How will I know when updates are available?

Updates are essential for a well-functioning website, and we encourage you to keep an eye on them. There are a few different ways you can manage updates for your WordPress theme and plugins, so let's take them one by one.

How do I know my theme needs an update?

There are two friendly reminders that point you in the same direction:

1. The WordPress reminder. When a new version of your theme is available, WordPress shows an update notice in your dashboard. You'll see a small number badge next to Dashboard → Updates in the left menu, and a notice near the top of your screen.

1. The Pixelgrade Assistant reminder. Pixelgrade Assistant — the plugin that powers your Pixelgrade Design dashboard — also keeps watch. When a newer version of your theme (Anima) is out, it shows a dismissible notice on your main WordPress Dashboard titled "New Theme Update is Available!", telling you the new version number and linking you to your Pixelgrade Design dashboard.

You can also check your theme's status any time without waiting for a notice:

1. Go to Appearance → Pixelgrade Design to open your Pixelgrade LT dashboard hub.
2. On the Home tab, the Theme status card shows your active theme and its current version number, so you always know what you're running.

Note: Everything for your Pixelgrade LT site lives in one place — Appearance → Pixelgrade Design — right alongside WordPress's own update screens.

How do I update my theme?

Updating happens through WordPress's normal, built-in update process — the same place all your themes update:

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Dashboard → Updates (or Appearance → Themes).
2. If a new version of your theme is available, you'll see it listed there.
3. Click the Update button. On the Themes screen this appears as an Update available notice under the theme; on the Updates screen, select the theme and click Update Themes.
4. Wait a few seconds for WordPress to download and install the new version. That's it.

Tip: Updates are downloaded automatically — you don't need to find or upload a .zip file by hand. As long as your Pixelgrade account is connected (see the last section), your theme receives its updates through this standard channel.

How do I update my plugins?

Your site may use both standard WordPress plugins and Pixelgrade companions, and both update the same easy way.

1. Go to Plugins in your WordPress dashboard (or Dashboard → Updates).
2. Any plugin with a new version — including Pixelgrade companions like Style Manager and Nova Blocks — will show an Update available notice.
3. Click Update now under each plugin you want to update.

Heads-up: Pixelgrade Assistant also helps you keep the recommended companion plugins in good shape. On the Setup tab in Appearance → Pixelgrade Design, you'll see if a recommended plugin is missing, inactive, or out of date, with quick buttons to install or activate it. To actually apply a plugin update, use the standard Plugins screen as described above.

Can I enable automatic updates?

WordPress comes with a built-in option that allows you to enable auto-updates for your plugins and WordPress theme.

To enable auto-updates for your WordPress theme, navigate to Appearance → Themes, and click on Enable auto-updates. Note that the option won't be available unless you have a theme update pending.

As for the plugins, the process is just as straightforward. Navigate to Plugins and click the Enable auto-updates option next to each plugin you want to be automatically updated.

Keeping access to updates and support

To keep receiving theme updates and to be eligible for support, connect your pixelgrade.com account:

1. Go to Appearance → Pixelgrade Design.
2. Open the Account tab and connect your pixelgrade.com account.

Premium features and any paid licensing are handled by Pixelgrade Plus (shown in the Account tab when it's installed). For everyday theme and plugin updates, though, the steps above are all you need.

If you ever want to double-check you're on the latest version, the quickest way is Appearance → Pixelgrade Design → Home, where the Theme card shows your current version at a glance.