Is it possible to create child themes using the WordPress Dashboard?

You will achieve this in two steps:

  • uploading minimal files at yourdomain.com/wp-admin/themes.php
  • editing child theme at yourdomain.com/wp-admin/theme-editor.php

The theme that you upload to your site via the admin console must contain three files. They will end up in your server’s filesystem like this:

/wp-content/themes/parentname-child/functions.php
/wp-content/themes/parentname-child/screenshot.png
/wp-content/themes/parentname-child/style.css

When uploading, functions.php can be empty, but style.css must contain the required header comment at the very top of the file. While not strictly mandatory, screenshot.png improves the user experience by giving the theme a thumbnail in the console. Once the child theme validates, it will show up in in your WordPress Theme Editor (e.g. yourdomain.com/wp-admin/theme-editor.php) where you can edit within the web console.

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