How to Use Full Site Editing in WordPress: A Simple Guide

Full Site Editing in WordPress lets you customize your entire website using block editor for templates, headers, footers, and more. Access it by using a block-based theme and opening the Site Editor from the WordPress dashboard to edit site parts visually.

Syntax

Full Site Editing uses the WordPress block editor to build and edit site templates and parts. You work with these main elements:

• Site Editor: The interface to edit your whole site layout.
• Templates: Layouts for pages, posts, archives, etc.
• Template Parts: Reusable sections like header and footer.
• Blocks: Building blocks like paragraphs, images, navigation, and site title.

To use Full Site Editing, you need a block-based theme that supports it, such as Twenty Twenty-Two or newer.

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Example

This example shows how to open the Site Editor and customize your site's header:

1. Install and activate a block-based theme like Twenty Twenty-Two.
2. In the WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Editor.
3. The Site Editor opens, showing your homepage template.
4. Click on the header area to select it.
5. Use the block toolbar to add or edit blocks like site title, logo, or navigation.
6. Save your changes to update the live site.

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Output

You will see your site header updated with the blocks you added or changed.

Common Pitfalls

Here are common mistakes when using Full Site Editing:

• Using a non-block theme: Older themes don’t support Full Site Editing features.
• Not saving changes: Forgetting to save in the Site Editor means changes won’t appear.
• Editing live site without backup: Changes affect the live site immediately, so always back up first.
• Confusing Template vs Template Part: Templates are full page layouts; template parts are reusable sections.

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<!-- Wrong: Trying to edit site parts in a classic theme -->
<!-- Right: Switch to a block-based theme like Twenty Twenty-Two -->

Quick Reference

Summary tips for Full Site Editing:

• Use a block-based theme to enable Full Site Editing.
• Access the Site Editor via Appearance > Editor.
• Edit templates and template parts visually with blocks.
• Save changes to update your live site.
• Back up your site before major edits.

Key Takeaways

Full Site Editing requires a block-based theme like Twenty Twenty-Two.

Use the Site Editor in the WordPress dashboard to customize templates and parts.

Templates control full page layouts; template parts are reusable sections like headers.

Always save your changes and back up your site before editing.

Full Site Editing lets you build your entire site visually with blocks, no coding needed.