Child Themes in Full Site Editing (FSE)

When You Do NOT Need a Child Theme

You do not need a child theme if you are:

• 🎨 Changing colors, fonts, spacing, and layout

• 🧱 Editing headers, footers, and page templates

• ✏️ Customizing block patterns and sections

• ⚙️ Adjusting global styles and typography

• 🖼 Modifying logos, menus, and design settings

All these changes are done in:

Appearance → Editor (Site Editor)

Your edits are saved in the database and will not be overwritten when Listimia is updated.

This is the recommended workflow for most Listimia users.

When a Child Theme IS Useful

A child theme is useful only if you plan to:

• Add or modify PHP code

• Customize theme functionality

• Register custom blocks, hooks, or filters

• Integrate third-party services at code level

• Maintain long-term custom development

These cases are typically for developers or agencies.

If you are only customizing design and layout, a child theme is unnecessary.

Recommended Customization Approach

Use the Site Editor for:

• Layout and visual changes

• Template editing

• Styling and branding

• Pattern customization

Use a Child Theme only for:

• Advanced code customization

• Custom development projects

Important Notes

• Updating Listimia will NOT affect:

  • Your layouts and templates

  • Your styles and design settings

  • Your customized patterns

• Child themes are optional with FSE themes.

• Creating a child theme without a real need may add unnecessary complexity.

Summary

Most Listimia customers do not need a child theme.
The Site Editor provides a safe and flexible way to customize your website without touching code.

Only use a child theme if you are performing advanced development work.

How to Create a Child Theme for Listimia

⚠️ This section is intended for developers and advanced users only.
If you only customize design and layout, you do NOT need a child theme.

Step 2 – Create style.css

Inside the listimia-child folder, create a file named:

style.css

Add the following content:

/*
Theme Name: Listimia Child
Template: listimia
Description: Child theme for Listimia.
Version: 1.0.0
*/

⚠️ Important:

• The Template value must match the parent theme folder name exactly (listimia).

Step 3 – Create functions.php

In the same folder, create a file named:

functions.php

Add this code:

<?php
/**
 * Listimia Child Theme functions
 */

👉 For block themes, you usually do NOT need to enqueue styles manually, because styles are inherited automatically.

You can now safely add:

• Custom PHP code

• Filters and hooks

• Custom functionality

Step 4 – Activate the Child Theme

1. Go to WordPress Dashboard → Appearance → Themes

2. You should see Listimia Child

3. Click Activate

Your site will continue using Listimia’s design, now with your child theme active.

Optional – Add Custom Styles

If you want to add extra CSS:

1. Add your CSS inside style.css, or

2. Use Appearance → Editor → Styles → Custom CSS (recommended for simple styling)

Important Notes

• Do NOT copy the parent theme files into the child theme unless you know exactly why.

• Avoid overriding templates unless necessary.

• Keep your child theme lightweight and focused on custom logic.

• Always test updates on a staging site if you use custom code.

FAQ – Child Themes & Listimia

Will my changes be lost when I update the theme?

No. Changes made in the Site Editor (styles, templates, patterns) are stored in the database and are preserved during theme updates.

Can I still use a child theme with Listimia?

Yes. Developers can create a child theme if they need to add custom PHP or advanced functionality.

Is a child theme recommended for beginners?

No. Beginners should use the Site Editor instead. It’s simpler, safer, and fully supported.

Do plugins replace the need for a child theme?

Often, yes. Many customizations can be done using plugins instead of modifying theme code.

Need Help? Please refer to our How to Get Support article for assistance.