Table of contents

1. Manually create a theme2. Use a child theme3. Use a conversion pluginNext stepsAdditional resources

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WordPress Guide → Build → Convert HTML to WordPress

How to convert your HTML site to WordPress

Ever feel like your static HTML site is stuck in the past? You’re not alone. Many website owners want the flexibility, plugin power, and SEO perks WordPress offers—but aren’t sure how to bring their current design along for the ride.

The good news? You can convert your HTML site to WordPress, and there’s more than one way to make it happen.

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How to convert HTML to WordPress

You can convert an HTML site to WordPress by manually turning your code into a custom theme, using a child theme to recreate your layout, or installing a plugin that automates the process.

1. Manually create a theme

This method gives you the most control and customization options. You’ll be taking your existing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and wrapping it in WordPress’s theme structure.

Here’s how it works:

Set up a local WordPress environment using a tool like Local or XAMPP.
Create a new theme folder inside /wp-content/themes/. Name it something like my-html-theme.
Break your HTML file into WordPress template parts. For example, move your <head> section into a header.php file, your sidebar into sidebar.php, and your footer into footer.php. WordPress uses these modular pieces across templates.
Add style.css to define your theme’s name and include any styling from your original HTML.
Create index.php and use WordPress template tags like <?php get_header(); ?> to bring in your parts. Replace any static content with WordPress loop code if needed.
Activate the theme in your WordPress dashboard under Appearance → Themes.

This method works best if you’re comfortable with PHP and WordPress theme development.

2. Use a child theme

A child theme is a lightweight way to replicate your HTML design using an existing WordPress theme as the base. It’s great if your HTML layout is simple and you don’t want to start from scratch.

Here’s what to do:

Pick a parent theme that’s close to your HTML layout. Something minimal like Twenty Twenty-One works well.
Create a child theme folder inside /wp-content/themes/, and include a style.css and functions.php.
In style.css, define the theme header and import the parent theme’s CSS.
In functions.php, enqueue styles from the parent theme using wp_enqueue_style().
Customize templates or styles by copying files from the parent theme and editing them, or by overriding styles in your child theme’s CSS.
Move over your content and images manually using the WordPress editor or custom fields.

This option is perfect if your design isn’t too complex and you want to leverage WordPress’s theme framework.

3. Use a conversion plugin

If you’re not a developer or just want to skip the hands-on work, a plugin can help you automate the HTML-to-WordPress process.

Some options include:

Basic steps:

Install the plugin in your WordPress site.
Upload your HTML files and assets using the plugin interface.
Map your HTML content to WordPress structure, such as posts, pages, menus, and media.
Tweak layout or styles as needed depending on how much automation the plugin offers.

This is the fastest option but may require cleanup if your original HTML is complex or outdated.

Upgrade your WordPress experience

If you want a smooth and simple transition, using a child theme is the easiest path for most site owners. It’s flexible, doesn’t require deep coding skills, and keeps your original design close to what you had before.

Next step: Pick a parent theme that matches your layout and start building your child theme in a local WordPress install. Once it’s ready, you’ll have all the WordPress power—without sacrificing your site’s original vibe.

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