Are your files ready for upload?

Okay, you have purchased and downloaded your very first premium theme and can't wait to upload it and see it in action!

Well, hold on there HotShot! Calm yourself! :-)

First, you'll need to investigate the files within the download.

"But, Peej, WHY ????? I want it NOW!"

LOL!

Here's the thing. Some of the high-end theme providers will pack some documentation and other things within that downloaded file. Other things like PSD images that you can tweak and edit or the manual to help you get around and setup your new premium theme.

Sooooo, you need to know what the file structure of the .Zip file (compressed download) that WordPress is expecting BEFORE you attempt the upload. Otherwise, it will fail out of the gate and you'll be asking me (or WA support) "WHY? WHY? WHY?"

Step 1: Find your theme Zip file

First go to your download folder and Double-Click the Zip file you downloaded after purchase:

Depending on your Windows version (hopefully it's a later version) it will go into a "preview" type of mode and allow you to see the files within the compressed zip file.

Step 2: Inspect the folders within the Zip file

So then, you'll likely see this:

Yep, it's just a single folder with the name of the theme.

Step 3: Dive a little deeper

Next, double-click that folder!

Hopefully, you will see this:

THIS is the basic file structure of a WordPress theme.

THIS IS GOOD! You are ready to upload your shiny new theme into WordPress. Continue on.

But... IF you see something else within Step 2, it's likely NOT ready. Many times I have seen ANOTHER Zip file within the initially downloaded ZIP file. That one likely contains all of the theme files you need.

So, extract the file you downloaded. Look for the other ZIP file inside and be ready to upload That zip. file. Sure, you can inspect the insides and likely see the file structure of that secondary zip file and it should appear much like the file structure in the image above.

So, it was a zip within a zip. I hope that makes sense. This is where many beginners hit a snag.

Okay, now you have isolated the zip file you need to upload. Let's move on to WordPress!!! WOOHOO!