Convert an HTML Template to a WordPress Theme

For some of them, it means moving from static HTML to WordPress. This can be an overwhelming undertaking, yet this post will endeavor to disclose how to do it in a couple of basic ways.

Beneath, I will tell you a few different ways the best way to change over from HTML to WordPress. In the first place, you will realize what the various choices are just as their upsides and downsides. From that point onward, I will tell you the best way to execute every one of them well ordered.

The 3 Ways to Move from Static HTML to WordPress

To move from HTML to WordPress, you need to turn your HTML design into a WordPress theme. A theme controls the look and the feeling of a WordPress website, while the functionality is provided by the CMS itself as well as additional plugins.

To make the switch, you have several options. Which one is the right for you depends on factors like the time and money you are able and willing to invest, your coding skills and personal preferences. Following are the main options.
1. Manually Convert HTML to a WordPress Theme

The first option is also the most technical. If you go this route, you will take your existing code and use it as a starting point to create the WordPress theme files.

It’s not too complicated, especially if you have coding experience. You can pull it off with a bit of HTML, CSS and some PHP knowledge. A lot of it is copy and paste.

The downside: while you will end up with a working WordPress theme, it won’t have all of the capabilities WordPress has to offer. For example, unless you build it in after the fact, your site will be without widget areas or the ability to change your menu from the WordPress backend.

While your site will do its job, you won’t be able to manage it completely via WordPress. For that reason, I personally prefer the next option.
2. HTML to WordPress via WordPress Child Theme

In my opinion, this is probably the easiest and most reasonable road in terms of effort and monetary investment. Instead of using your existing site as the jumping-off point, you use a ready-made WordPress theme instead. You then adjust only its design so that it resembles your old website.

Doing so lets you take advantage of WordPress fully while still retaining your old site’s look. You also won’t have to add WordPress features afterward. Instead, you can build on an existing theme something that the WordPress platform is explicitly made for.
3. Import Content from HTML to WordPress

Obviously, if you don’t insist on using your current design and are open to changing it, things get even easier. In that case, all you need to do is set up a site, install the theme and import your HTML content. As you will see below, this is a very quick and painless process.

How to Manually Convert HTML to a WordPress Theme

If your goal is to start from scratch and create your own WordPress theme that resembles your existing HTML website, start from here.

Don’t worry if it sounds intimidating, you will see that it is anything but. Just a few files and folders, as well as some copy and paste, is all it takes.