How to Manually Update GPL Themes and Plugins in Your SiteCrafted Website
Readymade WordPress Websites
How to Manually Update GPL Themes and Plugins in Your SiteCrafted Website
GPL themes and plugins do not receive automatic updates, but updating them manually is easy and completely safe — especially on SiteCrafted websites built with child themes and custom CSS. Follow this guide to update everything without breaking your design.
1
Why Manual Updates Are Safe on SiteCrafted Websites
Your design stays untouched — guaranteed.
Every SiteCrafted website is built with a stable, update-proof architecture:
- Child Theme → All design & styling
- Custom CSS Stylesheet → Custom UI/UX
- CodeSnippets → Custom functions
- GPL Theme/Plugin → Base layer, never modified
This means:
✓
Your design will NOT break after updates
✓
Your customizations stay safe
✓
You can update anytime
✓
You can switch to the original licensed version anytime
2
Step 1 — Download the Latest GPL Version
Always use a clean, trusted source.
Download the updated ZIP file of the theme or plugin from a trusted GPL provider.
Make sure the provider offers:
- Clean & malware-free files
- Regular updates
- Verified GPL distributions
Do not unzip the file — keep it as a .zip file.
3
Step 2 — Upload the Updated Plugin ZIP
The safest & fastest update method.
To update a plugin:
- Go to Plugins → Add New
- Click Upload Plugin
- Upload the new plugin .zip file
- Click Install Now
- Click Replace existing version
This replaces only the plugin core files.
Your settings, templates, and design remain intact.
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Step 3 — Upload the Updated Theme ZIP
This updates only the parent theme — child theme stays safe.
To update a theme:
- Go to Appearance → Themes
- Click Add New → Upload Theme
- Upload the updated theme zip file
- Click Install Now
- Select Replace existing theme
This updates the parent theme only.
Your child theme (where all your design lives) remains untouched.
5
Important: Never Delete the Old Theme/Plugin
Deleting removes settings — replacing keeps everything.
Deleting a plugin or theme will erase its settings, templates, or configurations.
You should ONLY:
✓
Upload new ZIP
✓
Click “Replace existing version”
This method keeps all your saved data safe.
6
How to Verify Your Update Was Successful
Quick 30-second check.
After updating, check:
- Plugins → Installed Plugins for updated version number
- Appearance → Themes for parent theme version
- Website front-end to ensure layout is working
- Forms and menus working normally
In SiteCrafted websites, everything should look exactly the same — design never changes.
7
Optional: Upgrading to the Original Licensed Version
Perfect for agencies or commercial business websites.
If you want:
- Automatic updates
- Premium support
- Cloud templates
- Theme author assistance
You can buy the official theme/plugin license and install it the same way:
Upload → Replace existing version → Activate license
All SiteCrafted designs remain completely safe because we never modify the theme’s core code.
Need a Ready-to-Launch WordPress Website?
All SiteCrafted readymade websites use child themes + clean GPL bases for safe, update-proof performance.
FAQ
Q: Will updating GPL themes break my design?
No. SiteCrafted uses child themes, so your design remains untouched.
Q: What if I accidentally delete the theme?
You may lose settings. Always upload + replace instead of deleting.
Q: Should I update regularly?
Yes — every 2–3 months is ideal.
