Why can’t I finish the Starter Sites import?

If you are on this page, it already means that you've encountered some issues with the Starter Sites import. This is almost always about your hosting environment, not Pixelgrade LT, and it's usually quick to fix. Work through the steps below in order.

Where to find the import: go to Appearance → Pixelgrade Design and open the

Starter Sites tab. Pick your starter and run the import again whenever

you're ready to retry.

Step 1. Check that your site is ready

Before retrying, look at the built-in readiness check.

1. Go to Appearance → Pixelgrade Design.
2. Open the Setup tab.
3. Review the readiness list — it shows your PHP version and Memory limit,

and flags anything that is below what's recommended.

If something is flagged here, fix it with the matching step below, then retry. If everything is green but the import still fails, don't stop here: a timeout from low upload or post-size limits can interrupt the import even when your PHP version and memory limit look fine — so work through Step 2 as well before you retry.

Step 2. Increase PHP limits: fixing timeout issues

The most common issue is a timeout, caused by low values set for the upload_max_filesize and post_max_size directives.

Find this line in the php.ini file: upload_max_filesize = 2M (or another value) and replace it with a higher value, such as upload_max_filesize = 64M. You may also want to increase your max post size by finding the post_max_size directive and increasing it as well.

There is even a plugin that you can use in order to fix this.

In case you don't have access to the php.ini file (which in most cases, it happens), you may want to ask your hosting in order to get this job done.

Step 3. Confirm your PHP version

A PHP version that is too old (or, occasionally, a brand-new one your host just switched on) can interrupt the import.

1. Check the PHP version shown on the Setup tab.
2. Compare it against the Pixelgrade LT Requirements doc.
3. If it doesn't match, ask your host to switch to a supported PHP version, then

retry the import.

If you see a specific PHP error message during the import, copy it and send it to our support team — that message tells us exactly what to fix.

Step 4. Retry the import

1. Return to Appearance → Pixelgrade Design → Starter Sites.
2. Choose your starter again and start the import.
3. It's safe to re-run — already-imported items are skipped, so you won't get

duplicates.

4. When it finishes you'll see "All done — your site is ready." and a

View your site button.

Still struggling?

We can help you setup WordPress and install your new theme along with the Starter Sites content. Check out our services.