You Don't Need A WordPress Child Theme Most Likely - Here's Why

[@ltbaxter]

It was hilarious to see this video come up as next video after watching your video on how to make a child theme :)

[@WPCrafter]

Thanks for watching Larry Baxter!

[@SkyWaray]

Exactly! Now I'm confused, I don't know what to do with my life. I'm gonna start drinking now

[@thanvirmohammed8973]

Same

[@christianlecuyer6380]

Great video Adam, I watch you channel at night on my smart TV just like any other tv show... I did not think that one day I would prefer KZbin channel to standard TV. I learn so much that I want more :) Keep up the awesome content.

[@WPCrafter]

I am very close to making some of the content into a podcast as well. The last few Friday videos have been me practicing.

[@davidmerel]

x2 :D

[@EricaDyson]

Great advice. This has been bugging me for a while, not really understanding what I needed to know and what I didn't! Now it's clear! Thanks a lot! A double thumbs up!

[@staceycummings5361]

Your videos are fantastic. I just started a blog (not even published yet, just setting up my WP site) and if it weren't for your comprehensive library of WP topics, I would have been totally lost. And I still am lost at times, but every question I come up against, I come here first!! Awesome!!

[@thekartikahuja]

Exactly what I needed to hear! Thanks, Adam for this wonderful video, cannot thank you enough for the content and knowledge bombs you drop! Your videos make life a lot simpler. Glad to see that Child Themes can be added in the later point of the time.

[@WPCrafter]

Thank you Kartik Ahuja, I appreciate your kind words and support!

[@MichaelsPaintingChannel]

So cool, this really calms me down.. I always was thinking if I need really a child theme...

[@stacy1458]

Thank you Adam! So clearly said!:) I've been looking and looking for this answer and finally found it. Subscribed!

[@WPCrafter]

Welcome aboard!

[@linda_sue]

I love how the changing times are making life so much easier! Yes to 5 star rating reviews given to Our Beloved Developers who do this for us! I love the idea of how organized Code Snippets can be with descriptive names! Thank you for sharing that code for image quality, also!

[@WPCrafter]

You're welcome Linda Sue Buehler! Thanks for watching.

[@nickriceplank]

Very helpful showing the Code Snippets function and the example from the other day (which in my laziness I hadn't gone back to look up)! Installing the plugin and snippet right now.

[@WPCrafter]

Thanks for watching Nick Rice Plank!

[@Tyme4t2]

Thank you for explaining this. I have been searching for this information for several weeks.

[@PeterHerriman]

Great article, Thanks Adam. It has challenged my thoughts. I have previously always made a child theme. When using the Customizer Custom CSS I have tended to copy any code in it to my favourite text editor and edit there, then copy back to the customiser as the edit area on the customiser is hopelessly small (IMO). As my editor has CSS editing highlights and also has great undo features, that helps me if I make a big mistake. I also save that text file (CSS) to a folder I keep notes about that particular website, just in case things get lost.

[@patricksullivan9697]

You just made my day - I was getting sick of creating them - agreed, there are times when I'll need one but for the most part you're right, I don't. Thanks again!

[@enioluwaodunjo]

Thanks man! The code snippet plugin is amazing. Just used it. Subscribed.

[@natehoustman]

I had a client who had a certain framework and child theme in mind, but she still wanted changes to it. I spent many weeks past the due date editing it the way she wanted. I eventually convinced her to let me use GeneratePress and Beaver Builder, and I completed the project in 2 days. No child theme or code edits. She was happy. Since then, I've never seen the point of child themes since good themes and page builders have design options built in.

[@TrueBlueMarketView]

One concept with child themes I never understood.. If the parent theme is updated, and the child theme is based on the parent (or any other theme really), why wouldn't you ever want to update your child theme?? And then when you DO update your child theme, wouldn't that nullify the entire point of using a child theme (to preserve customizations)?

[@stevenmakse9481]

Thanks... almost shat myself when i came across 'child themes' when I was half-way through building my first site. I thought I'd have to start all over again.

[@TravisPflanz]

The biggest problem with adding CSS in the customizer is that you cannot simply "undo" a CSS update, as you can if you use a text editor with FTP. With custom functions, you better hope you don't run into issues with your snippet plugin conflicting with any other plugin. In that case, none of your snippets will work. Instead, I recommend adding custom functions into a custom plugin file (or mu-plugin)

[@WPCrafter]

Regarding CSS undo, to get any changes to go into effect with a text editor, you have to upload the changes, you can't undo at that point (in my experiences). Also, I think it is more time efficient to be able to make CSS changes and see what it will look like before publishing them, that alone is enough for me to put them in the customizer. Regarding having custom functions in a plugin, yes your argument is true, but I find it is equally true with anything, and thanks for sharing your suggestions here. Not trying to push back at all, just trying to progress the discussion.

[@TravisPflanz]

Of course, when you "undo" a CSS change with a text editor, you have to re-save the file, but that's the biggest reason I don't like using the customizer for CSS. WordPress saves revisions for posts and pages. I think the biggest need for saving revisions is customizer settings/CSS changes.

[@WPCrafter]

What I was saying is, when you save / push your changes to your server, depending on how you do that, undo is not an option any longer. So for me I use an FTP app named Transmit, one of the most widely used on a Mac, and as soon as I push my changes I can no longer undo anything. Perhaps this is just based on the tool I use?

[@TravisPflanz]

Ahh... Yeah it's probably just the specific tool. I use Notepad++ on Windows. A simple ctrl+z to undo the changes that were previously saved, then ctrl+s to save and upload via the built-in FTP.

[@yoadrie]

My new theme's blockquote did not co-ordinate with my chosen color scheme, so I hunted down the CSS coding, opened a post page in the Customizer, and changed the color coding there.

[@nsjukebox]

Thank you so much Adam.

[@ronrichardson175]

I'm a bit late to the party here but just found this video. I use a child theme for every project. I've looked at using the Customizer and Simple CSS but both add the css as an internal css style to the and that means the css is stored in the database. I'd much rather have my child styles, functions, js, etc. stored in a file folder structure. Much easier to clone to another site... And, I've also tried Snippets but again that stores the php in the database and not as easy to clone/migrate.

[@christiandominiclangreo5101]

Exactly. He missed that part out here in the video plus it adds work load to the SQL server which might affect performance of the site.

[@bobfromca92646]

I've been in the habit of automatically adding a child theme on every install. Thanks for this video. Last week I added some custom CSS in the child style.css file - nothing happened. Thought I had the wrong selector or missed a semi-colon. Then I pasted the same code in Customizer and it worked. Go figure. I'll have to give Code Snippet a try - although I do comment my Function code... and like the ability to undo in FileZilla if my new code breaks something.

[@WPCrafter]

Ahh that’s it, FileZilla. There was a previous commenter that was referencing the ability to undo, but he wasn't saying what app he used since not all of them work that way.

[@omarfmercado]

WPCrafter.com WordPress For Non-Techies I thought he meant that he could go and edit the code if something broke, unlike if you break the site somehow via the front end it would be more slightly more difficult to access the Custom CSS on the Theme.. is that a FileZilla feature? I use Cyberduck.

[@Allformyequine]

Bob: That might have been because you were using Chrome and the cache wasn't clearing ... so you didn't see your change....

[@bobfromca92646]

Thanks Allformyequine. Yes I am using Chrome and didn't think about a cache issue. Interesting that Chrome cache affected style.css but not Optimizer Custom CSS. I guess style.css is more external and Custom CSS is internal? But good to know. Thanks.

[@lenforsyth5748]

You have just saved me a lot of needless work in setting up new sites. - Are there any community libraries of code that could be added to new sites that offer code similar your "NO Image Compression" code? - Have you ever consider curating one for your community to act as a repository where members could contribute their favorited code?

[@alexbor8705]

Great explanation. Thank you!

[@WPCrafter]

Thanks Alex, really appreciate it.

[@lorimast]

I'm glad you explained this. I was wondering about this myself.

[@WPCrafter]

Makes life a little easier.

[@tymnurban3436]

Agreed! These days (most of the time) a child theme is a waste of time. If you regularly backup your site, and you use custom CSS in a separate area (as you say here) then you are generally not at risk of losing a thing when you update your themes.

[@jayjayf9699]

U can’t use code snippet to add google analytics or the Facebook pixel as it doesn’t show where the snippet would go (body or head tag)

[@internet4biz23]

Hi Adam, great video. The big problem with this is that you don't have any documentation. If there is any problem with the site, you usually don't have a copy of all the additions. If you create a child theme, a copy of the code stays in your computer.

[@christiandominiclangreo5101]

I agree. Plus the plugin snippet add load to the SQL server which might affect the performance of the site.

[@MrGman127]

Thank you ever so much for this tutorial. This is probably the 4th video of yours that I've watched, and loved. Your teaching and instructions are of the highest quality on the web. Again, thank you for the info on child themes and especially for pointing out the use of the "Code Snippets Plugin."

[@sfmikica]

This really helped a lot, thanks Adam!

[@WPCrafter]

You're welcome Mike Stankovich! Thanks for watching.

[@mutualmastery]

Thanks! This answered my question.

[@oceansblue692]

I have already started on my site using OceanWP theme, almost 40% of work is done, did not know about the child theme idea. Question is: Can i still add a child theme or too late now?

[@davidfisher9251]

Ok, how about Beaver Builder offers another way to do this. Choose "Appearnce > Customize and in new window note "Additional CSS"" where you can add custom CSS. It does NOT go into the child theme if you have one installed or not, and it survives updating the existing theme (or changing it). Now just where does this code go??? I do not know. I think Beaver Builder must have a "secret" CSS storage that survives theme updates/changes. I do not know. But, what I describe here works just fine.

[@joukenienhuis6888]

Great video again. But the code snippet plugin reminded me of a video where a well known developer of WordPress plugins demonstrated how to code a plugin where you could store your code snippets.

[@tspirit]

Ok. Watched 42 seconds, and relised that i dont need child theme.. He sayed - you probably dont need it. Great :D thanks

[@WPCrafter]

😁

[@lukeowen5860]

Informative video! Do I need a child theme if I'm adding php to the header.php file or footer, or page.php file? OR will the Code snippets plugin be fine for these as well? Thanks!

[@omarfmercado]

Now I want to know more about your new search page/function! Sounds interesting..

[@Beautiful-n7h]

Can i create a multivendor e-commerce site in such a way that i can update the theme at anytime without losing customization and without using a child's theme

[@sumanalexander3741]

Nice Video!!. Learned from your Video about advanced search customization. I am looking for some advice on how to customize the theme for an amazon like search with drop down menu on navaigation bar of my ecommerce website. Would like to see a video on that.

[@femikayvibelord]

How can I delete a child theme please

[@michaelpalombo470]

Wow - really great plugin. Until now I used as an "My Custom Functions" from Space X-Chimp, but the plugin "Code Snippets" gives you even more flexibility and you can even switch on and off php code snippets.

[@ZzulfadliNasir]

Can i use this to change wordpress checkout label?

[@laurawheaton-werle4461]

Thanks, Adam. Good info. I'm new to WordPress, and I have a question about installing Google Tag Manager. I watched a video that recommended using the DuracellTomi plug-in to install GTM. The video said that we should use the custom setting and paste a snippet of code immediately after the tag. It recommended using a child theme to do this so that the code isn't lost every time the theme is updated. Is this an example of when we'd want to use a child theme or is there another way to enter the code snippet?

[@briangil9592]

Code snippet is site-wide only though

[@christiandominiclangreo5101]

Plus it adds work load to the SQL server.

[@GoranMudri]

I use astra and astra pro but with every update my Google, Facebook and Cookiebot codes are deleted. Because of that i prefer child theme. Ok, I can adjust everything with plugins but i prefer less plugin installs.

[@Brandsborg]

Great video. Thanks. 👍

[@kumarshivsagar12]

How can we customize woocommerce templates such as 'Email templates' with code snippets?

[@ashwanisingh626]

Can you make video about setting up Pin theme in wordpress with explanation of all plugins...??

[@anina_net]

I didnt find the link to the link to the how to make a child theme?

[@spicynspiky]

Use Code Snippets, Customizer settings instead of child themes.

[@josenadesan]

Hey Adam, could you provide examples of custom css and functions? Would like to see the use of it considering all the plugins currently available.

[@malgoode]

I don't use child themes. Its confusing to me why I need one. If I am using a child theme, what would I need the original for other that a full start over again? I do make a few small changes to the code (usually only footer.php) and for that reason I do not update the theme because it would overwrite my altered code. So I am stuck with no updates to the theme but I cannot see anyway around that unless I stop making the small changes. I just put up with Wordpress nagging me to update!

[@christiandominiclangreo5101]

That's why you use child themes so that when the theme update's your changes won't be affected. Plus it saves you a lot in the future.

[@vicleonmusic4733]

First off great video! I thought I'd never understood this. You actually gave some real-life examples. One thought. The code you used for your customized search page on your website, could you have put that code in the Code Snippets plugin or additional css?

[@nick8292]

Nice one, Adam!

[@WPCrafter]

Thank you Nick & thanks for watching.

[@nammaoorurockers3219]

How to add json in json file

[@dorlagrant4079]

Ok so if I have created a child theme already how do I get rid of it?

[@WPCrafter]

It would be like any theme, you can go and activate. a different theme and then delete your child theme.

[@MasterBlek]

Sooo what will happen if I am using Multiple Themes plugin? I can make every page with a different theme and then edit the page with it's theme in Elementor. I don't need any Snippets or child themes right? I am a newbie in making my own website but I believe that everything that has been edited with Elementor should be protected from overwrite right?

[@MrMaravish26]

Is there a direct benefit from not using a child theme? Like performance or something else? Or is it just a bit of a time saver because you don’t need to install it?

Less is more.

[@chicagowebsiteservice3242]

You should make a video on the default WordPress image compression. What is the code to use to deactivate it? Thanks

[@GiampieroMagalli]

It's the snippet of code he put in at 6:14

[@victoryskateshop7383]

OK - I HAVE been struggling with this - how do I change back to 'no child theme'?

[@FlareAV]

how about just change back to your old theme? Should work, or am I wrong?

[@Tedrins]

Hi Adam, great video...I just looked at your old video on how to make a child theme. Good thing I stumbled upon this update. Do you have a video on how to change themes and page builder? Can I work on another theme when the current theme is live? I notice Wordpress comes with several themes. I want to try Astra.

[@WPCrafter]

I have been meaning to make a video on switching themes. Switching page builders is tough because you pretty much have to re-create everything in the new page builder.

[@Tedrins]

@@WPCrafter Thanks Adam...I've been searching for a video on that subject and nobody has done one yet. I'd like to make the switch to Astra + Elementor but want to take 3-4 months to do it. I'm super busy these days and want to do it for an hour at a time. I've read other folks just use a dummy site and then migrate the site over to your established business site. I was hoping for something easier.

[@WPCrafter]

@@Tedrins Ok let me see if I can record that and get it up this week.

[@Tedrins]

@@WPCrafter That would be wonderful Adam...Thank you!

[@jonajohnston3174]

Hi! I am still a noob at Wordpress so I apologize if this is not a great question. I currently have a Template on my Theme and I want to add a specific Widged but it belongs to a different Template. I cant just import the other Template because it might override my current Theme template. It is possible to create a child Theme and then import the other Houzez Template to that Child Theme and then save the Widged so to go ahead and drag it on my main Theme? Thank you very much in advance

[@jomimefe]

What about, in your own words in your previous video about child theme: "Then there's an update to the parent theme all your changes code and custom styles they all get completely wiped out...""

[@WPCrafter]

Yes like I covered in this video, if you need to change the actual code inside the theme, you need a child theme. And this is exactly why in this video I said that I use a child theme.

[@jomimefe]

I wasn't talking about me changing code inside the theme. In my tiny winy experience sometimes when there's an update made by the theme developer or a plugin developer it changes the appearence of your website. That's why I learned from that video that a child theme can prevent that from happening. Forgive me for any english mistake that I made.

[@arleenvirga1109]

Great video Adam, super helpful and informative! One question: You mention @9:16 that "you can always create a child theme." I am currently developing a site on parent theme, but if I need to switch it over as a child theme, how do I do that? Do you have a video demonstrating the process?

[@PswACC]

So let's say you have added 5 functions to the snippets plugin. What would happen if one of the snippets rendered a white screen (Breaks the Page)? if you delete the plugin, I am assuming the page would loud but does that mean we lose the other 4 snippets?

[@BalloonSchool]

It's still actual the child theme thing? Another question. I have a divi theme and a child theme installed some years ago. I just saw that there is an update for the divi theme. Can I do this, even the Child theme is activated?

[@morizanova8219]

Ok sold with your idea !

[@Digitaldoktorn]

Great video! I have been wondering about child themes regarding that one will miss the updates from the parent theme if you have a child theme. You didn't mention that but I guess that's another disatvantage of having a child theme. Or how to benefit from the parent theme updates otherwise? Anyone who has any thoghts about this?

[@philippareader7101]

Fantastic, thank you again, I'm gradually getting my head around all this thanks to your videos!

[@guillaumecoleman4682]

lord varys is back !!!

[@udphotography4891]

If i need to add some code to functions.php, should i run it everywhere?

[@ronlambrecht5489]

Hello Adam Great Video - Where did you get the snippet from in order to do what you explained on your video? Is it still needed in the new version of Wordpress?

[@tobbygaudreau5990]

Hi Adam, awsome ideo by the way...what about the Wordpress update ? I was told it's better to have a child theme to make sure every things goes ok. Thanks

[@se1ectmedia]

If I'm making changes to CSS via Edit with Elementor for my eCommerce store but not directly via the theme files, do I need to create a child theme though?

[@sharlawailes7149]

Would using Thrive Themes Architect plug-in work the same way where all additional functions and additions be kept safe?

[@ciciwnwn4109]

Hi, I made my wordpress in 2019, but it's suggesting me to create a child theme for updating existing theme, is it necessary to create one since I have no programming knowledge?

[@zombieallen]

Great video. I'm late to the party, of course, but I'm wondering if I would need a child theme if I'm using plugins like Yellow Pencil to alter my site's appearance. Will those changes be wiped out when the parent theme updates, or do those plugins keep the changes in place?

[@ArcticWolfVa]

I agree with the "most will not need a child theme" but if you are doing a lot of customization's, a child theme is still best way to go in my opinion. That way you are in full control of the code not a plugin developer who may be here one day and gone later. Even WordPress Core may one day eliminate the CSS customizer, then what? I just would rather be in control of the code I invested time in adding, troubleshooting, and making work.

[@MrMajikman1]

So I have a question for you. I'm a newbie at this stuff, and am using an Astra plug-in for my Astra themed website. I want to update the plug-in but a message shows up saying: Please Note: Any customizations you have made to theme files will be lost. Please consider using child themes for modifications. So the question is: will updating the plug-in affect the functions/content/pictures/plug-ins of my current theme? I have not added any special css or other code, besides what came stock with the wordpress website and the Astra theme. Would I be ok to update plug-in without a child theme? Any advice is much appreciated!

[@argenisaguilar9045]

Thanks so much...

[@JeromeBorn]

Hi yes, I was missing the remark on what happens to your already added Custom CSS? Do you put these in the new Code Snippet? Or only new code? Can you talk about this too?

[@Dizcovaself]

Hi Adam, great video, very informative. but I have a question- in case I need to update my theme, will it be ok I update without the backing up with a Child theme? Thanks very much

[@williamsestateagents]

so as long as you use customiser ,,it wont be lost if template has an update???cool. i hate the idea of child themems anyway..just extra confusion.

[@anina_net]

Sharon said that when I update my theme it will wipe out all the customization that I did with Elementor?

[@infinitycreations3694]

There is a Place in wpbakery where custom css if being placed, is this sufficient as a parent theme customization that would not change with updates? or do i still need a snippet? (or Child theme)

[@decoyeffect2297]

Hello Mr. Adam, Very nice video of yours. I would like you to advise me. I do not know anything about CSS nor Javascript. If i am inserting tracking codes like Google Analytics Script, Google Optimize, Google Ads Conversion tracking Script, Google Tag Manager In the Parent Theme. Do i still need to create an Child theme? Or Is Parent theme enough. Please advise.

[@erwinfrancis143]

Hi Adam, great video again! Does the code snippets plugin also work with custom javascripts or jquery?

[@SwapnilDhabekar]

Hi can you tell me that when Installing astra theme on WordPress is it necessary for Astra to create child theme? Recently I got update from Astra Theme saying to update and it also mentioned as any customisation made will be lost please try creating child theme, sounds worrying. Since I don't know how to create child theme and I don't understand also what it means. Umm if we are using any templates for astra theme then at that time do we need to have child theme.. now it's getting very confusing for me to understand and keeps me worrying always what If I always change settings in customizer and then again it's going to reset..

[@ChristinaMcKay]

Simplest way for a child theme: go to plugins > new and search for "child wizard". It is a free plugin by Jay Versluis. After activating it go to Tools, there you find it. Fill out the few fields and confirm. Then activate the child theme. Done. You can deactivate and delete the child theme wizard if you want. I don't think it is a good advice not to use a child theme. They are light weight and you don't have to worry if you need it or not.

[@mahadehasan6059]

Wow really great, I really appreciate it.

[@toreb1445]

Great video, thanks! If I put in CSS in the custom CSS box for a section, row or module, in the front end page builder (like Elementor or Divi Builder). Then I should not need a child theme, right? Best regards / novice

[@MeowMeowMe63]

I have always done this through the child theme, you have said previously said to use the customizer. This kinda frightened me (still does to be honest). What's the chances of losing all those edits when using the customiser, for example on a WordPress update?

[@jebbush2964]

Child theme is the best way to go, adding snippets on top of the theme is not really a good practice at all. What is the developer of the plugin never updates the plugin? creating a theme is just too simple yet powerful

[@doronzamir1257]

Thank you Adam for that helpfull Totorial

[@WPCrafter]

You're welcome Doron Zamir! Thanks for watching.

[@techiyew]

you are my hero gru

[@3zlatnalava]

playback speed x2, saving time

[@2441139knakmg]

awesome

[@greghyatt1601]

Thanks for this Adam! Of course those who create child themes aren’t going to enjoy this, however, if people would learn some basic coding and what each aspect of a theme part does, they will find this format to be easier for them! Great job on the explanation!

[@WPCrafter]

Thank you Greg Hyatt & thanks for watching.

[@powertech6816]

add filter('jpeg_quality',function($arg){return 100;});

[@HashimWarren]

Code Snippets completed changed my wokflow

[@msr8026]

Ok I will not create a child theme thanks for sharing.

[@jhonbaba6377]

Hello Boss I like ur all videos.... Just Describe me ... i purchase a video theme from word press and install it.. so how i upload a videos with temblors....