Archived topic
Created website without child theme - Can I still update GP?!
5 replies · Started by Kelsey on March 25, 2023
Hello,
First time WP rookie. I am just getting ready to launch my new GP site and noticed the GP theme update. I had no idea I should've created a child theme to customize my site so I could update the theme without losing my customizations. I have made a lot of changes in the customizer area, and I have several plugins that may have modified things further (I don't know). It looks like I have 51 lines of "Additional CSS" if that's noteworthy.
Any recommendations on how I can right this ship and be able to update GP without starting over?
Thank you.
Hi Kelsey,
Can you take a look at this article first and see if it answers your question?
https://docs.generatepress.com/article/using-child-theme/
In short, a child theme is only needed if you are modifying the parent theme's core files.
If you are just changing some customizer settings and adding some CSS then you don't need a child theme.
Let me know if you need more info :)
Hi Leo,
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm breathing a little easier! I can see 55 lines of "Additional CSS" that I didn't manually add myself. They pertain to 7 minor things like a few button styles and some padding or drop shadows. My site is backed up (Updraft Plus) and I exported my customizer settings and XML file for the entire site. Do you think I'm safe to update the theme version?
Many thanks.
Hi there,
changes that are:
a) made to the Customizer, including the Additional CSS
b) made by a plugin
c) made by adding PHP or CSS to a child theme or via a plugin
Are all saved in your database and are a safe way to make changes. And those changes will remain when the theme or plugin is updated.
The only changes that will be lost are any code changes that were made to the Theme or Plugins files. If you haven't done that, and we recommend you don't, then again all is ok.
So feel free to update.
Child Themes are only necessary if you want to add your own code or files into your site.
For example a folder to store local fonts, or a PHP template for a custom post type, or you like to keep your CSS and PHP Snippets in one place.
Thanks! Update completed without issue. Appreciate the prompt support.
You're welcome - glad we could be of help!
