> 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/upload-routes.yaml-file.md).

# Upload routes.yaml file

Once you activate <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code>, your website may look **very empty at first**—this is completely normal.

By default, Ghost ships with **only one sample post** titled **“Coming Soon”**. Since <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> is designed for **content-heavy and multilingual publishing**, it relies on proper routing and real content to display layouts like hero sections, archives, and member pages correctly.

In the **next section**, we’ll walk through how to add posts and start publishing content so your site begins to resemble the <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> demo.

Before that, it’s important to upload the included **`routes.yaml`** file.

### Why `routes.yaml` Is Required

Ghost uses a file called **`routes.yaml`** to control how URLs, collections, and custom pages are structured on your website.

<code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> includes its own `routes.yaml` file because it enables:

* Custom **member pages** (Sign in, Sign up, Subscribe, Membership, Account)
* Proper routing for **custom archive templates**
* Correct handling of **tags, authors, and post listings**
* Support for <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code>’s **advanced layouts and multilingual structure**

Without uploading this file:

* Custom pages may not load correctly
* Member-related pages may show errors or fall back to default templates
* Some layouts may not behave as intended

***

### Where to Find the `routes.yaml` File

The `routes.yaml` file is included inside the <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> download package.

1. Locate the <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> ZIP file you downloaded.
2. Extract (unzip) the file on your computer.
3. Inside the extracted folder, you will find a file named:\
   \&#xNAN;**`routes.yaml`**

This is the file you will upload to Ghost Admin.

<figure><img src="/files/9o8N2H6RuzaG83UttsGt" alt=""><figcaption><p>routes.yaml file inside the <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME_NAME</code> theme package</p></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step-by-Step: Uploading `routes.yaml` in Ghost Admin

Follow these steps carefully—no coding knowledge is required.

#### **Step 1 — Open Ghost Admin**

1. Open your browser.
2. Go to your Ghost Admin URL: `https://example.com/ghost`
3. Log in using your administrator credentials.

#### **Step 2 — Navigate to the Routes Settings**

1. In the left sidebar, click **Settings** (⚙️ icon).
2. Scroll down and open **Labs** (or **Advanced**, depending on your Ghost version).
3. Find the section labeled **Routes**.

This section controls how Ghost handles URLs and page structures.

<figure><img src="/files/i1rQexWqrs3IG1sj2Dy9" alt=""><figcaption><p>Routes settings in Ghost Admin</p></figcaption></figure>

#### **Step 3 — Upload the `routes.yaml` File**

1. In the Routes section, click **Upload routes file**.
2. A file picker dialog will open.
3. Select the **`routes.yaml`** file from the extracted <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> folder on your computer.
4. Confirm the upload.

Ghost will immediately apply the new routing configuration.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Uploading a new `routes.yaml` file replaces the existing routes configuration. This is expected and safe for new installs. However, it is advisable to download the existing `routes.yaml` file as a backup.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/cI9YAeY16D7WzsJqxyYX" alt=""><figcaption><p>Upload/Download routes.yaml file</p></figcaption></figure>

***

### What Happens After Uploading `routes.yaml`

Once the file is uploaded:

* <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code>’s **custom member pages** become active
* Archive pages (tags, authors, posts) follow the intended structure
* Navigation and templates align correctly with the theme
* Your site is now fully ready for content creation

At this stage, the site may still look minimal—that’s because **content has not been added yet**, not because something is broken.

***

### Common Questions & Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>My site still looks empty. Is something wrong?</summary>

No. This is expected until you add posts, tags, and featured content.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will this delete my posts?</summary>

No. Uploading `routes.yaml` does **not delete content**. It only changes how URLs and templates are structured.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I edit <code>routes.yaml</code> later?</summary>

Yes. Advanced users can customize routes later, but we recommend using the default <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> file unless you know exactly what you’re changing.

</details>