How to Change a WordPress Theme on a Self-Hosted Site
When you first set up your self-hosted WordPress site, it comes with a default theme that’s automatically installed and activated. You can change this to any theme you want. There’s also no limit to how many times you can change your theme or how many themes you can upload to the backend of your site (with respect to your hosting plan’s limitations, of course).
How to Use a Premium Theme From a Third-Party Site
If you have a budget for a premium theme and want to look for one from a third-party developer website, you will have to purchase the theme first. Once purchased, you’ll be provided with instructions on how to download the theme as a ZIP file.
The WordPress.org Theme Directory (online or from within the dashboard of your site). A WordPress developer website (like Theme Forest, Elegant Themes, Template Monster, etc.) A WordPress developer who builds a custom WordPress theme for you.
Themes included in the WordPress.org Theme Directory are available to use for free. Developer websites might have theme libraries that include a combination of free and premium themes, however most of them are often premium (meaning they must be purchased).
How to Change a WordPress Theme on a WordPress.com Site
Unlike themes you install on a self-hosted WordPress site, you can’t just do whatever you want with a WordPress.com theme. On a self-hosted site, you have access to each and every file included in the theme, plus the freedom to change any of its code. On a WordPress.com site, you’re restricted from accessing theme files and therefore are limited to the customization options provided to you only through your dashboard.
More About WordPress
WordPress is one of the most popular platforms used online today to build all kinds of websites. If you have a WordPress site, there are countless themes available you can download and install to make the design of your site look just the way you want. There are two types of WordPress sites: self-hosted sites using WordPress.org and WordPress-hosted sites using WordPress.com. You can change your theme on both platforms, but you have much more freedom and options with a self-hosted WordPress site compared to a WordPress.com site.
