Install, activate and update

Unzip the outer ThemeForest buyer package on your computer first. Do not upload that outer ZIP to WordPress: it contains several installable files and WordPress will report a missing style.css.

Install the parent theme

In WordPress, open Appearance → Themes → Add New → Upload Theme. Choose lumina-edu.zip, install it and activate it. The theme works with native pages and posts without the companion plugin.

Optional child theme

Install lumina-edu-child.zip after the parent. Activate the child when you need PHP or CSS changes that should survive a parent-theme update. Keep the parent installed because the child inherits it. Site Editor changes are stored in the database and do not require a child theme, but export or record important changes before moving between sites.

Optional companion plugin

Open Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin and choose plugins/lumina-edu-core.zip. Activation adds Programs, Instructors and Sessions, while the theme provides Appearance → Getting started. The plugin is optional for the theme but required for dynamic Matchboard filtering, education records and the Northline demo import.

An install prompt may offer the plugin. It must never force activation. If your hosting policy prevents automated installation, use the manual ZIP route.

Safe updates

  1. Back up files and the database.
  2. Test the new parent theme and plugin together on staging.
  3. Read changelog.txt, especially compatibility and migration notes.
  4. Update the parent theme, then the version-aligned companion plugin.
  5. Clear only known caches; do not delete programme data or Site Editor changes.
  6. Check Programs, one programme detail, Sessions, navigation and an external action.

Do not edit the parent theme or plugin directly. Those files are replaced during updates. Use the child theme for code, and WordPress content/settings for editorial changes.