Once you’ve developed your theme, you’re probably going to look at ways to publish it, so that WordPress users can install and use it.
One of the most popular ways to do this is to submit your theme to the WordPress.org theme directory.
Let’s dive into what the WordPress.org theme directory is, why you might consider publishing your theme there, and learn about the process of submitting your theme to the theme directory.
What is the WordPress.org theme directory?
The WordPress.org theme directory is a repository of free, GPL-licensed themes that have been reviewed and approved by the WordPress theme review team.
One of the benefits of publishing your theme in the WordPress.org theme directory is that it gives you access to a large audience of WordPress users.
Folks can either download the theme from the online theme directory or install it directly from the Themes page in their WordPress dashboard.
Why publish your theme in the WordPress.org theme directory?
Besides the fact that WordPress users can search for and install your theme right from their WordPress dashboard, there are additional features you have access to when you publish your theme in the WordPress.org theme directory, including:
Theme updates:
You are able to push updates to your theme, and users who have your theme installed will be notified in their WordPress dashboard when an update is available.
Support forums:
The theme directory has built-in support forums where you can provide support to users who have questions or issues with your theme.
Theme preview:
The theme directory supports a live preview of your theme so users can see what it looks like before installing it.
Theme statistics:
You are able to see how many users are actively using your theme, as well as how many people have downloaded your theme.
Theme ratings and reviews:
Users can rate and review your theme, which you can use to help add features and improvements and grow your user base.
How to submit your theme to the WordPress.org theme directory
There are a series of steps you need to follow to submit your theme to the WordPress.org theme directory. Here’s a high-level overview of the process:
Step 1: Check for required theme files – make sure your theme contains the minimum required files for submission.
Step 2: Test your theme – use tools like the Theme Unit Test data, the theme-sniffer extension for PHP_CodeSniffer, and the Theme Check plugin to test your theme for errors, and fix them.
Step 3: Follow the Theme Review Guidelines – read through and understand the theme review guidelines, and make sure your theme meets all these requirements.
Step 4: Prepare documentation – Create documentation detailing the theme’s features, customization options, and any unique aspects of the theme to be included in either your theme’s readme.txt file or via the theme download page.
Step 5: Submission and review process – Submit your theme to the WordPress.org theme directory, and wait for the theme review team to review your theme. This process can take a few weeks, depending on the volume of themes being submitted.
You will learn about these steps in more detail in future lessons of this module.
Summary
The WordPress.org theme directory is one of the best places to publish your theme. It gives you access to a large audience of WordPress users, and provides you with useful features to support and improve your theme.