Download theme #
After you purchase Basil on ThemeForest, you can download two packages:
- 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).
- 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.
Install theme via WordPress Dashboard #
Upload the theme through the WordPress theme uploader:
- Log into your WordPress admin and go to Appearance → Themes.
- Click Add New.
- Click Upload Theme.
- Choose basil.zip on your computer and click Install Now.
- When the upload finishes, click Activate.
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:
- Log into your FTP or hosting file manager and open your WordPress installation directory.
- Go to /wp-content/themes.
- Unzip basil.zip on your computer.
- Upload the basil folder (the directory, not the .zip file).
- Log into WordPress admin and go to Appearance → Themes.
- Find Basil in the list and click Activate.
Next steps #
Install the recommended plugins: Install Default Plugins