No option to preview new theme on my blog?

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  freyathewriter · Member · Jun 28, 2015 at 2:34 pm

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  Hi there

  I am thinking about changing the theme on my blog (freyawrites.com, hosted on WordPress), but it looks as if you only have the option to Demo or Activate, not see your own blog in the new theme style, which used to be possible with a Preview option. Is this option no longer available?

  I am using the Themes link in the left hand sidebar. Demo only seems to provide a visual of the pre-designed screenshot of the theme, not your own blog in the new style.

  I am reluctant to click on Activate, as I don’t want to publish my blog in a theme that might not work properly.

  The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)

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  timethief · Member · Jun 28, 2015 at 2:59 pm

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  You can replace any image in any theme with one of your ownn.

  Have you consulted this support doc? https://en.support.wordpress.com/customizer/

  If you have not purchased the custom design upgrade, then note that no changes you try out aside from those such as Custom Background, Custom Header, etc. which are stated on the theme description pages in the features column (right hand side) will be visible to visitors.

  For details read Custom design – Frequently Asked Questions
  http://en.support.wordpress.com/custom-design/#frequently-asked-questions
  http://en.support.wordpress.com/custom-design/
  http://en.support.wordpress.com/custom-design/editing-css/
  http://en.support.wordpress.com/custom-design/custom-fonts/

  If you purchase the upgrade please use this link https://en.forums.wordpress.com/forum/css-customization#postform so you can copy and paste your text into a thread that will appear in the CSS Forum where you will get the help you need.

  You do not need to load the design tools unless you have the Custom Design upgrade. All of these functions can be accessed from your dashboard – without loading the custom design tools – no upgrade required.
  Appearance > Header
  Appearance > Background
  Appearance > Theme Options (applicable only to some themes)
  Settings > Reading (set a static front page)
  Site Title and Tagline > Settings > General

  If you are using the preview mode for the Custom Design upgrade some of the settings in that mode will save but they won’t show up on the front end unless you purchase the upgrade.

  To go back to the free options, go to Appearance → Themes → Customize → Colors and click the “exit the preview” link in yellow at the top of the panel on the right.

  See also: http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/01/18/video-tutorial-customizing-your-theme/

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  kathrynwp · Staff · Jun 29, 2015 at 3:28 pm

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  You can preview a theme in the WP Admin editor, under Appearance > Themes:

  https://freyawrites.wordpress.com/wp-admin/themes.php

  Hover over any theme and click the Preview button. Here’s an example: https://cloudup.com/c9MdGfbB4AW

  Let me know if you get stuck at any point.

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  freyathewriter · Member · Jun 30, 2015 at 11:27 am

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  Hi Kathryn

  That’s brilliant, thank you. It’s been quite a few months since I updated my blog, and lots of things have changed. This is just what I needed!

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  kathrynwp · Staff · Jun 30, 2015 at 1:39 pm

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  You’re very welcome, glad that helped!