Install WordPress plugins - how it works
With plugins you expand the functionality of WordPress. We'll show you how to install a plugin.
Install plugins from the WordPress community
Behind the open source CMS WordPress is a large community that provides themes and plugins for free. You can install these extensions from your dashboard with just a few clicks:
- Open your dashboard ([Url of your blog] / wp / wp-admin /] and select the menu item "Plugins". Then click on "Install".
- If you are looking for a specific extension, write a search term in the text box. Alternatively, you can find popular keywords in the tag cloud.
- If you have entered a search term, a hit list appears. Select your desired plugin and click on the "Install Now" button.
- WordPress asks you again if you really want to install it. As soon as you confirm the request, WordPress begins with the installation.
- Finally, click on "Activate this plugin" to work with the new tool in WordPress.
Install third-party plugins in WordPress
Not all developers distribute their extensions directly via WordPress. To install such third-party plugins, obtain the installation file (usually a zip file) directly from the manufacturer's website and then integrate it into your CMS:
- In your dashboard, click on "Install" under the menu item Plugins.
- Switch from "Search" to "Install" in the top bar.
- Now select the previously downloaded zip file and click on "Install now".
- To use the plugin, you still have to activate it.
Only activate plugins that you really use - plugins cost storage space. In another article we will show you the 10 most popular WordPress plugins.