too large. You can try increasing your site’s upload limits or reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.
Theme Installation Fails: Make sure you’re uploading the correct .zip file for the child theme. It must be the one inside the first zipped folder.
That’s it! You’ve successfully installed your Kadence child theme, and you’re now ready for the next step in the process – to customise your your website.
