2.0 Updates

Today we are updating Paperpunch, Titan, Traction, and Vigilance to version 2.0. This is more of an organizational change, although some minor bugs have been fixed across all themes.

Before I get into the structure changes, let me explain why we are making the change. In the past we maintained two separate versions of each theme. One was the free trial version, and the other was the PRO child theme. The PRO child theme unlocked features in the free trial version. This worked well for a long time, but we eventually started updating the PRO child theme almost as much as the free parent theme. This defeated the purpose of having the child theme in the first place and was a hassle for our users.

Starting with version 2.0 of Paperpunch, Titan, Traction, and Vigilance (Photography is already using the new structure) the PRO child theme will be emptied out. It will be a true “blank canvas” for customizing your theme, and it probably won’t ever be updated (the way it should be). In place of the old free parent version will be a new 2.0 PRO version of each theme, which will only be available to members. We will still release a free trial but it will be a stripped down copy of the PRO version and it won’t receive regular updates.

Upgrade instructions

There are basically 3 upgrade scenarios. I will use Vigilance as an example, but any of the themes can be updated using the same process.

Always backup first!

You should always make a backup of your /wp-content/themes folder before you upgrade any themes. Log in to your server via FTP and download the entire /wp-content/themes folder to your local hard drive. If you aren’t sure how to use FTP check out the video library. If something goes wrong simply delete your /wp-content/themes folder from the server and replace it with your backup copy.

You haven’t customized any code

First, login to your server via FTP and navigate to /wp-content/themes. Find your PRO child theme folder, most likely called `vigilance_pro`, and rename it to `vigilance_pro_old`.

Download the new 2.0 themes (eg. Vigilance PRO 2.0 and Vigilance PRO child theme 2.0) and follow the install instructions. After completing the install you will have two new themes under Appearance → Themes section of your WordPress admin panel: Vigilance PRO 2.0 and Vigilance PRO Child Theme 2.0. Simply activate Vigilance PRO Child Theme 2.0 (green PRO image in the middle) and you are good to go. If you have any images in your `/vigilance_pro_old/images` folder be sure to copy them over to the new `/vigilance_pro_child/images` folder. After things have been working well for a few weeks feel free to delete all your old 1.x themes. Don’t worry about losing any of your “Theme Options” settings or posts/pages, they are stored in the database and won’t be touched.

You have customized CSS only

First, follow the instructions outlined above in the You haven’t customized any code section. After completing the instructions your theme will be working, but all your custom styles will be missing.

Find your Vigilance 1.x child theme folder (the one we renamed `/vigilance_pro_old`) and open up the style.css file. You should have made all your CSS customizations below the Make all custom CSS changes BELOW this line section. Select all of your customization code and copy it to your clipboard. Now, open up your brand new `/vigilance_pro_child/style.css` file and paste all the code below the Make all custom CSS changes BELOW this line section. Save the file on your server and your custom styles will re-appear.

You have customized CSS and added or customized template files in your PRO child theme

First, follow the instructions outlined above in the You haven’t customized any code and You have customized CSS only sections. After completing the instructions your theme and custom styles will be working, but your template customizations will be missing.

Find your Vigilance 1.x child theme folder (the one we renamed `/vigilance_pro_old`) and make a copy of all your customized template files. Don’t include header.php or any other old “default” files (page templates, files in the /functions folder, etc.) unless you have customized them. Now, open up your new `/vigilance_pro_child` folder and drop in all your customized template files.

Questions or problems?

Remember, we aren’t deleting any of the old theme folders or files so you can always switch back to the 1.x version of the PRO child theme under Appearance → Themes and you will be right back where you started. If you run into any complications during the upgrade process please drop us a line in the support forums and we will help you get everything straightened out.