Frequently Asked Questions
Will my site be automatically updated?
Existing Wordpress sites will not be automatically updated to Theme 3. Once your site has been updated to 3, it will receive all updates made to 3 automatically through the theme update service.
Will Theme 3 show up as an update on my dashboard?
No. Theme 3 is on its own independent theme update service and will not show up as an available update on existing site dashboards. Initially, Theme 3 will require a manual installation on a new web shell.
My site is already on Wordpress, can I just update my theme?
In most cases, no. Some level of manual intervention is going to be required even when using Wordpress's native import/export function for content.
Can I try Theme 3 before installing it?
Yes! Once you've completed an Advanced training session email web@ua.edu to request access to our Theme 3 sandbox to get a glimpse at the theme in action.
Am I required to use Theme 3?
While you're not required to use Theme 3, using Theme 3 is the easiest way to achieve compliance with UA's Web Branding Guidelines, Accessibility standards, and guarantee continued support from Strategic Communications.
Can I use Plugins with Theme 3?
Yes, site administrators can install plugins and many plugins will function with Theme 3 without any customization required. Some plugins may require minor modification to account for any CSS conflicts. See theTheme 3 page for a list of plugins that have been tested and confirmed as working for use with Theme 3. By installing plugins, site administrators take responsibility for the sustainability and security of the plugin integration. Strategic Communications can and will only support the theme core.
Can I use site builder plugins like Elementor or Beaver Builder with Theme 3?
No. Theme 3 includes layout blocks and tools that align your site with the University's web design system conventions. This helps ensure that your site's content will display appropriately and respond appropriately to varying screen sizes.
I'm a developer, can I modify or make child themes of Theme 3?
Yes! We encourage developers to build onto the theme to fit their units' unique needs. However, by modifying or child theming, you take responsibility for the sustainability of custom features. Strategic Communications can and will only support the theme core.
What are some sites running theme 3 in production?
What version of Wordpress / PHP is required for theme 3?
Theme 3 requires at least WordPress version 6.0 and PHP version 7.2
I found a problem with the theme. How do I report a bug?
Email web@ua.edu with the details of the bug and how to reproduce it. Thanks for letting us know!
How can I download Theme 3?
Head over to the Theme 3 Releases page and look for “Box Download” on the exact version you need.