---
title: Download and Install Theme
description: "## Download theme After you purchase Basil on ThemeForest, you can download two packages: 1. **All files & documentation** — the full package with documentation and additional files. Unzip this package on your computer to find the installable theme file…"
url: "https://docs.cooked.pro/docs/download-and-install-theme/"
updated: "2026-06-25"
category: Basil
---

# Download and Install Theme

## Download theme

After you purchase Basil on ThemeForest, you can download two packages:

1. **All files & documentation** — the full package with documentation and additional files. Unzip this package on your computer to find the installable theme file (**basil.zip**).
2. **Installable WordPress file only** — the theme archive you can upload directly to WordPress.

The full package may also include a **basil-child** folder and **plugins/cooked-pro.zip** (Cooked Pro). Keep those for later steps.

![ThemeForest download screen](assets/pixwell/theme-download.png)

## Install theme via WordPress Dashboard

Upload the theme through the WordPress theme uploader:

1. Log into your WordPress admin and go to **Appearance → Themes**.
2. Click **Add New**.
3. Click **Upload Theme**.
4. Choose **basil.zip** on your computer and click **Install Now**.
5. When the upload finishes, click **Activate**.

![Upload theme via WordPress admin](assets/pixwell/install-theme.jpg)

#### Missing the "style.css" stylesheet error?

This usually means you uploaded the full ThemeForest package instead of **basil.zip**. Unzip the full package on your computer, locate **basil.zip**, and upload that file instead.

#### "Are you sure you want to do this?" error when installing the theme

This often happens when your host’s PHP upload limits are too low. Some servers default **upload_max_filesize** or **post_max_size** to 2MB.

Increase your maximum upload size to at least **10MB** (ask your host if needed), then try the install again.

## Fallback method: Install theme via FTP

Use this if the WordPress uploader fails:

1. Log into your FTP or hosting file manager and open your WordPress installation directory.
2. Go to **/wp-content/themes**.
3. Unzip **basil.zip** on your computer.
4. Upload the **basil** folder (the directory, not the .zip file).
5. Log into WordPress admin and go to **Appearance → Themes**.
6. Find **Basil** in the list and click **Activate**.

## Next steps

Install the recommended plugins: [Install Default Plugins](install-default-plugins.md)