Editing Template Parts

Template parts in WordPress are reusable sections of your site, such as headers, footers, and sidebars. Editing these parts allows you to maintain consistency across your site while making it easier to update common elements. This guide will walk you through the steps to edit template parts using the Site Editor.

What are Template Parts?

Template parts are individual components of your WordPress theme that can be used across multiple templates. Common template parts include the header, footer, and any custom sections like sidebars or call-to-action banners. Editing a template part will apply the changes wherever that part is used.


Step 1: Accessing the Site Editor

  1. Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard: Navigate to http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin and log in with your username and password.
  2. Navigate to the Site Editor: In the left-hand menu, go to Appearance > Editor. This will open the Site Editor.

Step 2: Selecting a Template Part to Edit

  1. Open Template Parts Panel: In the Site Editor, click on Patterns > All Template Parts in the sidebar. This will display a list of all available template parts.
  2. Select Template Part: Click on the template part you want to edit (e.g., Header, Footer). The selected template part will open in the main canvas area.

Step 3: Editing Template Part Content

  1. Add or Remove Blocks: Click the + (Add Block) button in the top left corner to open the block inserter. You can add new blocks or remove existing ones within the template part.
  2. Edit Existing Blocks: Click on any block within the template part to edit its content and settings. Use the block toolbar and settings panel on the right to make changes.
    • For Text Blocks: Edit the text directly within the block. Customize typography, alignment, and color in the settings panel.
    • For Image Blocks: Click on the image to replace it, adjust the size, or change alignment.
    • For Navigation Blocks: Update menu items, links, and layout settings.

Step 4: Customizing Layout

  1. Arrange Blocks: Drag and drop blocks within the template part to arrange them in the desired order.
  2. Use Group and Columns Blocks: For more complex layouts, you can use the Group block to group multiple blocks together or the Columns block to create a multi-column layout. Insert these blocks and then place the relevant blocks inside them.
  3. Customize Spacing: Use the block settings panel to adjust the spacing between elements. Add padding and margins to ensure a balanced layout.

Step 5: Saving and Previewing Changes

  1. Save Changes: After making your edits, click the Save button in the top right corner to save your changes to the template part.
  2. Preview Your Site: To see how the changes look on your live site, click the Preview button in the top toolbar. This will open a preview of your site in a new tab.

Tips for Editing Template Parts

  • Maintain Consistency: Ensure that changes to template parts are consistent with your site’s overall design and branding.
  • Test Responsiveness: Check how the edited template part looks on different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile) to ensure it’s responsive.
  • Use Reusable Blocks: If you frequently use certain block combinations, consider saving them as reusable blocks for easier insertion in the future.

Troubleshooting

  • Changes Not Applying: If changes are not applying, ensure you have the necessary permissions and try clearing your browser cache.
  • Blocks Not Displaying Correctly: Make sure your theme supports the blocks you are using. Some themes may have limitations on certain block styles.
  • Layout Issues: If blocks are not aligning or spacing correctly, use the Group or Columns blocks for better control and adjust the settings panel for spacing options.

Support

If you encounter any issues or have questions about editing template parts, please contact our support team.