WordPress Full Site Editing: A Complete Guide for Beginners

ByIstvan Vadas

Introduction to WordPress Full Site Editing (FSE)

Full Site Editing (FSE), introduced in WordPress 5.9, has revolutionized how WordPress websites are designed and customized. This transformative feature allows you to edit your entire site using blocks, offering a unified and streamlined editing experience. With FSE, you can directly edit elements like the site logo and title from the block editor. This beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know about Full Site Editing, from its inception to its current state, and what the future holds. We’ll explore how FSE works, its benefits, and how it compares to traditional WordPress editing and other page builders.

Getting Started with WordPress Full Site Editing

To start using Full Site Editing, ensure you have WordPress 5.9 or newer installed. From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the site editor under the Appearance menu. If you’re using a block theme that supports FSE, your entire site will be represented in the block editor. You can click on any block to edit it or add new blocks to any template part of your site. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up Full Site Editing:

  1. Install WordPress 5.9+: Ensure your WordPress version supports FSE.
  2. Access the Site Editor: Go to Appearance > Editor in your dashboard.
  3. Choose a Block Theme: Select a theme that supports FSE.
  4. Edit and Customize: Use the block editor to modify your site’s elements.
  5. Backup Your Site: Always back up your site or use a staging site before making major changes.

Benefits of Full Site Editing in WordPress

Full Site Editing offers numerous benefits that simplify creating and customizing a WordPress site, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. Here are some key advantages:

  • Unified Editing Experience: Customize headers, footers, sidebars, and other template parts directly from the block editor.
  • Consistent Design: Apply global styles to maintain a consistent design across your site.
  • Ease of Use: Intuitive block-based customization reduces the learning curve.
  • Ongoing Evolution: Continuous improvements and new features from the WordPress community enhance FSE.

Understanding WordPress Themes and Block Themes

With Full Site Editing, a new type of theme known as a block theme has emerged. Block themes, introduced in WordPress 5.9, support FSE and allow you to customize every part of your site using blocks. Here’s how to work with block themes:

  1. Choosing a Theme: Select a block theme compatible with FSE.
  2. Installing and Activating: Install your chosen theme from the WordPress theme directory and activate it.
  3. Customizing with FSE: Use the Full Site Editor to customize headers, footers, and layouts.

The WordPress User Experience with Full Site Editing

Full Site Editing significantly enhances the WordPress user experience by providing a unified, block-based editing environment. Here’s how to make the most of it:

  1. Step-by-Step Tutorial: Learn how to navigate the Full Site Editor.
  2. Tips and Tricks: Discover how to efficiently use FSE features.
  3. Comparison with Page Builders: Understand how FSE stacks up against traditional page builders.

How to Use WordPress Full Site Editing to Customize Your Website

Full Site Editing allows you to customize every part of your site directly from the block editor. Follow these steps to harness its power:

  1. Access the Full Site Editor: From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Appearance > Editor.
  2. Customize Elements: Modify headers, footers, and other parts using blocks.
  3. Apply Global Styles: Use global styles to maintain a consistent look and feel across your site.

Comparison: WordPress Page Builder Plugins vs. Full Site Editing

WordPress Page Builder Plugins have been popular for creating and customizing websites. With FSE, users now have a powerful alternative. Here’s a comparison:

  • Features: FSE offers a unified block-based editing experience, whereas page builders provide a range of customization tools.
  • Ease of Use: Both tools are user-friendly, but FSE offers a more integrated experience.
  • Customization Options: FSE allows site-wide customization with global styles, while page builders offer advanced layout options.

Editing to Customize: A Deep Dive into WordPress Customization

Full Site Editing offers extensive customization options for your website. Here’s a deeper dive into using FSE:

  1. Access the Full Site Editor: Navigate to Appearance > Editor.
  2. Customize Elements: Modify the site logo, title, header, footer, and more.
  3. Maintain Consistency: Use global styles to ensure a cohesive design across your site.

The Role of the WordPress Community in Full Site Editing

The WordPress community plays a vital role in developing and improving Full Site Editing. Here’s how you can get involved:

  1. Contribute to Code: Help improve FSE by contributing to the WordPress codebase.
  2. Test New Features: Participate in testing and provide feedback.
  3. Stay Updated: Follow the WordPress community to stay informed about the latest developments.

How to Create a Custom WordPress Site with Full Site Editing

Creating a custom WordPress site with Full Site Editing opens up new possibilities. Here’s a guide:

  1. Choose a Block Theme: Select a theme that supports FSE.
  2. Customize Your Site: Modify headers, footers, and layouts using the block editor.
  3. Follow Best Practices: Use global styles and backup your site regularly.

The Future of WordPress: A Look at Full Site Editing

Full Site Editing represents the future direction of WordPress. Here’s what to expect:

  • Upcoming Features: Continuous updates will introduce new features and improvements.
  • Community Impact: FSE will shape the future of the WordPress community.
  • User and Developer Benefits: Enhanced customization options and better user experiences.

Popular WordPress Themes Compatible with Full Site Editing

Not all themes are compatible with Full Site Editing, but many popular themes have been updated to support it. Here are some options:

  • Features: Look for themes that offer comprehensive FSE support.
  • Installation Guide: Follow steps to install and customize these themes using FSE.
  • Theme Recommendations: Find themes suitable for business websites, personal blogs, and e-commerce stores.