Why You Should Not Edit Theme Files Directly
It can be tempting to make a quick tweak by editing your theme's files directly, especially through the built-in editor. This is one of the most common ways site owners accidentally break their site or lose work.
Understanding why helps you avoid a costly mistake.
The Two Big Risks
- Lost changes: the next theme update overwrites your edits.
- White screen of death: a small syntax error can take the whole site offline.
Why Updates Wipe Edits
When a theme updates, its files are replaced with the new version. Any custom code you added directly to those files disappears, often without warning.
The Safe Alternatives
- Use a child theme for design changes.
- Use the Customiser or theme settings where possible.
- Add custom code through a dedicated snippets plugin.
- Always test changes on staging first.
Frequently Asked Questions
The theme has a built-in code editor. Is it safe to use?
We recommend disabling it. A single typo there edits live files instantly and can crash your site with no easy undo.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.