A complete beginner’s guide to WordPress full site editing
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What is WordPress full site editing (FSE)?
Imagine transforming your WordPress site without touching a single line of code. That’s the magic of Full Site Editing (FSE)! It’s a game-changer for beginners, giving you the power to design and customize every corner of your website using simple building blocks called blocks.
Think of these blocks like Lego bricks for your website.
Previously, customizing your site beyond the content area often involved editing theme files or using complex page builders. FSE simplifies this process dramatically, making website creation more accessible and intuitive for everyone.
Why would a beginner want to use FSE?
Pros:
- No coding required: Build beautiful websites without touching a single line of code, perfect for beginners.
- Drag-and-drop interface: Edit your site visually, just like using Legos.
- Flexibility and customization: Design unique layouts and personalize your website exactly how you want.
- Faster development: Build pages quicker and easier compared to traditional methods.
- Responsive design: FSE themes are built to adapt automatically to different screen sizes.
- Future-proof: This is the direction WordPress is moving, so learning FSE now benefits you long-term.
Cons:
Still evolving: FSE is relatively new, so some features and themes might be under development.
Learning curve: While easier than coding, there’s still a learning curve to understand blocks and the interface.
Limited theme selection: Currently, fewer themes fully support FSE compared to traditional themes.
Check your compatibility
Before jumping in, make sure your WordPress setup is ready for FSE. You’ll need:
- WordPress 6.0 or later: Newer versions offer better FSE support. Check your version under Dashboard > Updates.
- Block-based theme: Traditional themes won’t work with FSE. Look for themes marked as “block-based” or “FSE-compatible.”
Install a beginner-friendly FSE theme
Choosing the right theme is crucial! Here are some popular options for beginners:
- Twenty Twenty-Three (TT3): The official WordPress theme built for FSE, packed with features and customization options.
- Astra: Highly customizable and lightweight, perfect for various website types.
- Kadence: Offers pre-built layouts and drag-and-drop functionality for easy site creation.
- GeneratePress: Simple and lightweight with a powerful theme builder for more control.
Remember, you can always change themes later! Install your chosen theme via Appearance > Themes in your WordPress dashboard.
Navigate the FSE interface:
Once you activate your FSE theme, explore the new “Site Editor” interface:
- Sidebar: Houses all available blocks for you to drag and drop onto your pages.
- Toolbar: Provides options for managing layouts, settings, and previewing your site.
- Canvas: This is where you build your pages by adding and arranging blocks.
- Inspector: Customize individual blocks by adjusting their styles, content, and settings.
Key Features
- Block patterns: Pre-designed layouts ready to be inserted for faster page building.
- Global styles: Set consistent fonts, colors, and spacing for your entire site.
- Templates: Create reusable page layouts for different sections of your website.
These are just a few highlights. Experiment and explore the interface to discover its full potential!
Building your website with FSE: Dive into the fun stuff!
Now that you’re comfortable with the basics, let’s get your hands dirty and start building! Buckle up as we explore the core pillars of FSE website creation:
Pages
Creating new pages
- Open the Site Editor and choose “Pages” to see existing ones or “Add New” to create a fresh page.
- Explore the library of “Blocks” on the left sidebar. Drag and drop them onto the canvas to build your page structure.
- Each block represents different content types (text, images, buttons, etc.). Customize each block using the Inspector panel on the right.
- Use text blocks to write your content, embed images with image blocks, and add calls to action with button blocks. It’s like building with Lego bricks!
Editing existing pages
- Select the page you want to edit from the “Pages” section.
- The Site Editor displays the existing page layout with all its blocks.
- Edit individual blocks by clicking on them and using the Inspector panel. Add new blocks and rearrange them as needed.
Using pre-built templates (if available)
- Some FSE themes offer pre-built “Page Templates” with ready-made layouts for different purposes (homepage, contact page, etc.).
- Access these templates in the Site Editor and choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Customize the template further by editing individual blocks and their content.
Navigation
Customizing your menu
- Go to “Appearance > Menus” in the WordPress dashboard.
- Add menu items for your pages or categories. Rearrange them using drag-and-drop.
- In the Site Editor, open the “Navigation” section. You can see the menu you created.
- Customize its appearance (fonts, colors, spacing) using the menu editor within the Site Editor.
Creating different menus
- You can create multiple menus for different sections of your website.
- In the Menus section of the dashboard, create separate menus for specific areas (e.g., main menu, footer menu).
- Within the Site Editor, assign different menus to different locations on your website (e.g., header, footer).
Understanding block types
Explore the diverse block library within the Site Editor. You’ll find blocks for:
- Text and headings
- Images and galleries
- Buttons and forms
- Videos and social media embeds
- And much more!
Adding, arranging, and editing blocks
- Find the block you need in the library, drag and drop it onto the canvas.
- Arrange blocks by dragging and dropping them to reorder.
- Click on any block to access the Inspector panel and customize its content, style, and settings.
Global styles
Setting overall site design:
- Go to “Appearance > Global Styles” in the dashboard.
- Define your website’s overall typography (fonts, sizes, colors).
- Set color palettes for different elements (buttons, backgrounds, etc.).
- Define spacing and layout options for a consistent feel throughout your site.
Going further with FSE: Advanced tips and resources
Now that you’ve grasped the core concepts of building with FSE, let’s explore ways to elevate your website creation experience:
Reusable styles
As mentioned, defining reusable styles within “Global Styles” is a powerful tool for maintaining consistency and efficiency. Here’s how:
- Create multiple styles: Define different styles for headings, buttons, forms, etc., to build a design system for your website.
- Apply styles easily: In the Site Editor, select blocks and quickly apply predefined styles from the dropdown menu.
- Update styles globally: Modifying a style within “Global Styles” automatically updates all blocks using that style, saving you time and effort.
Patterns for faster page building
- Discover “Patterns”: Many FSE themes offer pre-designed blocks called “Patterns” representing sections like hero areas, contact forms, and more.
- Insert patterns quickly: Drag and drop patterns onto your page to save time on building common elements.
- Customize patterns: Edit patterns like any other block to make them your own without starting from scratch.
Block plugins for extended features
- Expand your toolkit: Install block plugins that add even more block options to your library.
- Find specific functionalities: Plugins offer blocks for advanced features like social media feeds, custom forms, and complex layouts.
- Choose wisely: Select plugins with good reviews and active development for a smooth experience.
Troubleshooting common FSE issues
- Seek help: While relatively user-friendly, FSE might encounter minor issues.
- Consult documentation: Check your theme’s documentation for troubleshooting tips related to specific themes or blocks.
- Community forums: Utilize online forums and communities dedicated to WordPress and FSE for help from other users and developers.
Resources for deepening your FSE knowledge
- Official WordPress documentation: Dive deeper into the technical aspects and specific features of FSE.
- Theme developer resources: Many theme developers offer tutorials and guides specific to their FSE themes.
- Online courses and tutorials: Explore dedicated platforms offering comprehensive FSE learning resources.
Here are some online courses and tutorials for WordPress Full Site Editing (FSE):
- Simple site design and site editing: This course reviews the interconnected features of site editing in WordPress and how they can help you create beautiful site designs without using any code. You can enroll in this course by signing in to your WordPress.org account and clicking on the “Take Course” button. Course Link
- WordPress full site editing with Gutenberg on udemy: This course teaches how to design your theme as well as your posts and pages using Gutenberg, Full Site Editor. It is suitable for WordPress users who want to learn to harness the power of Full Site Editing with Gutenberg. Course Link
- Courses on learn WordPress: Learn WordPress offers various courses that teach the more technical aspects of working with WordPress, including theme development, building plugins, and block development. Course Link
What is WordPress full site editing?
WordPress Full Site Editing allows users to design and customize their entire website using the block editor. This includes headers, footers, and other site-wide elements.
How do I get started with WordPress full site editing?
To get started with WordPress full site editing, refer to this Complete Beginner’s Guide to WordPress Full Site Editing. It covers everything you need to know to begin using FSE on your site.
How do I conquer my website’s navigation with WordPress full site editing?
You can improve your website’s navigation using WordPress full site editing by following the steps outlined in this Guide to Conquering Your Website’s Navigation with WordPress Full Site Editing.
How do I change website styles with WordPress full site editing?
For detailed instructions on changing website styles with WordPress full site editing, see this Detailed Guide to Changing Website Styles with FSE.
WordPress itself
Official Website
wordpress.org – This is the official website for WordPress, where you can download the software, find documentation, and learn more about using it.
WordPress Codex
codex.wordpress.org/Main_Page – This is a comprehensive documentation resource for WordPress, covering everything from installation and configuration to specific functionality and troubleshooting.
WordPress Theme Directory
wordpress.org/themes – The official WordPress theme directory is a great place to find free and premium WordPress themes. You can browse themes by category, feature, and popularity.
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