---
title: "Installing Kadence Starter Templates (Unlock AI and Pre-Designed Templates)"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/kadence-starter-templates/"
description: "The following steps provide details on installing the Starter Templates by Kadence plugin on your WordPress site. This free plugin works strictly with the Kaden…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "Kadence"
date: "2025-08-01"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# Installing Kadence Starter Templates (Unlock AI and Pre-Designed Templates)

The following steps provide details on installing the **Starter Templates by Kadence** plugin on your WordPress site. This free plugin works strictly with the [Kadence Theme](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/theme/theme-installation/) and allows you to import [pre-designed templates](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/pre-designed-starter-templates/) or personalized [AI-powered designs with Kadence AI](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/kadence-ai-powered-starter-templates/).

![Starter Templates](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Starter-Templates-scaled-e1753992039257.jpg)[Browse Pre-Designed Kadence Starter Templates](https://www.kadencewp.com/kadence-theme/starter-templates/)

**Premium Templates –** To access *Premium Starter Templates*, your website must meet one of the following requirements:

- The site has the [Kadence Creative Kit](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/kadence-creative-kit/) plugin installed, activated, and licensed. *(Included in the Express Plan or higher.)*  
    **OR**
- The site has [Kadence Blocks Pro](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/kadence-blocks-pro-plugin/) and the [Kadence Theme Kit Pro](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/theme/theme-kit-pro-plugin/) plugins installed, activated, and licensed using the same license key for both plugins. *(Included in the Plus Plan or higher.)*

[View Pricing](https://www.kadencewp.com/pricing)

Built-in WordPress Installation

You can install the **Starter Templates by Kadence** plugin directly from your WordPress Dashboard. Below are instructions on how you can do this.

In the WordPress Dashboard, go to **Plugins** -> **Add Plugin**

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Add-New-Plugin-scaled-1.png)Use the search bar in the top right corner and search for **AI Powered Starter Templates by Kadence**. Once it appears, click **Install** **Now**.

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Search-Kadence-Starter-Template-Plugin-scaled-1.png)Then, once you have finished installing the plugin, click on the blue **Activate** button to activate it.  
  
Congratulations! You have successfully installed and activated the Starter Templates by Kadence plugin.

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Activate-Kadence-Starter-Template-Plugin.png)

Manual Installation

You can install the Starter Templates by Kadence plugin manually by downloading it from [WordPress.org](https://wordpress.org/plugins/) and uploading it to your WordPress Plugins. Below are instructions on how you can do this.

First, download the AI Powered Starter Templates by Kadence by [clicking here](https://wordpress.org/plugins/kadence-starter-templates/). Be sure to keep the file in its `.zip` format. Do not extract it, as WordPress requires the ZIP for upload.

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Download-AI-Powered-Starter-Templates-by-Kadence-WP.png)

Once downloaded, go to your WordPress Dashboard and navigate to **Plugins -> Add Plugin.**

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Add-New-Plugin-scaled-1.png)At the top of the page, you will now see an **Upload** **Plugin** button. Click on it to upload your ZIP file. You can click the **Choose** **File** button and choose the Kadence Starter Templates ZIP file you downloaded.

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Upload-New-Plugin.png)

Once the Plugin File is uploaded, click the **Install** **Now** button

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Upload-New-Plugin-Zip-File-1024x263-1.png)

Then click on the blue **Activate Plugin** button to activate the Starter Templates by Kadence.  
  
Congratulations! You have successfully installed and activated the Starter Templates by Kadence plugin.

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Activate-Kadence-Starter-Templates-Plugin-1024x404-1.png)

Next Steps

After you have activated the Starter Templates plugin, the next steps depend on your goals. Here are some resources to help you get started.

- [Kadence Site Assist](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/kadence-site-assist/) – The starter templates plugin includes *Site Assist*, a system to help set up your starter template, theme settings, website optimization, website security, and more.
- [AI Powered V.S. Pre-Designed Templates](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/starter-templates-ai-powered-vs-pre-designed/) – Learn the difference between using AI or pre-designed starter templates.
- [Getting Started With AI-Powered Starter Templates](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/kadence-ai-powered-starter-templates/)
- [Getting Started With Pre-Designed Starter Templates](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/pre-designed-starter-templates/)