How to Add Custom CSS to a WordPress Site Without Causing Any Problems

Customizing the design and adding your own CSS code is one of the most important ways to give your WordPress site a unique touch. However, some modifications can cause display errors or lead to parts of the site breaking if not implemented correctly. In this guide, we will explain several safe methods to add custom CSS to your WordPress site without fear of breaking anything.

Step One: Why Use Custom CSS in WordPress?

• Control Over Design: CSS code allows you to fully customize colors, fonts, and spacing.
• Differentiate Your Site: You can apply a different and distinctive visual identity, which helps your site stand out among competitors.
• Speed of Modification: Make small adjustments to elements without needing to modify themes or plugins.

Method One: Using the “Additional CSS” Section in Appearance

This is the official and simplest method for adding custom CSS code, especially if you don’t want to modify the core theme files:

1. From the WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Customize.
2. An Additional CSS section will appear at the end of the sidebar menu.
3. Enter your CSS code in the dedicated field.
4. See a live preview of the changes, and when you are satisfied, click Publish.

 /* Example of changing the header background color */ header.site-header { background-color: #f2f2f2; } 

Advantages of this method: It is considered safe, and your custom code will not disappear when the theme is updated.

Method Two: Using a Child Theme

Creating a child theme is an important step if you want to make fundamental changes to the theme files. Here are the basic steps:

1. Create a folder named theme-child inside the wp-content/themes path.
2. Create a style.css file inside the new folder, and add the main comments:

 /* Theme Name: Child Theme Name Template: Parent_Theme_Folder_Name Version: 1.0 */ 

3. Modify the Template value to match the parent theme’s folder name.
4. Activate the child theme from Appearance > Themes in the dashboard.
5. Write your CSS code inside the style.css file in the child theme.

Advantages of this method:

• Updating the parent theme will not affect your customizations.
• It gives you greater flexibility to modify theme files and code.

Method Three: Using a Custom Plugin to Manage Code

There are many custom plugins that allow you to add CSS (and sometimes JavaScript) code separately from the theme, which reduces the risk of losing modifications when the theme is updated. Among these plugins are:

• Simple Custom CSS
• Custom CSS & JS
• Code Snippets (focuses more on code snippets, but partially supports CSS)

After installing any plugin, you will find a dedicated place to add your code, with the ability to quickly enable or disable it as needed.

Step Four: Precautions to Avoid “Breaking” the Site

• Backup Before Any Change: Always keep a backup of your site or at least the database; if an error occurs, you can revert.
• Use a Staging Environment: Test new code on a staging version of the site before applying it to the live site.
• Know Your Selectors: Precisely target the element you want to modify so that an unintended element is not affected.
• Use “Comments” in CSS: To clarify the code’s function and make it easier to refer back to when needed.

 /* Modifying the font color for the h2 element in the content area */ .content-area h2 { color: #003366; } 

Why do you need a professional WordPress site with ITQAN?

Adding custom CSS is just one of several steps to develop your site’s appearance and make it distinctive. If you need an integrated design or to develop your site professionally, including speed, security, and high performance, the ITQAN team offers extensive experience in building and developing Arabic WordPress sites according to the latest web standards.
We pay attention to the finest details, from interactive design to programming custom components that meet your needs. Our goal is to help you achieve a distinctive and masterfully crafted digital presence.

Contact Us Now!

Do you want to improve your site’s design and safely add your personal touches? The ITQAN team is here to help you. Click the link below to get started:
Contact ITQAN

Don’t miss your chance to build a WordPress site that grabs attention and presents itself in the best light to your visitors. Invest in a distinctive design and start your digital journey with us!