> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bymiles.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Choosing a theme foundation

> Understand the optional parent theme choice at the start of a Miles build.

When you start a new build, Miles may let you choose a parent theme. You can also leave the default selected and let Miles build a custom theme for the site.

This choice affects how the finished WordPress theme is packaged. It does not replace your prompt, brief, or design direction.

## The default choice

The default Miles option is usually the simplest place to start. Miles creates a custom theme foundation for your site, based on the brief and design direction you approve.

Choose this when you care more about the result than about starting from a specific existing WordPress theme.

## When to choose a parent theme

Choose a parent theme when you already know you want the site built on top of one of the listed block themes, such as Ollie, Spectra One, Frost, Ona, or Twenty Twenty-Five.

This can be useful when:

* your team already likes that theme
* you want the site to fit an existing WordPress workflow
* you expect to keep editing within that theme's patterns and style system
* a client or developer specifically requested it

Do not choose a parent theme just because its demo looks close. Miles still designs around your brief.

## Give Miles design direction

The theme foundation is only one input. Your description still matters more:

```text theme={"dark"}
Use a calm editorial direction.

It should feel premium but approachable for local healthcare clients.
```

Avoid giving only color or layout instructions. Miles needs to understand the audience, purpose, and mood.

## Change direction early

If the design direction feels wrong, correct it before the full build. It is much easier to steer the taste and positioning early than to repair a mismatched site later.