WordPress has changed a lot over the years. Each new release targets unique goals and concerns, and the transformations are nothing short of incredible. When looking back at all the updates, one commonality stands out. Every version of WordPress further democratizes website development, design, and customization.
WordPress is a CMS community dedicated to empowering the masses. No matter how experienced, anyone can create the WordPress site they want and need. One new feature introduced in WordPress 6.0 is the perfect example: Theme Exporting.
What is Theme Exporting?
Theme Exporting, available in the Site Editor, allows you to seamlessly replicate your site customizations as often as you’d like. After downloading your preferred block-based theme, you’ll probably make significant changes. Custom styles, patterns, layouts, and templates can all transform a standard theme into something completely unique to your brand. But what if you want to make the same changes to a different site — or if your design updates inspire another user?
In older versions of WordPress, users could only export template files. Replicating other edits had to be completed manually. Now, Theme Exporting offers the ability to export your entire theme — customizations and all — into a ZIP file. Copy it to another site (a great option if you’re designing for multiple clients), or upload your design to the theme directory for public use. (For more information on uploading your theme, read this article.)
How to Export Your Theme
Using this feature is simple. When in the Site Editor, click the “Options” menu (the three vertical dots in the window’s top-right corner). Now, select “Export” from the menu. The file will start downloading, and once it’s complete, you can save the ZIP file to your computer. It’s never been easier to save your customizations and apply them to other websites.
Web Design Made Accessibly
Beyond the convenience, Theme Exporting is ultimately a tool for accessibility. For the first time in the history of WordPress, this feature makes it possible to design site themes directly in the Site Editor. No coding or advanced skills are required. Once again, the word “democratize” comes to mind. Anyone and everyone now has the opportunity to unleash their creativity via theme design. Download a starter theme, such as Twenty Twenty-Two, customize it to your heart’s desire, and share your vision with the world in the theme directory.
At the end of the day, WordPress is a community. Theme Exporting is just one example that proves this statement true.
