> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vr-it-services-pro.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

> Install and activate Vara SaaS from WordPress.org or an uploaded zip.

# Installation

# Installation

Installing Vara SaaS takes about two minutes. There are two routes — pick the first unless you have a reason to use the second.

## Before you start

> **Back up your site**
>
> If you already have a site running, create a backup before switching themes. Switching themes can change your menus, front page, and widget areas.

> **Check your PHP version**
>
> The theme requires **PHP 7.4 or newer**. Check under **Tools → Site Health → Info → Server**. See [Requirements](/introduction/requirements.md).

## Method 1 — install from WordPress.org

**1. Go to Appearance → Themes**

In your WordPress admin, choose **Appearance → Themes → Add New**.

**2. Search for Vara SaaS**

Type `Vara SaaS` in the search box. The theme is published on the WordPress.org directory.

**3. Click Install**

Click **Install Now** and wait for the confirmation.

**4. Click Activate**

Click **Activate**. The theme becomes live immediately.

![Screenshot: Appearance → Themes → Add New with Vara SaaS in the search results](https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/vr-it-services-pro/images/screenshots/installation-wordpress-org.png)

> [!TIP]
>
> After activation you'll see a **Vara SaaS** banner inviting you to run the setup wizard. Take it — it installs Elementor and imports four finished pages in one pass. See [Setup wizard](/introduction/setup-wizard.md).

## Method 2 — upload the zip

Use this if your host blocks the WordPress.org installer, or you want a specific version.

**1. Download the zip**

Get `vara-saas.zip` from the [theme page on WordPress.org](https://wordpress.org/themes/vara-saas/). Do not unzip it.

**2. Open Appearance → Themes → Add New**

Then click **Upload Theme** at the top of the page.

**3. Choose the file**

Select `vara-saas.zip` and click **Install Now**.

**4. Activate**

Click **Activate**.

![Screenshot: Appearance → Add New Theme → Upload Theme with the file picker](https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/vr-it-services-pro/images/screenshots/installation-upload-zip.png)

> [!NOTE]
>
> If WordPress rejects the upload, it's almost always a PHP version or file-size limit. Raise `upload_max_filesize` and `post_max_size`, or ask your host to allow it. The theme zip is small — roughly a few megabytes including the bundled fonts.

## What happens on activation

Activating the theme triggers a small amount of housekeeping:

* A **Vara SaaS** panel appears in the Customizer with all theme settings
* An activation banner appears offering the setup wizard
* Three theme options are reset so a previous install's leftovers don't leak in
* If a front page using the **Page Builder Full Width** template exists but has no Elementor data, the theme regenerates the homepage layout automatically

> [!WARNING]
>
> **The theme does not create or change any of your pages during activation.** Pages, menus, and Elementor layouts are only created when you run the setup wizard or the demo import. If you already have a site, activating Vara SaaS is safe.
>
> If you would rather not have the theme create anything automatically, skip the wizard and read [Demo content](/introduction/demo-content.md) first.

## Next: install the page builder

Vara SaaS works without Elementor, but the demo pages and most of the design tooling need it.

> **[Run the setup wizard](/introduction/setup-wizard.md)**
>
> Installs Elementor and imports the demo pages in three steps. Recommended.

> **[Install plugins yourself](/introduction/recommended-plugins.md)**
>
> What to install and what is optional.

## Updating the theme later

**1. Check for updates**

WordPress will show an update notice on **Dashboard → Updates** when a new version is released.

**2. Update as normal**

Click **Update Now**. If you use automatic updates, WordPress handles it.

**3. Review the changelog**

Version notes are published on the [WordPress.org page](https://wordpress.org/themes/vara-saas/). Accessibility and template changes are worth reading before updating a production site.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Your Customizer settings live in the database, not in theme files, so **updating the theme never resets your colors, typography, or footer content**. Your posts, pages, and Elementor layouts are equally unaffected. See [Settings will not save](/troubleshooting/settings-not-saving.md) if you're seeing something different.

## Switching away from another theme

If you're migrating from an existing theme, do it in this order:

1. Install and activate Vara SaaS
2. Create and assign a menu under **Appearance → Menus** to the **Primary Menu** location
3. Set your front page and posts page under **Settings → Reading**
4. Re-check your colors and logo under **Appearance → Customize → Vara SaaS**
5. Review your widget areas — see [Sidebars and widgets](/customization/sidebars-and-widgets.md)

> [!WARNING]
>
> Your previous theme's settings do **not** transfer. Menus and widgets are theme-managed, so treat this as a fresh start rather than expecting your old customizations to carry over.


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