Top 46 features of WordPress full site editing
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Explore the best features of WordPress full site editing
WordPress Full Site Editing (FSE) has changed how we build and customise websites. With its block-based approach, FSE offers flexibility and control over every aspect of your site’s design and functionality. Here’s a rundown of the top 46 features that make WordPress FSE an exciting new addition to the core WordPress.
1. The WordPress site editor
Description: The Site Editor is a unified interface that lets you design and manage your entire website, including headers, footers, sidebars, and other global elements.
The WordPress Site Editor is a tool that allows you to design and customise the entire layout of your WordPress site, including the header, footer, and all the content in between, using blocks. It provides greater control over the appearance of your site compared to previous WordPress theme customization options.
To access the Site Editor, you need to install and activate a Block theme on your site. Once activated, you can go to Appearance > Editor to open the Site Editor.
The Site Editor workspace includes several key features: A Navigation menu for browsing and modifying site menus, a Styles menu for editing style variations, a Pages menu for editing page content, a Templates menu for managing default layouts, and a Patterns menu for handling synced patterns and template parts.
The Site Editor allows you to build your site’s structure and layout using blocks, including custom headers, footers, and page layouts. All blocks from the regular WordPress Block Editor, as well as Theme blocks designed for the Site Editor, are available. The Pages menu lets you create, view, edit, and delete pages, showing actual page content and allowing both content and template editing, with templates locked until you enable editing.
2. Gutenberg block editor
Description: The Block Editor, also known as the Gutenberg editor, is the foundation of FSE. It allows you to add, arrange, and style blocks for both content and layout.
The Gutenberg Block Editor is the new content editor in WordPress that was introduced in version 5.0 in December 2018. It represents a major shift in how content is created and managed in WordPress, moving from a single content area to a modular, block-based approach.
With Gutenberg, every element in your content is its own block, including paragraphs, images, headings, buttons, and more. Blocks can be easily added, arranged, and rearranged to build content and layouts in a visually intuitive way.
Key features of the Gutenberg block editor include a block-based approach where each piece of content is a customisable block, the ability to create complex layouts like multi-column designs, grouping blocks for cohesive sections, inserting blocks for functions like contact forms without shortcodes, and customising styles and layouts without writing code.
The block editor is now the default in WordPress and is being expanded upon in phases to revolutionise the entire publishing experience, from editing to customization to collaboration. Each WordPress release includes stable features from the Gutenberg plugin.
3. The WordPress template editor
Description: The Template Editor lets you create and customise templates for different content types, like blog posts, pages, and archives.
The WordPress Template Editor is a tool that allows you to customise the layout and structure of your site’s templates using blocks. It is part of the Full Site Editing (FSE) feature introduced in WordPress 5.8.
With the Template Editor, you can edit all your theme’s templates, including the header, footer, and blog listing page, by going to Appearance > Editor in the WordPress admin area. Key features include the ability to switch between editing templates and parts like the header and footer, create new custom templates and assign them to specific pages, use the WordPress Block Editor to build templates with blocks like galleries and CTAs, apply global styles across the site, and lock template blocks until editing is enabled. Changes to a template update the blocks on all pages and posts using that template, allowing you to easily standardise the design across your site.
The Template Editor is only available if your site is using a block theme or a classic theme that has enabled the Template Editor. It provides a visual, code-free way to customise your theme’s templates to match your desired look and feel.
4. Modern WordPress global styles
Description: Global Styles allow you to define site-wide styles for typography, colours, and spacing.
WordPress Global Styles allow you to set site-wide styles for elements on your pages, giving you an easy way to change the look and feel of your entire website at once.
Key features of Global Styles include defining colour palettes and fonts used across the site, customising styles for headings, body text, and links, setting page width and breakpoints, configuring animations triggered on scroll, and applying styles to specific blocks to override global settings. Global Styles work with the theme.json file, which theme authors use to set defaults for the site and individual blocks. WordPress reformats theme.json data into CSS that users can customise in the WordPress editor. The Global Styles interface, accessible under Appearance > Editor, offers a visual, code-free way to change your site’s design, simplifying the web design process by allowing easy modifications to the site’s look and feel without editing individual blocks or pages.
5. Query Loop Block
Description: The Query Loop Block displays dynamic content, such as recent posts or products, updating automatically based on specified criteria.
The WordPress Query Loop Block is a powerful tool that allows you to display a list of related blog posts, products, or pages on your WordPress site.
What is the Query Loop Block?
The Query Loop Block is a tool that enables WordPress users to display a dynamic list of posts based on specific attributes, such as category, tag, or date. It allows you to create complex and visually appealing post formats that display content in a specific order, without needing to write code.
How to use the Query Loop Block
To use the Query Loop Block, navigate to the post or page where you want to add it, click the “+” icon to add a new block, and search for “Query Loop.” You can also use the keyboard shortcut “/query-loop” to quickly insert a Query Loop Block. The Query Loop Block allows you to display dynamic content like recent posts or custom post types, making it a versatile tool for your site.
Customising the Query Loop Block
The Query Loop Block comes with various customisation options. You can choose from a variety of pre-built patterns to display your content or start with a blank template and add your own blocks to create a custom layout. The block toolbar allows you to convert the Query Loop to Columns or Group blocks, move it around the editor, adjust alignment, or change the default view. Display settings let you choose how many posts to show and set how many posts to skip before displaying preferred content. Block settings enable you to configure the query, post type, order, and sticky posts. For best practices, set global styles for Query Loops and nested blocks to maintain a consistent design, use multiple Query Loop Blocks on a single page for features like a blog section, and ensure consistent design for Query Loops displaying the same post types to enhance user experience.
6. WordPress navigation block
Description: The Navigation Block enables you to create and manage navigation menus with drag-and-drop functionality.
The WordPress 6. Navigation Block is a new and improved feature introduced in WordPress 6.0 that enhances the navigation editing experience within the WordPress editor. It allows users to create, manage, and customise navigation menus directly from the editor interface, without the need to switch to the Menus screen.
Key features of the WordPress 6.0 Navigation Block include a new site view sidebar in the editor for managing navigation, styles, pages, templates, and the library (patterns, reusable blocks, and template parts). Users can view and edit navigation menus directly within the site view sidebar, making it easier to rearrange and edit menu items without leaving the editor. The Navigation Block also introduces a Focus mode for distraction-free menu customisation, enhancing the user experience and workflow efficiency. Performance improvements in WordPress 6.3 optimise queries for navigation data, reducing network requests and improving editor performance. Overall, the Navigation Block streamlines managing and customising navigation menus within the WordPress editor, offering a more intuitive and efficient workflow.
7. WordPress custom block patterns
Description: Block Patterns are pre-designed sets of blocks that you can save and reuse.
WordPress Custom Block Patterns are pre-designed collections of blocks that you can easily insert into your content to create complex layouts. They allow you to quickly build professional-looking pages and posts without having to create each block from scratch.
Some key features of Custom Block Patterns in WordPress include reusability, allowing custom patterns to be inserted and reused across multiple pages and posts, and customisation, where individual blocks within a pattern can be customised after insertion. WordPress 6.3 introduced two types of custom patterns: synced patterns, where changes apply site-wide, and standard patterns that only affect the specific instance. Creating custom patterns is now easier as they can be created directly in the block editor by selecting blocks and choosing “Create pattern” from the block toolbar menu. These patterns are stored in the WordPress database and can be managed from the Patterns admin section.
To create a custom block pattern, design the desired block layout in the editor, select the blocks you want to include, click the three-dot menu in the block toolbar, and choose “Create pattern.” Give the pattern a name and decide if it should be synced or standard. The pattern will then appear in the Patterns tab of the block inserter. Custom block patterns provide a powerful way to build consistent, reusable layouts across your WordPress site, saving time and making it easier to craft professional designs without needing to code.
8. Full-screen mode
Description: A distraction-free editing mode that expands the editor to fill the entire screen.
WordPress’s Full-Screen mode is a feature that allows you to enter a distraction-free writing environment within the WordPress editor. When enabled, it removes the left-hand admin panel and top bar, allowing you to focus solely on the content you are creating.
To enable Full-Screen mode in WordPress, you can click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the editor and select “Fullscreen mode,” or use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+Shift+Alt+F on Windows or Cmd+Shift+Option+F on Mac. Additionally, WordPress offers Spotlight mode, which dims out all blocks except the one you are currently editing, and Distraction-Free mode, which removes more UI elements, including the bottom section of the editor and the toolbar at the top, to help you focus on your content.
9. Block Inserter
Description: A searchable interface for quickly adding blocks to your content.
The WordPress Block Inserter is a panel within the WordPress Block Editor that allows you to insert blocks into your content. It is a key element of the Block Editor, which is a modern paradigm for WordPress site building and publishing that uses a modular system of blocks to compose and format content.
Accessing the Block Inserter
To access the Block Inserter, you can click the blue + icon in the top-left corner of the Block Editor. This opens up a list of available blocks, categorised by type, which you can then drag and drop into the main content area.
The Block Inserter in WordPress offers several features to help you find and insert the right blocks for your content, including a search bar to look for specific blocks by name or function, block categories that organise blocks for easier navigation, and block previews that show what each block will look like in action, aiding in the selection of the most suitable block for your content.
Using the Block Inserter
To use the Block Inserter, you can either find a block in the list and drag it into the main content area or start typing where it says, “Type / to choose a block”. This allows you to quickly find and insert blocks without having to navigate through the entire list.
The Block Inserter is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of creating content in WordPress, making it easier to build professional-looking pages and posts without needing to write code.
10. WordPress Block Directory
Description: Access to a library of additional blocks created by the WordPress community.
The WordPress Block Directory is a repository of free, open-source block patterns and block styles that users can browse and install directly within the WordPress block editor. It provides a centralised location for discovering and accessing pre-designed blocks to enhance the content creation experience in WordPress.
Some key features of the WordPress Block Directory include the ability to easily browse and search through hundreds of block patterns and styles to find ones that suit their needs. Users can install and activate block patterns and styles directly from the directory with just one click, without needing to manually upload or configure anything. The directory also features user ratings and reviews to help users gauge the quality and usefulness of each block before installing. Additionally, blocks are organised into categories like “Call to Action,” “Columns,” and “Galleries” to simplify browsing, and each block listing includes a thumbnail preview to give users a visual idea of what the block looks like.
To access the Block Directory within WordPress, users can go to the block inserter in the editor and click on the “Explore more” link at the bottom. This will open the directory interface where they can browse and install blocks. The Block Directory is an important part of the WordPress ecosystem, as it makes it easier for users to discover and utilise the full potential of blocks for building rich, engaging content. It also provides a platform for block developers to showcase and distribute their creations to the WordPress community.
11. Reusable Blocks
Description: Save custom blocks and use them across different pages and posts.
WordPress Reusable Blocks are a feature that allows you to save a group of blocks as a single unit that can be inserted and reused across multiple pages and posts. They provide a way to create content templates that can be easily applied to different parts of your site.
Key features of Reusable Blocks include saving time by allowing you to create a block layout once and reuse it anywhere on your site, ensuring a consistent look and feel across your content. Reusable blocks make updates easy, as any changes made to a reusable block are automatically reflected everywhere it is used. Additionally, each instance of a reusable block can be individually customised after insertion, providing flexibility alongside consistency.
To create a reusable block, arrange the blocks you want to save as a reusable block, click the three-dot menu in the block toolbar, and choose “Add to Reusable blocks.” Give the reusable block a name and click “Save.” The reusable block will now appear in the “Reusable” tab of the block inserter, allowing you to easily add it to any post or page. You can manage your reusable blocks by going to the “Manage All Reusable Blocks” link in the inserter.
Reusable blocks are a powerful tool for building consistent, reusable layouts and content in WordPress. They save time and make it easier to craft professional designs without needing to code.
12. WordPress inline Text Editing
Description: Edit text directly within the block editor without opening separate panels.
WordPress Inline Text Editing allows users to directly edit text content within the editor interface, without navigating to separate settings or panels. This feature enables quick updates and modifications directly on the frontend, enhancing efficiency in content creation and editing. By streamlining the process, users can type and modify text within the page builder, eliminating the need to switch between sections. This is particularly useful for fixing spelling errors, changing phrasing, creating long-form blog posts, and optimising landing page copy. Inline Text Editing simplifies the content creation experience, making it intuitive and responsive for content writers, marketers, designers, and site owners, allowing for real-time editing and updates.
13. WordPress drag-and-drop functionality
Description: Easily move blocks around to customise your layout.
The WordPress drag-and-drop functionality refers to the ability to easily move and rearrange elements on a webpage by clicking on them, dragging them to a new location, and dropping them there. This feature simplifies the process of designing and customising a website, allowing users to visually create layouts without the need for coding knowledge.
14. Block Transformations
Description: Convert blocks into different types to quickly adapt your content.
WordPress Block Transformations allow blocks to be converted from one type to another, either automatically or through user interaction. This powerful feature enables editors to quickly switch between different types of blocks, streamlining the content creation process.
WordPress supports several types of block transformations:
Block-to-Block Transformations: Convert one type of block into another via a UI control in the block toolbar.
Prefix Transformations: Create blocks from text typed by the user, applied when the user types text and adds a trailing space.
Raw Transformations: Create blocks from raw HTML nodes, applied when the user executes “Convert to Blocks” or pastes content into the editor.
Shortcode Transformations: Create blocks from shortcodes.
To declare a block transformation, add the transforms key to the block configuration object, specifying supported transformations in the from and to arrays. Define each transformation with parameters like type, blocks, transform, and priority. Block transformations simplify content creation by enabling easy conversion between block types, saving time and streamlining the building of complex layouts and designs.
15. Custom CSS
Description: Add custom CSS to blocks for advanced styling options.
WordPress Custom CSS allows users to add personalised CSS code to customise their website’s design and appearance beyond default theme options. This feature enables modifications to elements like colours, fonts, and layouts by writing custom CSS.
There are several methods to add Custom CSS in WordPress:
Using the Additional CSS Menu: Available from WordPress 4.7, this method allows users to add custom CSS directly from the Appearance Customize screen, providing a user-friendly interface for adding and previewing changes.
Using Plugins: Plugins such as Simple Custom CSS, Simple Custom CSS and JS, SiteOrigin CSS, WP Add Custom CSS, and CSS Hero offer additional features and UI enhancements for managing custom CSS code.
Creating a WordPress Plugin: Advanced users can create a custom plugin to add CSS, offering flexible and powerful customisation.
Custom CSS in WordPress is a valuable tool for users seeking greater design flexibility and control over their site’s visual aspects.
16. WordPress theme Blocks
Description: Access blocks specific to your theme for cohesive design elements.
WordPress Theme Blocks are specialised blocks designed to work with block themes, offering enhanced functionality and layout options beyond standard WordPress blocks. Key features include:
Navigation Block: Create and customise navigation menus.
Query Loop Block: Display lists of related posts, products, or pages based on specific attributes.
Post Content Block: Insert the content of the current post or page.
Site Title Block: Display the title of your WordPress site.
Site Tagline Block: Show the site’s tagline or description.
Site Logo Block: Add your site’s logo to the page.
Template Part Block: Insert reusable template parts like headers or footers.
Theme blocks are typically included in block themes or available through plugins like Gutenberg. They are designed to work seamlessly with the WordPress Site Editor and Full Site Editing features, providing comprehensive tools for building and customising WordPress sites.
17. Group Block
Description: Combine multiple blocks into a single group for easier management.
The WordPress Group Block is a container block that lets you group multiple blocks together, making it easier to manage and style related content as a single unit. Key features include grouping blocks, applying styles like background colour, border, and padding to the entire group, and creating nested groups for complex hierarchies. You can select the Group block using block breadcrumbs or by clicking its outline, and you can ungroup it to separate the blocks back to their individual states.
To use the Group Block, add it to your content by clicking the “+” icon and searching for “Group.” Then, add blocks inside the Group block by clicking the “+” icon within it. Customise the Group block by applying styles, changing layout settings, or nesting other blocks inside it.
18. Column Block
Description: Create multi-column layouts without coding.
The WordPress Column Block allows you to create multi-column layouts for your content, making it a foundational tool for any WordPress project. You can insert up to six columns within a row, and each column can contain various types of content such as text, media, and other blocks. Customisation options include colour, typography, dimensions, and borders, and the design is responsive, stacking columns on mobile devices. Advanced settings allow for HTML anchors and custom CSS classes.
To use the Column Block, add it to your content, specify the number of columns, and then customise each column’s content and style. Tips for effective use include experimenting with different layouts, using columns to break up long text, and avoiding too many columns to ensure proper display. Custom CSS classes and media queries can further enhance the layout and behaviour. The Column Block offers full control over element placement.
19. WordPress cover Block
Description: Add background images or videos with overlay text and buttons.
The WordPress Cover Block allows you to display text and other content over an image or video, making it ideal for headers, banners, and call-to-actions. Key features include using an image, video, or solid colour as the background, adding a colour overlay for text visibility, customising content alignment, width, and position, and using fixed background settings for a parallax effect. You can also repeat backgrounds to create patterns and use a focal point picker to highlight the main point of interest in the image.
To use the Cover Block, add it to your content and select an image or video from your media library. Then, add text, headings, buttons, and other blocks on top of the background. For best results, experiment with different backgrounds, use colour overlays for readability, and leverage the fixed background setting for a parallax effect. Group multiple Cover Blocks for complex layouts and customise font, colour, and dimensions to match your branding.
The Cover Block is a versatile tool that enhances your WordPress content with professional-looking, engaging visuals. By mastering its features, you can create striking headers, banners, and calls-to-action that capture your audience’s attention.
20. Gallery Block
Description: Display images in a customisable gallery format.
The WordPress Gallery Block allows you to add multiple photos to your content and arrange them in a visually appealing gallery. To add the Gallery Block, click the “+” icon and search for “Gallery” or type “/gallery,” then upload new images or select from your Media Library.
Key settings for the Gallery Block include choosing the number of columns (1-8), enabling or disabling cropping to make all images the same size, setting link behaviour (Attachment Page, Media File, None), and selecting the image size (Thumbnail, Medium, Large, Full Size).
For individual image settings, you can add alternative text for accessibility, choose the image resolution, enable the lightbox feature to enlarge images on click, and apply filter effects and borders. Advanced settings like HTML anchors are also available.
Other options include changing the gallery alignment (left, centre, right) and width (full, wide). You can also copy the block, move it, edit as HTML, or add it to reusable blocks. The Gallery Block provides a user-friendly way to showcase multiple images, allowing you to customise the layout and settings for a professional-looking gallery.
21. Media & Text Block
Description: Combine images and text side-by-side for engaging content layouts.
The Media & Text Block in WordPress allows you to place an image or video side-by-side with text, creating versatile layouts from simple combinations to complex designs. To add this block, click the “+” icon in the Block Editor and search for “Media & Text,” or find it in the Layout Elements section.
After adding the block, upload an image or video or select one from your Media Library. You can resize the media using the resize handles. The block has two parts: a media block and a paragraph block. The media block toolbar lets you change alignment, show media on the left or right, and edit the media. The paragraph block toolbar provides options for text alignment and formatting, and you can transform it into different block types like lists or quotes.
Additional settings in the editor sidebar include stacking on mobile, cropping images, adding Alt Text, and setting the background colour for the text side. The advanced tab allows custom CSS classes for further styling.
To use the Media & Text Block effectively, format the text to complement the media file, and resize images as needed. This block integrates seamlessly into most posts and pages and supports SEO by counting images. The Media & Text Block is a powerful tool for creating visually appealing layouts, making it a popular choice for content creators.
22. WordPress button Block
Description: Add custom buttons with adjustable styles and links.
The WordPress Button Block allows users to add interactive call-to-action buttons to their pages or posts, enhancing engagement and directing users to specific actions or content. Key features include customisable text, links, styles, alignment, and CSS classes for each button, as well as options for button alignment, justification, vertical alignment, and width settings. Advanced settings allow for adding link rel attributes, HTML anchors, and additional CSS classes. Users can also transform the Button Block into Group or Columns blocks for more complex layouts.
To add a Button Block, open the Gutenberg editor and navigate to the desired page or post. Click the “+” icon to open the block inserter, search for “Buttons,” or find it in the design section. Customise the button’s text, link, style, alignment, and other settings from the block tab in the editor sidebar. Use the available options to align, justify, and style the button as needed, then click “Add to Block” to insert it into your content.
23. Spacer Block
Description: Add space between blocks to improve layout and readability.
The WordPress Spacer Block allows you to add vertical space between blocks on your pages and posts, improving the visual layout with more white space. You can adjust the height of the space in pixels, percentages, ems, rems, vw, or vh, and resize it by dragging the bottom handle. Toolbar buttons let you transform the block into a Group or Columns block, move it up or down, and access additional options. Advanced settings include adding HTML anchors and CSS classes.
To add a Spacer Block, click the “+” icon in the block editor, search for “spacer,” and select it, or type “/spacer” and hit enter. Use the Spacer Block sparingly to add space between specific blocks rather than paragraphs, and consider maintaining consistent height for each spacer block. Leverage advanced settings for further customisation.
24. Social Icons Block
Description: Include social media icons with links to your profiles.
The WordPress Social Icons Block lets you easily add links to your social media profiles. To add the block, click the “+” icon in the block editor and search for “Social Icons,” or type “/social” and hit Enter. A graphic will indicate it’s a Social Icons block.
To add social network icons, click the “+” icon, search for or browse the list of over 40 available options, and click the network’s icon to enter your profile URL. Repeat to add more networks.
The Social Icons Block settings allow you to change the block type, alignment, and number of columns. You can select styles like Logos Only, Pill Shape, and Dark Gray, and adjust the size, colour, and spacing of the icons. You can also enable links to open in a new tab and show icon labels.
Use the Social Icons Block to build your social following and drive traffic to your profiles. Customise the size, colour, and style to match your website’s branding, and add links to all your active social media accounts for maximum exposure. This block makes it easy to add professional-looking social media icons to your WordPress content, enhancing your site’s design and connectivity.
25. WordPress video Block
Description: Embed videos from various sources with playback controls.
The WordPress Video Block lets you easily add videos to your pages and posts, providing a user-friendly interface for uploading, embedding, and customising video content. Key features include the ability to upload videos directly from your computer or select from the media library, support for embedding videos from external sources like YouTube and Vimeo, and options to control playback settings such as autoplay, loop, and mute.
To add a Video Block, click the “+” icon in the block editor, search for “video,” or type “/video” and select the block. You can then upload a video file, enter a URL for an external video, or choose one from your media library. The block offers basic video player controls for play/pause, progress, volume, and full screen.
Additional settings in the sidebar allow you to configure autoplay, loop, and mute options, toggle playback controls visibility, select preload options, choose a poster image, and adjust the video’s dimensions and alignment.
26. Audio Block
Description: Embed audio files with playback controls.
The WordPress Audio Block allows you to easily add audio files to your pages and posts with a user-friendly interface for uploading, embedding, and customising audio content. You can upload audio files directly from your computer, select from the media library, or embed audio from external sources like SoundCloud. Key features include options for autoplay, loop, and customising the audio player’s dimensions and alignment.
To add an Audio Block, click the “+” icon in the block editor, search for “audio,” or type “/audio” and select the block. Upload an audio file, enter a URL for an external source, or choose one from your media library. The block provides basic audio player controls for play/pause, progress, and volume.
Additional settings in the sidebar allow you to configure preload options, enable autoplay, loop, and mute, and adjust the player’s dimensions.
27. Embed Block
Description: Embed content from external sites, including social media posts and videos.
The WordPress Embed Block allows users to easily embed content from external sources, such as videos, tweets, and audio, into posts and pages. To add an Embed Block, navigate to the desired page or post in the block editor, click the “+” icon, search for “Embed,” and select the block. Paste the URL of the content you wish to embed or use the block settings to add the link.
The Embed Block toolbar offers options to transform the block type, move it, change alignment, edit the URL, and access more settings. You can adjust the block type and alignment based on the embedded content’s display needs.
Embedding content from external sources enhances your posts by providing additional information or context without paraphrasing. Ensure you choose public posts and follow platform-specific guidelines for embedding content.
28. Table Block
Description: Create tables for structured data presentation.
The WordPress Table Block lets you easily create tables within your posts and pages, offering a user-friendly interface for adding tabular data. You can specify the number of rows and columns when inserting the block and add a header, footer, and fixed-width table cells. Customisation options include table styles, colours, typography, dimensions, and borders.
To add a Table Block, place your cursor where you want the table, click the “+” icon, search for “table,” and select the block. Specify the number of rows and columns, then fill in the table with content. The sidebar provides additional settings, allowing you to choose between “Default” and “Stripes” styles, enable fixed-width cells, and customise text and background colours.
The Table Block toolbar includes options for aligning the table, changing column alignment, and applying bold or italic formatting. You can also adjust font size, weight, style, padding, margin, and border settings. The Table Block helps organise and present data clearly, with customisation options that match your site’s branding and design.
29. List Block
- Description: Add ordered or unordered lists with customisable styles.
- Benefit: Improves content organisation and readability.
The WordPress List Block allows you to display a list of published pages on your site within a page, post, or even in a sidebar column. It presents the list of pages as links with the page titles as the link labels. The List Block is a useful tool for making pages easily accessible to visitors on your site.
30. Quote Block
Description: Highlight quotes with customisable formatting.
The WordPress Quote Block lets users easily add quotes to posts or pages, highlighting reviews or inspiring phrases. This feature emphasises specific text, making it stand out visually.
You can customise the Quote Block’s style, colour, typography, and dimensions, allowing for visually appealing and engaging quotes that match your site’s design.
31. Code Block
Description: Display code snippets with syntax highlighting.
The WordPress Code Block is a feature that allows users to add HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other code snippets to their posts or pages without WordPress altering the formatting. This block is particularly useful for developers, bloggers, and tutorial sites where displaying formatted and highlighted code is essential. The Code Block provides a way to maintain the integrity of the code by preventing WordPress from modifying it, ensuring that it displays exactly as entered by the user.
32. Preformatted Block
Description: Preserve text formatting for code or special text layouts.
The WordPress Preformatted Block allows you to add text to your posts or pages that preserves all spacing, tabs, and line breaks, making it ideal for code snippets, poetry, or any text needing precise formatting. Unlike the Paragraph Block, it retains the exact formatting you type, displaying text in a monospace font for better alignment.
To add a Preformatted Block, click the “+” icon in the block editor and search for “preformatted” or type “/preformatted” and hit Enter. Once added, type or paste your content into the block. You can customise the text and background colours, and adjust typography settings like font size, line height, and letter spacing.
Additional options include adding hyperlinks and advanced settings for an HTML anchor or custom CSS classes. The Preformatted Block is useful for creating elements that need to stand out, enhancing the visual appeal and readability of your content.
33. Pullquote Block
Description: Highlight important quotes with stylish formatting.
The WordPress Pullquote Block highlights short, attention-grabbing quotes from your content, making them visually distinct to draw the reader’s attention. You can add a brief quote and citation, and customise the alignment, colours, typography, and borders.
To add a Pullquote Block, click the “+” icon in the block editor, search for “Pullquote,” or type “/pullquote” and hit Enter. Enter your quote and optional citation. You can choose between “Default” and “Solid Colour” styles, set accent line and text colours, adjust typography settings, and customise the border.
The Pullquote Block is perfect for emphasising key phrases, testimonials, or statistics, and breaking up long text sections. Use its customisation options to create visually appealing pullquotes that match your site’s branding.
34. Latest Posts Block
Description: Automatically display your most recent blog posts.
The WordPress Latest Posts Block displays a list of your most recent blog posts, making it easy to showcase your latest content on your homepage or other pages. You can specify the number of posts to display and choose to show or hide the post date, author, featured image, and excerpt.
To add a Latest Posts Block, insert it into your content area, and it will automatically populate with your recent posts based on your settings. Customisation options in the sidebar include choosing between a grid or list layout, displaying full content or excerpts, enabling and customising featured images, and toggling the visibility of the author name and post date. You can also set the number of columns for the grid layout.
The Latest Posts Block is a versatile tool for creating dynamic content areas. Its customisation options allow you to tailor the display of your latest posts to match your site’s design and content strategy.
35. Post Title Block
Description: Display the title of the current post or page dynamically.
The WordPress Post Title Block displays the title of a post, page, or any content type on your website, allowing for customisation of its appearance. You can specify the HTML tag (h1, h2, h3, etc.), make the title a link to the post’s permalink, and adjust text alignment, colour, typography, and spacing. Advanced options include adding custom prefixes or postfixes.
To add a Post Title Block, insert it into your content area, and it will automatically show the title of the current post or page. Sidebar settings allow you to choose text alignment, set text and background colours, adjust typography, enable title linking, and add an HTML anchor or CSS classes.
The Post Title Block is a versatile tool for displaying post titles in a customisable and visually appealing way. Using advanced options like custom prefixes and postfixes, you can create unique, SEO-optimised titles that capture readers’ attention.
36. Post Content Block
Description: Show the content of the current post or page.
The WordPress Post Content Block displays the content of a post or page within a Query Loop block, allowing you to customise the appearance of query loop results. It can only be used as a child block of a Query Loop block and shows the content of the current post or page being looped through.
To add a Post Content Block, first ensure you are within a Query Loop block. Use the inline block inserter or type “/post-content” and hit enter in a new paragraph block within the Query Loop. Customisation options in the sidebar include adjusting layout width and justification, changing the font size, and adding CSS classes for custom styling.
The Post Content Block is ideal for displaying main content within query loops, such as on archive pages or custom post type templates. Customisation options help ensure the post content integrates seamlessly with your site’s design.
37. Post Excerpt Block
Description: Display an excerpt from the current post or page.
The WordPress Post Excerpt Block displays the excerpt of a post within a Query Loop block, allowing for customisation of the query loop results’ appearance. It can only be used as a child block of a Query Loop block and includes options to customise layout, colour, typography, and spacing, as well as adding a “Read More” link.
To add a Post Excerpt Block, ensure you are within a Query Loop block, then use the inline block inserter or type “/post-excerpt” and hit enter within a new paragraph block. Sidebar settings include adjusting excerpt width and justification, customising the “Read More” link, changing text and background colours, and modifying typography settings. Advanced options allow adding an HTML anchor and CSS classes.
The Post Excerpt Block is ideal for displaying post excerpts on archive pages or custom post type templates, ensuring excerpts integrate seamlessly with your site’s design. If a post lacks an excerpt, WordPress generates one from the first 55 words of the content, customisable using the “Max Number of Words” setting.
38. Post Featured Image Block
Description: Show the featured image of the current post or page.
The WordPress Post Featured Image Block lets you display a post’s featured image within your content, providing a visually appealing way to showcase a representative image. You can link the image to the post’s permalink and customise its size, alignment, and link behaviour.
To add a Post Featured Image Block, insert it into your content area. If no featured image is set, you can upload one or select from your Media Library. Sidebar settings allow you to choose image sizes like Thumbnail, Medium, Large, or Full Size, set image alignment (left, centre, right), enable linking the image, and add a colour overlay with adjustable opacity.
Advanced options include adding an HTML anchor and CSS classes for custom styling. The Post Featured Image Block is useful for enhancing your content with featured images and providing links to the full post, improving visual appeal and engagement.
39. Post Date Block
Description: Display the publication date of the current post or page.
The WordPress Post Date Block displays the publication date of a post or page within your content, providing a clear indicator of when it was published. You can customise the date format, alignment, and link behaviour, including the option to link the date to the post’s permalink.
To add a Post Date Block, insert it into your content area, and it will automatically show the publication date. Sidebar settings offer predefined date formats or custom formats, options to enable linking the date to the post’s permalink, and tools to change the text colour and typography. Advanced options include adding an HTML anchor and CSS classes for further customisation.
The Post Date Block is ideal for visually showcasing the publication date and linking to the post. If you prefer to display the last modified date, use the Post Modified Date Block or hide the date entirely with CSS or a plugin.
40. Post Categories Block
Description: Show the categories assigned to the current post or page.
The WordPress Post Categories Block displays a list of categories associated with a post, helping readers understand the topics covered and navigate to related content. It automatically shows the categories assigned to the post or page where the block is inserted and provides options to link each category to its archive page.
To add a Post Categories Block, insert it into your content, and it will display the relevant categories. Sidebar settings allow you to customise the separator character, enable category links, choose between list or dropdown formats, and adjust text colour and typography. Advanced options include adding an HTML anchor and CSS classes for further customisation.
This block enhances the organisation and structure of your site by providing context about the post’s topics. It displays both parent and child categories, if applicable, and helps improve site navigation. Customise the separator to control the display of hierarchical categories.
41. Post Tags Block
Description: Display the tags assigned to the current post or page.
The WordPress Post Tags Block displays the tags associated with a post or page, highlighting specific topics or keywords. It allows you to link each tag to its archive page and customise the separator, link behaviour, and HTML wrapper tag.
To add a Post Tags Block, insert it into your content, and it will automatically display the tags for that post or page. Sidebar settings include choosing the HTML wrapper tag (e.g., div, p, span), selecting a separator character, enabling tag links, adding a prefix or postfix, and including UTM tracking parameters. You can also change the text colour and adjust typography settings.
The Post Tags Block provides context about the topics covered in a post, helping readers understand the content and navigate to related posts. Tags are displayed in the order they were assigned and are not hierarchical. This block enhances site organisation and structure, making it easier for readers to find related content.
42. Site Title Block
Description: Display the title of your site dynamically.
The Site Title Block, introduced in WordPress 5.8, allows you to display your site’s title within the block editor, making it easy to add the site title to pages, posts, or other block-enabled areas. This block automatically displays the site title defined in your WordPress settings (Settings > General) and offers customisation options for font size, colour, and link behaviour.
The Post Title Block is used to display the title of the current post or page, with options to customise its appearance and link behaviour. It’s more suitable for displaying titles within posts or pages compared to the Site Title Block, which is intended for use in theme templates.
Alternatively, you can use the Custom HTML Block to manually add the site title with HTML and CSS, though this requires more effort and coding knowledge. For most users, the Site Title Block provides a straightforward way to display and customise the site title in various block-enabled areas.
43. Site Tagline Block
Description: Show the tagline of your site.
The WordPress Site Tagline Block lets you display your site’s tagline anywhere on your website, typically near the site title or logo. It dynamically adds the site tagline to pages, posts, or theme templates with customisation options for text alignment, colour, typography, and dimensions.
To add a Site Tagline Block, search for it in the block inserter or type “/site-tagline” and hit enter. The block will automatically display the tagline defined in your WordPress settings (Settings > General). Sidebar settings allow you to change text and background colours, adjust typography, control padding and margin, and add an HTML anchor or CSS classes for custom styling.
Updating the Site Tagline Block and saving the template applies changes wherever the block is used, including the browser title bar and search results. While primarily used in theme templates, it can also be added to regular posts and pages. The Site Tagline Block helps visitors quickly understand your website’s purpose with a visually appealing and customisable tagline display.
44. Site Logo Block
Description: Display your site’s logo with customisable settings.
The WordPress Site Logo Block allows you to easily add your site’s logo to pages, posts, or theme templates. You can upload a logo from your computer or select one from the media library, and link it to your website’s home page. Customisation options include controlling the logo’s width, shape (default or rounded), dimensions, padding, and margin.
To add a Site Logo Block, insert it into your content area or theme template. If no logo image is set, a placeholder icon appears. Sidebar settings let you add or update the logo image, adjust width, link behaviour, site icon usage, and add CSS classes for custom styling.
The Site Logo Block is mainly used for editing theme templates but can also be added to regular posts and pages. This block helps establish your brand identity across your WordPress site by showcasing your logo in a visually appealing and customisable way.
45. Archive Title Block
Description: Show the title of archive pages dynamically.
The WordPress Archive Title Block displays the title of the current archive page, such as the name of a Category, Tag, or other Taxonomy. It adds the archive title dynamically to theme templates with customisation options for text alignment, colour, typography, and heading level (H1-H6).
To add an Archive Title Block, search for it in the block inserter or type “/archive-title” and hit enter. The block automatically displays the appropriate title based on the current archive page. Sidebar settings allow you to change text and background colours, adjust typography, and add an HTML anchor or CSS classes for custom styling.
Primarily used in theme templates via the Site Editor, the Archive Title Block can also be added to regular posts and pages if needed. This block helps visitors understand the content they are viewing by showcasing the title of the current archive page in a visually appealing and customisable way.
46. Search Block
Description: Add a search bar to your site for easy navigation.
The WordPress Search Block allows you to add a search bar to your website, making it easier for visitors to find content. You can insert it into posts, pages, or theme templates using the block inserter or by typing “/search.”
Key features include adding a search field and button, displaying a search label or placeholder text, and customising the button’s position. Advanced options allow using an icon instead of text for the search button.
The Search Block toolbar lets you transform the block, move it, change text alignment, toggle the search label, adjust the button position, and use an icon for the button. Additional settings in the sidebar include adjusting the search field width, changing text and background colours, modifying typography, customising the border, and adding CSS classes.
This block enhances user experience by providing quick access to relevant content on your site. Remember, it only searches content within your WordPress site, not the entire internet or external sources.
WordPress Full Site Editing empowers you with tools to create highly customisable and visually appealing websites. These features provide a robust foundation for building a unique and functional online presence, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer. Explore these features to take full advantage of what WordPress FSE has to offer.
Discovering the top 46 features of WordPress full site editing can significantly enhance your website-building experience. To effectively utilize these features, consider starting with a comprehensive guide on how to use a WordPress website builder for your business. MaxiBlocks provides an in-depth comparison of various WordPress website builders, helping you choose the best tool for your needs. Additionally, their resources on website builders for WordPress and creating website builders with WordPress offer valuable insights. For those seeking customized solutions, WordPress website designers can provide tailored services. The benefits of using WordPress site builders are well-documented, including a detailed look at their advantages. Exploring the full potential of WordPress full site editing and FSE is crucial for a comprehensive understanding. Lastly, the best website builder for WordPress can streamline your site creation process, ensuring you make the most of WordPress full site editing’s top features.
FAQs for WordPress Full Site Editing (FSE)
What is WordPress Full Site Editing (FSE)?
WordPress Full Site Editing (FSE) is a collection of features that allow users to design and customize their entire website using blocks. It provides more flexibility and control over site design, enabling users to edit global elements like headers, footers, sidebars, and more through a unified block-based interface.
How does WordPress full site editing differ from the traditional editor?
FSE lets you modify the entire site’s structure and design, while the traditional editor focuses on content within posts and pages.
What are the benefits of using WordPress full site editing?
FSE provides greater customization, a unified editing experience, and the ability to use blocks for all site elements.
Do I need a specific theme for WordPress full site editing?
Yes, you need a block theme that supports full site editing.
How do I enable WordPress full site editing?
FSE is enabled by default in WordPress 5.8 and later with a compatible block theme. Access it via the Site Editor in the dashboard.
Can I switch back to the traditional editor after using WordPress full site editing?
Yes, you can switch back by using a non-FSE theme, though some changes may not be compatible.
Is WordPress full site editing suitable for beginners?
FSE can be complex initially but offers powerful customization tools. Beginners can benefit from its flexibility with some learning.
What are block patterns in WordPress full site editing?
Block patterns are pre-designed collections of blocks for quickly creating complex layouts.
Can I use third-party blocks with WordPress full site editing?
Yes, third-party blocks from compatible plugins can be used with FSE.
Where can I learn more about using WordPress full site editing?
You can find more information in the WordPress documentation, tutorials, and community forums.
What is a block theme in WordPress full site editing?
A block theme is a theme designed to fully support the capabilities of FSE, allowing block-based design across the entire site.
How does WordPress full site editing impact theme development?
FSE changes theme development by encouraging block-based design, making themes more flexible and customizable.
What are template parts in WordPress full site editing?
Template parts are sections of a template that can be reused across multiple templates, like headers or footers.
How do I create a custom header with WordPress full site editing?
Use the Site Editor to add and customize a header block within your template.
Can I edit my site’s footer with WordPress full site editing?
Yes, you can fully customize your site’s footer using blocks in the Site Editor.
What is the Site Editor in WordPress full site editing?
The Site Editor is the interface within WordPress where you can manage and customize all aspects of your site using blocks.
Are there any limitations to WordPress full site editing?
While powerful, FSE is still evolving and may lack some advanced customization features found in traditional themes.
How do global styles work in WordPress full site editing?
Global styles allow you to set consistent styling (like colours and fonts) across your entire site from a single location.
Can I use WordPress full site editing for e-commerce sites?
Yes, but ensure your e-commerce theme supports FSE and that your plugins are compatible.
How does WordPress full site editing affect performance?
FSE can improve performance by reducing reliance on multiple plugins and simplifying the design process through blocks. However, excessive use of blocks might impact load times, so optimize accordingly.
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.
maxiblocks.com/go/help-desk
maxiblocks.com/pro-library
www.youtube.com/@maxiblocks
twitter.com/maxiblocks
linkedin.com/company/maxi-blocks
github.com/orgs/maxi-blocks
wordpress.org/plugins/maxi-blocks
Answer: The Site Logo Block allows you to display your site’s logo with customizable settings for size, shape, and link behaviour. It helps establish your brand identity across your site.