Chess Suite / Getting started

Download and install Chess Suite

Install the plugin and companion theme on your own WordPress website, then check that the dashboard opens.

Chess Suite dashboard: choose a workspace to begin. Product interface · sample contentOpen full render ↗

Before you start

Have a WordPress administrator account and access to your SloopStack purchase email. Check the requirements on the download supplied with your order; your host needs to meet the WordPress and PHP requirements of that release.
On an existing website, take a backup of its files and database. Try the installation on a staging copy first. Activating a different theme changes the public presentation even though existing WordPress content remains in the database.

Sign in to SloopStack Account using the email associated with the purchase. Open Downloads and select the Chess Suite plugin ZIP and its companion Chess Suite Theme ZIP. Download SloopStack Manager as well if it is available with your plan.
Keep each installer as a ZIP. If your browser expands downloads automatically, locate the original ZIP or turn off automatic expansion before downloading again. An archive containing several installers must be opened first; upload the individual plugin or theme ZIP from inside it.

In your WordPress dashboard, open Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin. Choose the Chess Suite plugin ZIP, select Install Now, then Activate Plugin. A new Chess Suite menu should appear.
Open Appearance → Themes → Add New Theme → Upload Theme. Choose the companion Chess Suite Theme ZIP, install it, then activate it when you are ready to change the public design.
Open Chess Suite. Check the dashboard, then open Subscription to activate the license for this website. Continue with First website setup to choose your identity, design and public pages.

A missing style.css message usually means a plugin ZIP was uploaded as a theme, or an outer bundle was uploaded instead of the theme installer. Check the package name and upload location.
If the file exceeds the host upload limit, ask your host to raise it or help install that package. If the dashboard fails after activation, disable the newly added plugin through your host’s tools and send its version and the error text to support.

Need a hand?

Include your product, installed version and the step where you got stuck.