Free vs Premium Themes
Theme Basics
Preview
Where themes come from
Free themes
- Available directly in the WordPress directory
- Reviewed for quality and security
- Great starting point for most sites
Premium themes
- Sold on marketplaces like ThemeForest or directly by authors
- Often add a page builder, demo content or a premium look
- Some charge a yearly licence for updates and support
How to judge a theme
- Is it responsive (mobile-friendly)?
- Is it actively maintained and updated?
- Does it work with the block editor?
- What do the reviews say?
- Is the price a one-time fee or yearly?
Common mistakes
- Buying a premium theme before a free one can do the job
- Choosing by screenshots alone — always preview it live
- Ignoring update history — abandoned themes are a security risk
This is a free preview lesson
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