How to Protect a WordPress Template

1. Edit your WordPress template and save your changes. You can do this via the WordPress interface or by editing the PHP template files directly and uploading them to your server. Test out your website using several popular Web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer. It is important to test the template with multiple browsers to ensure compatibility.
2. Download and install an FTP program, such as FileZilla, if you have not already done so. An FTP program allows you to add, remove and edit files on your Web server. FileZilla is a free, open source FTP program. Configure the software so it can access your Web server. Obtain the required setup information from your Web host if you do not already have it.

3. Log in to your Web server using the FTP program and locate your WordPress installation. Generally, a sub-folder dedicated to your WordPress site will be located under the 'public_html' folder. Once you've found your WordPress installation, navigate to the 'wp-content' folder and the 'themes' folder. In the 'themes' folder, you will find a dedicated folder for each installed template.
4. Change the file permissions of your template folder to make it 'read-only.' With FileZilla (and many other FTP programs), right-click on the folder and choose 'file permissions.' In the file permissions window, change the setting to '555.' This will allow Web users to read but not edit the files. Be sure to choose the option to apply the change on all sub-folders so all template files are set to read-only.