\ud83d\udcda In this tutorial, we’re going to talk about why it’s important to test a new WordPress theme<\/a> before you start using it on a website. Then we’ll teach you how to do it in two steps<\/a>, using WordPress’ Theme Unit Test Data. Let’s begin!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n When you’re picking out a new theme<\/a>, it’s important to make your choice carefully. Seeing screenshots or even checking out a demo is a good start, but these snapshots aren’t nearly enough to gauge a theme properly. For example, a particular theme might look stunning, but could have problems under the hood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udc49 To avoid that scenario, you’ll want to test any potential theme before you use it. This allows you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though your site is new, you still might not want to test your theme on your live site because it can muddy things up for when you actually want to launch. Your best two alternatives are to either create a staging site<\/a> or use a local setup (e.g. with Docker<\/a> or Local by Flywheel<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have a safe place to test, you’re ready to move on! \ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n WordPress’ Theme Unit Test Data<\/a> enables you to simulate the look and feel of a site that’s been around for a while. Once you import the data, WordPress will automatically generate a bunch of pages, different types of posts, menu items, sidebars, and more. This lets you conduct a much more realistic test of your potential theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To get started, first download the latest version<\/a> of the Theme Unit Test Data, then access your testing site’s dashboard. Next, navigate to the Tools \u2192 Import<\/em> tab, and look for the WordPress<\/em> option at the bottom. If this is the first time you’re using this tool, you’ll need to click on Install Now<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n In a moment, the Install Now<\/em> link will be replaced by one that reads Run Importer<\/em>, which you should click:<\/p>\n\n\n You’ll see an option to upload an XML<\/em> file. Press the Choose File<\/em> button, locate the WordPress Theme Unit Test Data on your computer, then click on Upload file and import<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n WordPress will automatically prompt you to import four fictional authors for your dummy content<\/a>. We recommend leaving these settings untouched, to avoid complications:<\/p>\n\n\n At the bottom of the page, you’ll also see an option to import the attachments for your content. Enable this to add images to your posts and pages, then click on Submit<\/em>. It will take some time for WordPress to set up your new content. When it’s done, your website will be full of dummy content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you’re ready to test your new WordPress theme!<\/p>\n\n\n At this point, you can install and activate your new theme as normal<\/strong>, then finally get down to business. The testing process is simple, although it may take some time since you need to be as thorough as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udc49 Here’s how to test your theme:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the theme passes each of these steps with flying colors, you’re good to go. Of course, you’ll need to tweak anything that’s off the mark, but once you’re ready, you can set up the theme on your new WordPress site, and make further adjustments to the design and layout as appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n Getting to test a new WordPress theme can be exciting. But if you’re just launching your site, you don’t really have any data<\/em> to actually test with.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhy it’s important to test a new WordPress theme before using it \ud83e\udd14<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Test new WordPress theme: how to do it in two steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Step 1: Install new WordPress’ theme unit test data on your staging website \ud83c\udf10<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Installed](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/install-now.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Running](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/run-importer.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Uploading](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/choose-file.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Assigning](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/import-author.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStep 2: Set up and test new WordPress theme \ud83c\udf10<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Conclusion \ud83e\uddd0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n