> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.themeupstudio.com/crimson/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.themeupstudio.com/crimson/getting-started/quickstart.md).

# Install Theme

This section walks you through **every step** required to install and activate <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> in your Ghost site—so even if you’re new to Ghost or web publishing, you’ll have a smooth experience.

{% hint style="info" %}
Ghost uses a web-based admin dashboard to install and manage themes. You will need your website’s **Ghost Admin URL** and admin access (*admin email* and *admin password*).

Typically the admin URL looks like: `https://example.com/ghost`
{% endhint %}

### Step 1 — Prepare Your Theme ZIP File

1. Download <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> from the source you purchased it (e.g. LemonSqueezy, Gumroad, etc).
2. The downloaded file should be a **`.zip` archive** containing:

   * The full <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> theme
   * The `routes.yaml` file (important for custom member pages)

   Make sure the `.zip` file hasn’t been unzipped yet. Ghost can only install **ZIP archives**.

***

### Step 2 — Log In to Ghost Admin

1. Open your web browser.
2. Go to your Ghost admin dashboard by entering your site’s Ghost URL. It usually looks like:\
   `https://example.com/ghost`
3. Enter your **admin username/email and password**.
4. Once logged in, you will see the main Ghost dashboard.

<figure><img src="/files/wrcgIxMfexWkT1Pvvr7O" alt=""><figcaption><p>Ghost Admin</p></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 3 — Navigate to the Theme Upload Section

Ghost organizes appearance and theme controls under **Site** settings group:

1. In the left-hand sidebar, click **Settings** (usually a gear ⚙️ icon).<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/oydOHhsJ1o0xgBqgOI7H" alt=""><figcaption><p>Settings icon in Ghost Admin</p></figcaption></figure>

2. From Settings, select **Theme**.

3. On right side, click on **Change Theme** link, which will open a popup to upload a new theme.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/iq05mhBkhB2xp9oPe0eG" alt=""><figcaption><p>Change Theme link</p></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 4 — Upload the Theme ZIP

Once you’re on the theme upload screen:

1. Click **Upload a theme**.

2. A file dialog will open.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/H6oQDxd90iLg9zo85zs6" alt=""><figcaption><p>Upload theme .zip file</p></figcaption></figure>

   * You can either **drag and drop** your <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> ZIP file into the box
   * Or click the upload area and **select the file** from your computer

3. Wait for the upload to complete. You’ll see a progress indicator, and then a notification like **“Upload successful”**.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/0s14OC12iBjnIT6erTV6" alt=""><figcaption><p>Activate the newly uploaded theme</p></figcaption></figure>

4. Click the **Activate** button to activate the new theme now.

{% hint style="warning" %}
If the **Upload** button is disabled or not visible, confirm you have the correct permissions and, for Ghost(Pro) users, that your Ghost plan supports custom themes (most do, except some very limited starter plans).
{% endhint %}

***

### Step 5 — Manage installed themes

After the upload finishes:

1. Ghost will show the theme name for <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> under **Installed Themes**.
2. You should see three options:
   * **Activate** (if not already activated in Step-4)
   * **Download** (which lets you save theme's .zip file locally)
   * **Delete** which will delete that theme from Ghost CMS.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Delete** option is not available for the currently active theme and default themes (Source/Casper).
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/NNSHuhn8jaC9l1QCJC8X" alt=""><figcaption><p>Manage installed themes</p></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 6 — Verify It’s Live

1. After activation, click **View your site** or open a new browser tab to your main domain (e.g., `https://example.com`).
2. You should now see your site rendered with <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code>’s design and layout.
3. It will look very empty as we have not added any content. In next sections, we will see on how to add content which will show up in different places on the website.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/gObm2rxQ3XX9YI8Sbaxx" alt=""><figcaption><p>First look at a new Ghost installation using <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME_NAME</code> theme</p></figcaption></figure>