Install and Activate new Magento Theme

Magento theme installation is quick and easy. This will be accomplished in just 3 simple steps.

Step 1: Download a Theme

Thousands of themes can be found with a simple Google search. Download the theme in zip format to your computer, and unzip it.

Step 2: Upload a Theme

After unzipping your theme, you’ll want to upload it to your web hosting server. Depending upon the Theme you choose you will see at least 2 folders.

/app
/skin

Note: Some themes include a /js folder as well.

Connect to your web host via FTP, and upload them to the root of your website.

Step 3: Activate your Theme

Now, login to your Magento admin panel and choose System -> Configuration from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. On the left menu click on “Design”. Click on the “Themes” header to expand the section.

You will see 5 fields:

• Translations
• Templates
• Skin (Images / CSS)
• Layout
• Default

These fields are where you will add your theme name. The first field “Translations”, is usually kept blank unless you are using an alternate language.

Lets say we downloaded a style named Blue, enter “blue” into the Templates, Skin, Layout, and Default fields and click Save Config. The name of the theme and the name you are entering in to each field will differ depending upon the theme you choose. Some themes will come with multiple colors so the fields may not all be the same name.

Now, go to the main page of your storefront, and admire your new theme!

Tags: design, developing, Magento, Tutorial, web