How to Install the Genesis Framework by StudioPress

A StudioPress theme comes in two parts. The Genesis Framework and a child theme.

So for instance, if you wanted to install the Lifestyle Pro theme by StudioPress you would need to install the Genesis Framework first.

You DO NOT activate the Genesis Framework, but it must be installed as one of your themes.

When you buy a StudioPress theme, you get access to your download section of their website. Just log in and click the big blue download button.

After you’ve downloaded both the Genesis Framework and your theme, save them to your desktop. You need them to be easy to find so you can upload them to your WordPress themes directory. DO NOT UNZIP the files, WordPress will do this for you.

Now that you’ve got Genesis and a StudioPress theme on your desktop, log in to WordPress.

• Visit your website homepage and add /wp-admin to the end of your domain name like this…
• myshop.com/wp-admin
• Press the enter key on your keyboard.
• Type your WordPress user name and password.
• Click the Log in button.

You should now see the WordPress dashboard. If not, hover your mouse over the little house icon top left of your screen. Choose Dashboard from the drop-down menu…

How to install the Genesis Framework and a child theme

1. Go to Appearance > Themes.
2. At the top of the screen look for, Themes > Add New. Click the link.
3. Click the Browse button.
4. Navigate to your desktop and select the Genesis Framework.
5. Click the Open button.
6. Click Install Now.
7. DO NOT! Activate the Genesis Framework.
8. Click the link that says Return to Themes Page.
9. Once again look at the top of your screen for Themes > Add New.
10. Click Add New.
11. Click the Browse button.
12. Navigate to your desktop and select your StudioPress theme.
13. Click the Open button.
14. Click Install Now.
15. This time you DO Activate the theme (such as Lifestyle Pro).

Congratulations! You have just installed the Genesis Framework and a StudioPress child theme.

These are the screen-shots from the Installing Genesis video

P.S. I know this confuses people. What is a framework and a child theme?

The Genesis Framework holds almost all of the code that makes a StudioPress theme work.

The child theme (such as Lifestyle Pro) has a small amount of code that controls the look of your site. The child theme is automatically connected to the framework with a small piece of code, like an umbilical cord.

So just like a child needs it’s mother, a child theme needs it’s parent or framework. A child theme just can’t function on it’s own.

By now you should have a WordPress website up and running. You should also have a professional theme installed.

Next, we’ll make some web pages.