WordPress block templates: a comprehensive guide
Updated 15 July 2024
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Updated 24 October 2024
Key takeaways:
- WordPress block templates have changed the way WordPress web designers are able to build dynamic and responsive sites.
- Gutenberg’s block-based editor offers a flexible design process.
- WordPress Block themes and full site editing allows designers to apply design changes across the entire website.
- Block themes and full site editing extend customization across entire websites.
- Custom block templates combine HTML, PHP, and JavaScript for rich designs.
- Plugins improve the editor’s capabilities, adding a greater range of functionality for developing a website in line with its purpose.
WordPress block templates are changing the way WordPress web designers are able to create dynamic and responsive sites
WordPress block templates are a further move towards codeless web design. They offer a new approach to creating and organising web content. WordPress block templates, as the name implies, organise blocks. Blocks in turn can be used to manage text, images, videos and whatever else may be appropriate for the website content.Â
WordPress block templates have offered new ways for web designers to create their websites. Block templates consist of block template parts such as headers, footers and content template parts. Together they make up block templates.Â
WordPress block templates – a shift in web design
WordPress block templates were introduced with the release of WordPress 5.0 in 2018. Block templates are pre-designed layouts that are made up of a combination of blocks, similar in concept to building blocks. They tend to be reusable components of content that can be easily arranged and customised to create a new page or post layout.Â
Block templates offer a more user-friendly way of designing and building WordPress websites, making it easier for web designers to create complex layouts without having to know how to use code. With block templates, it’s easy to simply select pre-designed templates that will fit in with the general purpose of the website, customise the content and layout, and publish the page or post.
The development of block templates in WordPress has not been an overnight success story. Before the introduction of block templates, WordPress users relied on page builders and themes to make custom page layouts. However, these solutions brought with them their own set of difficulties. Web designers needed to have extensive coding knowledge and for inexperienced web builders they were not always user-friendly.Â
With the release of WordPress 5.0, also known as “Gutenberg”, the name being a play on the printing press inventor, the block editor was introduced. This new tool gave web designers the ability to create and arrange blocks of content more easily. The block editor was a significant improvement over the traditional WordPress editor, but it still required users to create their own layouts from scratch.Â
The introduction of block templates in later versions of WordPress has further simplified the process. WordPress block templates provide web designers with pre-designed layouts that can be customised without too much fuss.Â
One of the main advantages of using a WordPress block template is that its easy to use. Web designers do not need coding skills, nor do they need design training or any type of creative work experience and above all other benefits they are able to build websites more quickly making the process a better return on investment of their time.
Block templates are easily customised which means that branding and design preferences can be added without problems. In addition, blocks are easy to rearrange, designers can easily add or remove content, and make as many changes as they wish to their layout as and when needed. Block templates are most often optimised for mobile devices and search engines, making websites fast, responsive, and search engine friendly.
Use case: For example, a freelance photographer might use a block template to quickly set up a portfolio page with sections for different types of photography. By reusing block patterns, they can maintain a consistent layout while showcasing diverse work. Block templates are also particularly useful for businesses launching e-commerce sites, enabling the creation of product pages, contact forms, and blog posts with ease. Additionally, websites built with block templates are mobile-optimised, offering responsive design out of the box, ensuring a seamless user experience across devices.
What are block templates in WordPress?
A block template is a list of predefined blocks that can include static or dynamic content. These blocks come with attributes or placeholder content and can define a default layout for editor sessions. Templates allow setting an initial state, enhancing design consistency within the WordPress block editor.
Gutenberg and the WordPress editor
One of the hallmarks of the digital world is its constant evolution, and WordPress is a perfect example of how this change manifests. For a long time, WordPress used its classic editor, a simple and reliable tool that, however, had some drawbacks.Â
Gutenberg, named after the inventor of the printing press Johannes Gutenberg, was a new editor who aimed to modernize WordPress. Released in 2018, the Gutenberg editor introduced a block-based system, where each element of the content, such as text, image, video, or custom blocks, could be adjusted individually, giving users unprecedented flexibility. It was like moving from painting on a fixed canvas to creating a mosaic, one piece at a time.
But what made this change so important? Gutenberg was not just about blocks; it was about a bigger vision for WordPress. It wanted to make website building easier, without the need for shortcodes, custom post types, or external page builders. With Gutenberg, users could create complex layouts, design pages, and even explore full site editing, all within the native environment.
Block themes and the full site editing experience
Block themes and full site editing are two of the most exciting developments in the WordPress world. But what exactly are themes and full site editing, and how do they differ from the traditional way of building sites?
Block themes are a natural progression from the Gutenberg block editor. While Gutenberg introduced the idea of creating content using individual blocks, block themes extend this concept to the entire website. Imagine your entire site—header, footer, sidebar, and content areas—as a collection. This approach allows for unparalleled customization. Every element of your site can be tweaked, moved, or replaced, all within the block editor environment. It’s a holistic approach, merging content and design in a unified interface.
Use case: A small business owner uses WordPress block themes and full site editing to launch their new website. With the block editor, they customise the entire site, from the header to the footer, without needing external help. The business owner uses pre-built blocks for their service listings, contact form, and blog posts, allowing them to maintain design consistency across the site. By tweaking the layout directly in the block editor, they ensure the website reflects their brand while making real-time adjustments as needed—all without coding knowledge.
Exploring the new site editor and full site editing feature
No longer confined to posts or pages, users can now design and customize their entire website directly from the dashboard. This editor provides a live preview, ensuring that changes are immediately visible. Users can navigate between different parts of their site, from headers to footers, tweaking designs and layouts in real-time. It’s a modern experience, reducing the back-and-forth between design and preview modes
How block themes differ from traditional WordPress themes
Traditional themes came with a predetermined design, layout, and set of functionalities. Customizations, while possible, often required diving into PHP files, tweaking CSS, or adding custom code snippets. The reliance on hard-coded templates is reduced. Instead, users can craft custom templates, build unique layouts, and even save and reuse designs across different parts of their websites. It’s a paradigm shift, transitioning from a fixed design framework to a fluid, user-driven design experience.
The role of template parts in constructing a full site
Template parts are the backbone of block themes. Think of them as reusable sections or modules that can be consistently applied across different areas of your site. Common template parts include headers, footers, sidebars, and post-content areas. The beauty of these parts lies in their modularity. Once designed, a template part, like a custom header, can be applied across all pages, ensuring a consistent look and feel. Furthermore, any change made to this template part is universally reflected, eliminating the need for repetitive edits. It’s a dynamic system, streamlining the design process and enhancing site-wide consistency. New blocks are continuously introduced, expanding the design possibilities. For instance, with the introduction of the block editor, we’ve seen innovative blocks like the Query Loop, enabling dynamic content display, or the Site Logo block, allowing easy brand integration. Each block comes with its set of customization options, granting users the freedom to tweak designs, layouts, and functionalities to their liking.Â
At the heart of the block theme system are the blocks themselves. Each block is a standalone entity with a specific function. From text and images to videos, widgets, and custom elements, blocks cover a vast spectrum. New blocks are continuously introduced, expanding the design possibilities. For instance, with the introduction of the block editor, we’ve seen innovative blocks like the Query Loop, enabling dynamic content display, or the Site Logo block, allowing easy brand integration. Each block comes with its set of customization options, granting users the freedom to tweak designs, layouts, and functionalities to their liking.
Use case: A freelance web designer uses template parts to ensure site-wide consistency across multiple client websites. By creating a custom header and footer as template parts, they can apply these elements across all pages. This approach saves time and ensures a unified look throughout the site. When a client requests a logo change, the designer updates the logo in the header template part, and the change is automatically applied to every page, eliminating repetitive updates and streamlining the entire design process.
Custom block template and block markup: the blend of HTML, PHP, and JavaScript
While block themes offer a user-friendly interface, their underpinnings are a blend of various web technologies. AÂ custom block template, for instance, can be crafted using a mix of HTML for structure, PHP for dynamic content fetching, and JavaScript for interactive elements. This triad allows for rich, interactive, and dynamic designs. They can create custom block markups, design unique interactive elements, and truly push the boundaries of what block themes can achieve.
Layouts in the block editor: structuring web content
Within a WP block template, layouts are fundamental in organizing content on a webpage. They present a foundational framework that organizes how content is showcased. Whether setting up a landing page or designing a blog post, these layouts create a uniform and logical display. Utilizing these layout tools helps in maintaining consistency across web pages.
WP block templates introduce pre-made patterns, providing predefined design sections for users. Ranging from specific headers to content sections, these patterns simplify the design process by offering a starting point. They not only make your design consistent but they also reduce time spent on creating repetitive elements. Although they come predefined, they’re adjustable to fit specific branding or design needs.
A feature of a WP block template is the ability to group individual blocks to create specific website sections. These collections allow for designing uniform sections like a product showcase, testimonial segment, or contact form.Â
WP block templates provide a systematic approach to web design. By harnessing the tools available, such as layouts and block collections, users can achieve a professional and consistent website. This system, emphasizing structure and uniformity, stands as a valuable resource for anyone involved in website creation.
Use case: A small business owner uses the block editor’s layout tools to quickly design a landing page for a new product. By starting with pre-made block patterns for sections like testimonials and product showcases, they save time while ensuring the layout looks professional and consistent. Adjusting these layouts to match the brand’s colours and style is simple, allowing the website to reflect the company’s identity without complex design work. Grouping blocks for similar content sections makes future updates easy, maintaining structure across the website.
Customizing your website
To build a website that showcases your brand identity, you need to know the various elements involved. Here’s an overview of how you can customize your site to match your vision:
Your header is the first impression visitors get of your site. You can customize it to match your brand identity by adding a distinctive logo and selecting fonts that suit your style. With block templates, you can easily create and edit your header without coding skills.
Adjusting the content to make it your own
It includes sample content, the title of a post, and the URL (or slug) that takes people to specific pages. By adjusting these elements, you can add a personal touch that makes your website feel more like your own.
A well-designed footer can make your website look better and work better. With WordPress templates, you can customize widgets, fonts, and other features to fit your brand’s style and vision.
Creating a website that’s both functional and attractive often requires more than just choosing a great theme. Plugins are additional tools that can add more features to your website, working with the editor. Let’s look at how you can improve your templates with plugins:
The editor in WordPress is powerful on its own, but with the right plugins, you can significantly improve its capabilities.
Widgets and custom post types
Plugins can introduce new widgets, enable custom post types, and add many other features that extend the editor’s capabilities. Whether you need special content layouts or additional e-commerce functionalities, plugins can provide solutions that are tailored to your website’s requirements.
Plugins in the repository
You can improve a theme with various plugins from the repository. These plugins offer features like SEO optimization and social media connectivity. It’s important to choose plugins that match your theme and align with your website’s goals and audience.Â
A theme can benefit from plugins that complement its design and functionality, rather than cluttering it with unnecessary features. The editor and plugins work together to enable you to build a website that meets your specific requirements and preferences. You can find a wide range of plugins in the WordPress repository that suit any theme.Â
Crafting a blog or online store with Gutenberg blocks
Gutenberg has transformed the way we create websites on WordPress. Whether you’re looking to set up a personal blog or an online store, these provide a flexible and user-friendly approach. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this process:
Setting up a blog or an online store might seem complex, but with Gutenberg blocks, it becomes a manageable task. By understanding your site’s purpose and target audience, you can choose the right blocks to create a cohesive and engaging experience.
Utilizing starter templates for easy website creation
If you’re just starting with building websites or want to save some time, using a starter theme is a great idea. These themes are already designed and have different sections arranged in a nice, appealing way.
Smooth user experience with custom template and front-end editing
For those who want a more personalized touch, the default page template in the WordPress Gutenberg editor allows you to design layouts that match your unique vision.Â
Crafting a blog or online store with patterns and minimal design
Building a blog or online store doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. With the Gutenberg editor, you have access to WordPress patterns, typography choices, and style variations.Â
The easy way to add a custom logo, post title, and other elements to your site is by leveraging the full site editor along with the page template. New themes and style variations give you the flexibility to create a minimal design that reflects your goals. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, these tools can help you craft a professional and authentic online presence with ease.
Exploring the directory to find various templates and styles
If you’re unsure about designing from scratch, the directory offers a collection of templates and styles. You can browse different categories to find something that resonates with your vision or the purpose of your site. These themes can be customized further, giving you a perfect balance between convenience and uniqueness.
Starting with a blank slate and transforming it into a professional-looking site
With the editor, directory of templates, and the flexibility to start with a blank canvas, you have all the tools you need. Take your time to explore and play around, and soon you’ll be crafting professional and authentic websites with confidence. Whether it’s a blog, online store, or personal portfolio, making the most of WordPress is within your reach.
FAQs on WordPress block templates and related topics
What is a block template in WordPress?
A block template in WordPress is a predefined layout of blocks that can be used to create consistent content structures. These templates can be applied to pages or posts, ensuring that certain blocks are always included and arranged in a specific order.
How to create a block pattern in WordPress?
To create a block pattern in WordPress, you need to go to the Block Editor (Gutenberg), arrange the blocks in the desired layout, select the blocks and click the three-dot menu, choose “Add to Reusable Blocks” and save. Optionally, you can register the block pattern programmatically in your theme or plugin using register_block_pattern.
How to make a block template?
To make a block template in WordPress, follow these steps: create a new PHP file in your theme, define the template structure using the register_block_template function, specify the blocks and their arrangement, and apply the template to a custom post type or specific pages.
How to use WordPress block themes?
To use WordPress block themes, install and activate a block theme from the WordPress theme directory, use the Site Editor to customize the theme’s layout, add and arrange blocks as needed to design your site, and save your changes and preview the site to see the block theme in action.
What’s the main purpose of building block templates?
The main purpose of building block templates is to create consistency in content design across different posts and pages. WordPress Block Templates help the content creation process, maintain uniformity, and make it easier for users to create complex layouts without needing extensive design skills.
What is the purpose of blocks in WordPress?
Blocks in WordPress are used to create and manage content in a modular way. Each block represents a different type of content (e.g., paragraph, image, video) and can be easily added, rearranged, and customized, providing flexibility and control over the layout and design of posts and pages.
What is the difference between a widget and a block in WordPress?
The main difference between widgets and blocks in WordPress is their usage and flexibility: Widgets are used to add content and features to widget areas (e.g., sidebars, footers). They are typically more static and used for site-wide elements. Blocks are used within the Block Editor to create and customize content on individual posts and pages. Blocks offer greater flexibility and a more dynamic content creation experience compared to widgets.
How to customize WordPress block templates?Â
To customize WordPress block templates, open the Block Editor and load the desired template, modify the blocks as needed, adjusting content, styles, and layout, and save the changes to the template, which will update all instances where the template is used.
Can WordPress block templates be shared across different sites?Â
Yes, WordPress block templates can be shared across different sites. You can export the template code from one site and import it into another, or use a plugin that supports the sharing of block templates between multiple WordPress installations.
How do WordPress Block Templates improve content management?
WordPress block templates improve content management by providing a consistent framework for creating and organizing content. They reduce the need for repetitive design tasks, create uniformity across different posts and pages, and make it easier for users to maintain a cohesive look and feel on their website.
Are WordPress block templates compatible with all themes?Â
WordPress block templates are generally compatible with most themes, especially those designed with block editor support. However, some older themes may not fully support block templates, so it’s important to use a theme that is compatible with the latest WordPress block editor features.
How to export and import WordPress block templates?Â
To export a WordPress block template, you can copy the template code from the theme’s PHP file or use a plugin that provides export functionality. To import a template, paste the template code into the appropriate file in the new site’s theme or use an import feature provided by a plugin.
What are the best practices for designing WordPress block templates?Â
Best practices for designing WordPress block templates include keeping the layout simple and intuitive, using reusable blocks for consistency, testing templates across different devices and screen sizes, and documenting the template structure for future reference.
How to troubleshoot issues with WordPress block tTemplates?Â
To troubleshoot issues with WordPress block templates, check for syntax errors in the template code, make sure that all required plugins and themes are up to date, test the template with different blocks to identify the problem, and consult the WordPress documentation or support forums for guidance.
How can developers extend the functionality of WordPress block templates?Â
Developers can extend the functionality of WordPress block templates by creating custom blocks, integrating third-party plugins, using hooks and filters to modify template behaviour, and contributing to the WordPress core to improve template features.
What resources are available for learning more about WordPress block templates?Â
Resources for learning more about WordPress Block Templates include the official WordPress documentation, online courses and tutorials, WordPress community forums, and blogs that focus on WordPress development and design.
Additional resources
Recommended themes, plugins, and tutorials. Pointing WordPress beginners to tools and communities for support.
- HubSpot Blog – blog.hubspot.com/website/must-have-wordpress-plugins
- WPExplorer – www.wpexplorer.com/wordpress-tutorials
- WPMU DEV – premium.wpmudev.org/blog
- WPShout – wpshout.com
- WP Mayor – wpmayor.com
- WP Lift – wplift.com
- WP Tavern – wptavern.com
- WPForms – wpforms.com/docs
- WP101 – www.wp101.com
- Yoast – yoast.com/academy/wordpress
- Smashing Magazine – smashingmagazine.com/category/wordpress
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 DirectoryÂ
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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