---
title: Using the Child Theme
description: "## What is a child theme? A WordPress child theme inherits its functionality from a parent theme. Use a child theme when you want to customize Basil without losing your changes when the parent theme is updated. You do not…"
url: "https://docs.cooked.pro/docs/using-child-theme/"
updated: "2026-06-25"
category: Basil
---

# Using the Child Theme

## What is a child theme?

A WordPress child theme inherits its functionality from a parent theme. Use a child theme when you want to customize Basil without losing your changes when the parent theme is updated.

You do not need a child theme if you do not plan to modify theme files or add custom CSS. Activating the parent **Basil** theme alone is fine for most sites.

For more background, see [WordPress child themes: pros and cons](https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/wordpress-child-theme-pros-cons/).

## Basil Child

Basil includes **Basil Child** in your ThemeForest package (the **basil-child** folder). The child theme:

- Loads the parent Basil stylesheet correctly.
- Provides a safe place for custom CSS in **style.css**.
- Supports optional customizer additions via **customizer.php** in the child theme directory (the parent loads this file automatically if present).

## Activate the child theme

1. If **basil-child** is not already in **wp-content/themes**, upload the **basil-child** folder from your theme package to **wp-content/themes** (via FTP or your host file manager).
2. In WordPress admin, go to **Appearance → Themes**.
3. Activate **Basil Child** (not the parent Basil theme).

When customizing, work in the child theme so parent updates do not overwrite your changes.

## Customizing CSS via the child theme

After Basil Child is active:

1. Go to **Appearance → Theme File Editor**.
2. Under **Select theme to edit**, choose **Basil Child**.
3. Select **style.css** and add your custom CSS below the theme header comment.

![Basil Child theme editor](assets/basil/child-theme.jpg)

Basil Child already enqueues its stylesheet after the parent — you do not need to add enqueue code unless you have advanced requirements.

## Next step

[Install Demo Content](install-demo-content.md)