Learn everything about the WordPress theme screenshot in this complete guide. Continue learning about other beginner topics in our complete WordPress guide.
If you are into WordPress themes development, I am sure you had to look up this recommended name, format, and size of WordPress theme screenshot a few times.
The current and updated recommendation for the correct WordPress theme screenshot size is 1200×900px. The screenshot should be named screenshot.png, and uploaded to the top level directory.
I often find myself searching for the theme screenshot size, sometimes just to make sure I get it correct.
So, this is just for my own reference, but feel free to bookmark and use this page if it’s handy for your WordPress development needs.
Here are all the quick details that you need to know about the WordPress theme screenshot.
Recommended WordPress Theme Screenshot Size
According to the WordPress Codex for theme development, the recommended theme screenshot size is 1200px wide by 900px tall.
Please note some websites still mention the old low resolution recommended size of 880 x 660 pixels. This has been recently updated in the WordPress codex to reflect the new recommended size of 1200 x 900 Pixels.
The codex also mentions that screenshots are usually shown in a smaller size, but the higher resolution of the image allows for viewing on HiDPI displays.
Also, please note that as the screenshot is shown on the responsive Manage Themes screen, the top and bottom parts may not be fully visible. It is, therefore, recommended to keep your main graphics centred in the image.
Theme Screenshot Name: screenshot
WordPress theme screenshot is probably the easiest to remember. Just name it a ‘screenshot’.
I know it’s easy to get confused, but always remember it as a screenshot rather than associating it with other alternatives such as an “image”.
Theme Screenshot Format: .PNG
Another thing to care about the screenshot is the format you will need to save your WordPress theme screenshot.
The recommended theme screenshot is in .png format.
While other formats .jpg, .jpeg, and .gif can be valid extensions and file formats for the theme screenshot; they are not officially recommended by WordPress Codex.
As for taking the screenshot, you can either have a professionally designed one or use the built-in functionality of your computer to quickly come up with an image and upload it as a screenshot.
You can also use tools like Google Chrome screenshot extensions, but that might not be the best way to do it!
Upload Screenshot to Theme Folder
For beginners who want to change the screenshot of your theme (as displayed in Manage Themes screen in your WordPress dashboard), you can create a screenshot file as recommended above and upload it to the theme directory.
You will need an FTP program like Filezilla or Atom, and your FTP login details.
After you have logged in using the FTP program, navigate to the active Theme directory and upload the screenshot.png file.
As you can see in the above screenshot, the Kadence theme has screenshot.png file within its main theme folder.
You might need to replace the existing screenshot file if one exists already.
FAQs for Correct WordPress Theme Screenshot
Here’re some of the top questions asked relating to the correct size of the WordPress Theme screenshot.
-
What is the size of WordPress theme screenshot?
The recommended WordPress theme screenshot size is 1200×900px. This is officially recommended by WordPress Codex guidelines.
-
How to change the theme screenshot in WordPress?
You can change the theme screenshot in WordPress by creating a new screenshot file in the recommended size (1200×900px) and format (screenshot.png) and then uploading it to the top-level theme directory using an FTP program.
-
How do I add a screenshot to a WordPress theme?
You can add a screenshot to a WordPress theme by uploading a screenshot.png file that is 1200×900px to the top-level directory of your specific theme.
-
Can I add a screenshot to a WordPress Child Theme?
If you have created a child theme from your parent WordPress theme, you can still add a custom screenshot.png file in the top directory of your child theme folder.
-
What is a WordPress theme screenshot?
A theme screenshot is an image that visually represents a WordPress theme. It is typically the first image a user sees when previewing or selecting a theme. Users see the screenshot of all installed themes on their themes settings page at WordPress Admin > Appearance > Themes.
WordPress Theme Screenshot Size Summary
The recommended WordPress theme screenshot size should be 1200 x 900 pixels saved in your theme directory as screenshot.png.
To sum it up, here are all the WordPress Theme screenshot details in the handy table below;
| WordPress Theme Screenshot | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | screenshot.png |
| Size | 1200px wide by 900px tall |
| Format | PNG format |
| Upload Location | Top level directory |
Thank you for the beautiful post. It has helped with my custom WordPress theme development.