Title: Suggested method for testing theme modifications?
Last modified: August 18, 2016

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# Suggested method for testing theme modifications?

 *  [isolder](https://wordpress.org/support/users/isolder/)
 * (@isolder)
 * [19 years, 10 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/suggested-method-for-testing-theme-modifications/)
 * I installed WordPress just a few days ago and am trying to get into modifying
   the default theme a little to my liking.
 * I’m reluctant to directly edit the CSS file because I don’t want to lose the 
   original stylesheet in the event that I am unhappy with my changes.
 * Is there any plugin or functionality in WordPress that would allow me to duplicate
   +rename a file of my choice in the Theme editor? What about a preview function
   for stylesheet changes that would let me undo changes on the spot.
 * Is there anything like this? If not.. what’s the best way for me to go about 
   trying my own mini-modifications to the existing theme?

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

 *  [moshu](https://wordpress.org/support/users/moshu/)
 * (@moshu)
 * [19 years, 10 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/suggested-method-for-testing-theme-modifications/#post-440521)
 * Most pros have a local install – using XAMPP, where you can see your modifications
   instantly.
 * I never encourage online editing of a theme (and if you do, ALWAYS have a backup!).
   Either way I’d go by saving the theme folder you want to tweak with another name
   and work on that one. Don’t forget to change the top lines in the stylesheet 
   of the new folder to make it functional.
    There is also a preview-theme plugin(
   search for it).
 * The most important thing to remember: do NOT edit your working theme, but a copy
   of it until you are OK with the results. Then switch.
 *  [lauch](https://wordpress.org/support/users/lauch/)
 * (@lauch)
 * [19 years, 10 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/suggested-method-for-testing-theme-modifications/#post-440526)
 * I copied the folder and changed the header on the default theme as stated above.
   This is the best way, if you don’t feel like setting up a local server.

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

The topic ‘Suggested method for testing theme modifications?’ is closed to new replies.

 * 2 replies
 * 3 participants
 * Last reply from: [lauch](https://wordpress.org/support/users/lauch/)
 * Last activity: [19 years, 10 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/suggested-method-for-testing-theme-modifications/#post-440526)
 * Status: not a support question

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