Title: Custom Theme or Free WordPress Theme?
Last modified: August 20, 2016

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# Custom Theme or Free WordPress Theme?

 *  [rodrigodominguez](https://wordpress.org/support/users/rodrigodominguez/)
 * (@rodrigodominguez)
 * [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/custom-theme-or-free-wordpress-theme/)
 * Can I buy a domain and hosting and still use one of the free themes provided 
   by wordpress on the wordpress site? I want a self-hosted site, but I’ve noticed
   a lot of problems with premium wordpress theme companies. Basically, I don’t 
   need such a flashy theme, as my site is mostly writing based, so I don’t want
   to shell out the extra cash for a fancy premium theme. So, then, is my best option
   just self-hosting a wordpress site and using one of the free themes provided 
   in their database? I just want something clean and minimalist that highlights
   the writing. Also, if I do use a free wordpress theme, I will still be able to
   include other plugins and stuff, right?

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

 *  [jon](https://wordpress.org/support/users/adiant/)
 * (@adiant)
 * [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/custom-theme-or-free-wordpress-theme/#post-2948159)
 * Yes, free Themes can be used with other plugins and such.
 * This is the place to start looking at Themes:
    [http://wordpress.org/extend/themes/](http://wordpress.org/extend/themes/)
 * Most important selection criteria, in my opinion, is that it has been updated
   in the not too distant past, perhaps within the last two years, to maximize the
   possibility of compatibility with current versions of WordPress.
 * Also, be aware that not all Themes listed there are free.
 *  [Pioneer Web Design](https://wordpress.org/support/users/swansonphotos/)
 * (@swansonphotos)
 * [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/custom-theme-or-free-wordpress-theme/#post-2948160)
 * Chose a popular theme listed here, if you can create a [child theme](http://codex.wordpress.org/Child_Themes)
   use twentyeleven.

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

The topic ‘Custom Theme or Free WordPress Theme?’ is closed to new replies.

 * In: [Fixing WordPress](https://wordpress.org/support/forum/how-to-and-troubleshooting/)
 * 2 replies
 * 3 participants
 * Last reply from: [Pioneer Web Design](https://wordpress.org/support/users/swansonphotos/)
 * Last activity: [13 years, 9 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/custom-theme-or-free-wordpress-theme/#post-2948160)
 * Status: not resolved

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