Ultimate Beginner’s Guide: Mastering WordPress Website Editing

You shouldn’t have to rely on a developer or deal with outdated information every time you want to update content, add a new page, or make changes to your site.

WordPress is designed to empower you with complete control over your website.

At CanadaCreate, we’ve been assisting users for over ten years, and we’ve learned that editing can be straightforward with the right techniques. Many of the changes you want to implement are easier than they might seem.

In this comprehensive guide, we will guide you through various methods to edit your WordPress website, covering everything from quick content updates to design modifications.

By the conclusion of this guide, you will feel confident in keeping your site current and fresh whenever necessary.

How to Edit Your WordPress Site: A Comprehensive Overview

As an open-source content management system, WordPress offers numerous features for building and editing your website. Here are several methods to achieve this:

Block Editor (Gutenberg):This is the standard WordPress editor used for creating and editing posts and pages.

It is user-friendly, featuring a drag-and-drop interface along with basic customization blocks. This is the tool we use to create and publish content for CanadaCreate.

Full Site Editor (FSE):Consider this as an enhancement to the Gutenberg editor.

The block editor allows you to personalize block-based WordPress themes effectively.

Theme Customizer:For those using a classic theme, this tool is essential for making site-wide adjustments.

Although it doesn’t support drag-and-drop, it provides simple settings to modify the appearance of your WordPress theme.

Page Builder Plugins (Such as SeedProd):When you require greater design flexibility, page builders are the ideal solution.

We recommend SeedProd for our landing pages due to its advanced features and user-friendly interface. Similar to Gutenberg, SeedProd includes a drag-and-drop functionality, but it offers even more creative options, including animation effects and a wider variety of content blocks for building your pages.

This is typically our top recommendation for WordPress beginners.

Classic Editor:While it is no longer the default option, many users still prefer the Classic Editor for its document-like feel.

This feature is not enabled by default in the latest versions of WordPress, but it can still be accessed through a plugin if you favor the traditional editing experience.

In this article, we will guide you on how to edit various sections of your WordPress website using the editors we’ve discussed.

This guide assumes you have already installed and set up WordPress. If not, you will need a hosting plan, a domain name, and to complete the WordPress installation.

Want to jump to a specific section of this tutorial? Use the quick links provided below:

Editing a WordPress Theme

After installing WordPress, one of your first tasks should be to select and customize your theme. We will guide you through three different methods to achieve this.

Customizing a Block Theme Using the Full Site Editor

Full Site Editing was launched in WordPress 5.9, making it easier to edit block themes with the block editor.

In our experience, the Full Site Editor has greatly simplified theme customization for beginners, although it is still being improved.

A clear indication that you are using a block WordPress theme is the presence of Appearance » Editorin your WordPress admin dashboard. If you see Appearance » Customize instead, you can proceed directly to using the Theme Customizer.

To utilize the Full Site Editor, you need to have a block theme installed. You can find many options in our curated list of the best block WordPress themes for Full Site Editing.

If you’re looking for free options, navigate to Appearance » Themes. Then, click ‘Add New Theme.’

After that, simply switch to the ‘Block Themes’ tab.

You will then see a variety of block themes displayed on your screen. For installation guidance, refer to our detailed step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress theme.

Once you have installed the theme, go to Appearance » Editor to access the site editor.

Now, you will see the main dashboard for Full Site Editing. Here, you can edit your theme’s navigation menu, styles, pages, templates, and block patterns.

We will cover these topics in detail throughout the tutorial, but first, we will briefly show you how to change your theme’s style.

To do this, click on the ‘Styles’ menu.

Now, you will see a selection of color schemes and typography combinations offered by the theme.

Each time you select a style, the interface will show you a preview.

When you are happy with your selection, click ‘Save.’ You also have the option to create a custom style.

Discover more about utilizing the Full Site Editor and other features in our beginner’s guide to WordPress Full Site Editing.

Customizing a Classic Theme Using the Theme Customizer

If you are using a classic WordPress theme, you will utilize the Theme Customizer for editing. Simply navigate to Appearance » Customize in the WordPress admin dashboard to access it.

The customization options available here depend on the theme you are using.

For example, with the Astra theme, you can modify the style of your entire website, including the header, footer, sidebar, pages, logo, and more.

Therefore, we suggest reviewing your theme’s documentation for further guidance.

Our guide on the Theme Customizer offers more detailed instructions.

After making your changes, you can preview the website in various screen sizes. Finally, click the ‘Publish’ button at the top to make your changes live.

We have found that the Theme Customizer offers less flexibility compared to other options available. If you share this sentiment, we suggest exploring the next method.

Customizing a WordPress Theme Using a Page Builder Plugin

Many WordPress users who are not satisfied with the platform’s built-in design tools opt for a page builder to modify their site. This type of WordPress plugin can replace the default editor, allowing for more creative control over various sections of your website.

Most page builders feature a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, making them as easy to navigate as the block editor. Additionally, they offer a wider selection of page blocks and templates to help you customize your website.

After evaluating several page builders, we consistently recommend SeedProd as the top choice. It provides over 300 templates tailored for different industry sectors, including eCommerce, hospitality, and service-oriented businesses.

For more information, check out our comprehensive SeedProd review.

To get started with SeedProd, you first need to install the WordPress plugin. After installation, navigate toSeedProd » Settingsto activate your Pro plan license, simply enter your license key and click ‘Verify Key’ to complete the activation process.

Next, navigate to SeedProd » Theme Builder.

Click on ‘Theme Template Kits’ to explore your theme options.

You will find a variety of theme template kits available, ranging from online stores to service-oriented sites. Use the filtering and sorting features to find the perfect one for your requirements.

After selecting a template, hover over it and click the orange checkmark button to apply it.

Return to the Theme Builder page and choose a theme template you wish to edit.

For demonstration, we will show you how to modify the style of your SeedProd theme template. Locate the ‘Global CSS’ theme template, hover over it, and click ‘Edit Design’ to proceed.

You are now in the SeedProd page builder where you can customize the style of your theme template. Here, you can adjust your website’s colors, fonts, backgrounds, buttons, forms, and layout.

Let’s learn how to change the default font of the theme. Open the ‘Fonts’ menu and select from SeedProd’s extensive options for fonts and colors for both heading and body text.

Any changes you make will be instantly reflected in the preview on the right side.

When you’re satisfied with the design, simply click ‘Save’ to apply your changes.

Next, you can return to SeedProd » Theme Builder and activate the ‘Enable SeedProd Theme’ toggle located in the top right corner.

For detailed guidance on editing WordPress themes using SeedProd, check out our comprehensive guide on creating a custom WordPress theme.

How to Edit Pages or Posts in WordPress

If you’ve updated WordPress to the latest version, you’ll likely use the Gutenberg block editor for editing pages or posts.

To create a new page, navigate to Pages » Add NewPage. This will generate a completely blank page and take you to the block editor.

If you wish to edit an existing page, such as your homepage or blog page, go to Pages » All Pages. Hover over the page you want to edit and click ‘Edit.’

Alternatively, you can use the Quick Edit feature.

This feature allows you to change the page title, URL slug, and last modified date.

The Quick Edit feature offers various editing options.

You can set a password for the page, make it private, designate it as a parent page, change the page template, enable or disable comments, and modify the page status.

To create a new post, simply navigate toPosts » Add NewPostto start a new blank post and edit it using the block editor.

To edit an existing WordPress blog post, hover your cursor over the desired post and click ‘Edit.’

The Quick Edit feature for posts offers similar options but with some slight variations.

Here, you can also add tags, enable or disable pings, and make the post sticky to feature it on your website.

Once you open a WordPress page or post, the block editor provides numerous editing options.

Typically, you will begin by clicking the ‘+’ button in the top left corner to add a block.

This section displays all available blocks from WordPress and any plugins you have installed.

You can then drag and drop a block into the main editing area.

After that, you can use the block’s toolbar and settings sidebar to customize the block’s style, dimensions, padding, margin, spacing, and more.

Are you struggling to manage all the blocks on your page or having difficulty selecting the specific block you wish to edit?

No need to worry! The block editor features a convenient ‘List View’ option located in the top left corner. This allows you to see a clear overview of all your blocks, making it simple to select, rearrange, or edit any block with just one click.

If you’ve installed a WordPress plugin, you might also notice some additional settings below the editing interface.

For example, the All in One SEO plugin provides a section where you can enhance the meta title and description of your page or post for better search engine optimization.

We offer a variety of guides to help you learn more about editing posts and pages, so be sure to explore them:

• How to Preview Your WordPress Website Before Launching
• How to Use the Distraction-Free Fullscreen Editor in WordPress
• How to Add Featured Images or Post Thumbnails in WordPress
• How to Add Categories and Tags to WordPress Pages
• How to Edit HTML in WordPress: A Beginner’s Guide

How to Edit a WordPress Page or Post Using the Classic Editor

While we usually recommend using the block editor for its features, we recognize that some users prefer the Classic Editor for specific tasks, such as writing lengthy articles or quickly editing posts without the complexity of block interfaces.

To use the Classic Editor, you must enable it first. You can find instructions in our article on how to disable Gutenberg and activate the Classic Editor.

Once enabled, you can create a new post or page by navigating to Posts » Add New Post or Pages » Add New Page, and the Classic Editor will appear on your screen.

Unlike the block editor, you won’t add blocks to insert content into your page or post. Instead, you can simply type text, format it using the tools at the top of the editing panel, and add media files to your content by clicking the ‘Add Media’ button.

At the bottom and sides of the editing interface, you’ll find settings to publish the page or post, assign categories or tags, upload a featured image, and more.

You can also toggle between visual and text editing modes. In text mode, you can edit the HTML code of your post or page.

Editing a WordPress Page Using a Page Builder

If you are already utilizing a page builder like SeedProd for your theme, you can easily use it to edit individual pages, ensuring design consistency across your entire site.

To get started, create a new page and access the block editor. If SeedProd is enabled, you will see an ‘Edit with SeedProd’ button at the top. Click on it to proceed.

You can also edit an existing page, but keep in mind that the content will not be carried over, and you will need to recreate the page from the ground up.

In the page builder interface, you will notice that the SeedProd theme’s header and footer are automatically included. Simply begin constructing your page from there.

Start by selecting one of the eight available layouts for your page.

On the left side, you will see a variety of blocks and sections that you can easily drag and drop onto the right side, which displays the template preview.

These blocks and sections can be used to add content to your page.

When you click on a block or section, the left side will display the settings you can use to customize that element.

In the screenshot below, clicking on the Text block will display the block settings. Here, you can customize the text, add dynamic content, modify the HTML, adjust the alignment, and more.

After completing your edits on the page, remember to click ‘Save’ to publish your changes.

For further information, please refer to our guide on creating a custom page in WordPress.

If you’re looking to build a custom landing page from the ground up, you can do so using SeedProd. Simply navigate toSeedProd » Landing Pages. Then, click the ‘+ Add New Landing Page’ button.

For more insights, check out our tutorial on creating a custom landing page.

Alternatively,Thrive Architect is another excellent page builder for designing visually appealing custom pages. Additionally, it enables you to edit posts, not just pages.

You can read our Thrive Architect review for more details.

How to Edit the Header, Footer, and Other Template Parts in WordPress

You might also want to modify the WordPress header, footer, sidebar, and other components of your theme template.

These sections of your website provide important information and navigation options that are separate from the main content of your pages or posts.

The method for editing these sections varies based on your theme, so let’s explore each option available.

How to Modify the Header, Footer, and Other Template Parts in a Block Theme

If you are using a block theme, you can utilize the Full Site Editor to customize your theme’s header and footer.

In the Full Site Editor, the header and footer are categorized as template parts, also referred to as WordPress patterns, which are sets of reusable blocks that appear across your site.

Additional examples of template parts include the comments section and post meta information.

For demonstration purposes, we will guide you through editing your WordPress header, but you can apply these same steps to other template parts.

First, navigate to Appearance »Editor.Once you access the Full Site Editor, click on ‘Patterns.’

You will now see a list of patterns available from your WordPress theme.

Scroll down to the Template Parts section, select ‘Header,’ and click on the Header template part.

Next, click the pencil icon next to the Header text to begin editing.

This will launch the block editor.

The block editor functions similarly for template parts as it does for pages and posts. You can add different blocks to the header, customize each block, and save your changes when finished.

Headers typically feature a Site Logo or favicon, so feel free to include that here as well.

If you’re looking to completely redesign the header but aren’t sure where to begin, click the ‘+’ button to add a block in the top left corner.

Next, go to the ‘Patterns’ tab and select ‘Headers.’ You’ll discover a variety of pre-designed header layouts available.

For additional details, refer to our guide on customizing your WordPress header.

After you finish modifying the header, click ‘Save.’ Since the header is a synced template part, all changes made here will apply to every page that uses this header.

If you prefer to create a new header or other template parts instead of editing the existing ones, return to the ‘Patterns’ page. Then, click the ‘+ Create pattern’ button and choose ‘Create template part.’

In the popup window, enter a name for the template part and select the type of template part.

Then, click ‘Create.’ You will be taken to the block editor where you can edit the template part as usual.

For comprehensive information, please refer to our complete guide on full site editing in WordPress.

How to Edit the Header, Footer, and Other Widget Areas in a Classic WordPress Theme

In a classic WordPress theme, a widget is a customizable block that can be placed in widget-ready areas such as headers, footers, and sidebars.

Each classic WordPress theme features unique widget-ready areas. Some themes may include a sidebar, while others may not, so it’s important to consult your theme’s documentation for specific details.

To manage widgets, navigate to Appearance » Widgets. Here, you can add, configure, and remove blocks in the designated widget-ready areas.

For further details on widgets, check out our article on how to add and use widgets in WordPress.

Additionally, explore our guide on the differences between widgets and blocks for a better understanding of this feature.

How to Edit the Header, Footer, and Other Template Parts Using a Page Builder

Using a page builder provides enhanced customization options for headers, footers, sidebars, and other elements of your theme.

If you’re using SeedProd, navigate to SeedProd » Theme BuilderWe will assume that you have already installed a theme template kit.

The kit typically contains various theme templates, which may include built-in page templates like 404 error pages or single posts, as well as components of a page such as headers, footers, and pricing tables.

Hover over a theme template and click on ‘Edit Design’ to get started.

You can edit the header in the same way you would edit a regular page.

If you want to add your social media links, hover over the header until the blue border appears, then click the ‘+ Add Row’ button and choose a row layout.

In this example, we need to add an additional column to accommodate the image, menu, and social media links, resulting in three columns in one row.

You can easily drag and drop the blocks from the top row into the new row.

After that, delete the top row so that your new row becomes the new header.

Next, locate the Social Profiles block in the left-side panel.

Drag it into the right column, and you’re all set.

For more details on editing template parts, check out these WordPress tutorials:

• How to Edit the Footer in WordPress
• Essential Checklist: Items to Include in the Footer of Your WordPress Site
• Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Custom Headers, Footers, or Sidebars for Each Category in WordPress
• Creating a Sticky Floating Navigation Menu in WordPress: A Complete Guide
• How to Automatically Update the Copyright Date in Your WordPress Footer

Editing Your WordPress Navigation Menu: A Comprehensive Guide

A well-designed navigation menu helps visitors easily find and explore your content, ensuring they don’t get lost on your website. It’s crucial to include links to your most important pages and other relevant information.

For users of block WordPress themes, you can select the ‘Navigation’ menu option from the Full Site Editor.

Our detailed guide on adding custom navigation menus in WordPress will guide you through the entire process.

For those using classic WordPress themes, navigate to Appearance» Menus. This section allows you to add, organize, and remove pages, posts, and links from your menus.

For detailed, step-by-step instructions, refer to our beginner’s guide on adding a navigation menu in WordPress.

If you are using a page builder like SeedProd, your navigation menu (Nav Menu block) may be integrated into your header theme template.

The Navigation Menu block automatically includes all your existing pages, and you can also add new items as needed.

To start, navigate to SeedProd »Theme Builder in your WordPress dashboard. Locate the ‘Header’ theme template and select ‘Edit Design.’

Next, hover over the block that resembles a menu. This will be the ‘Nav Menu’ block.

Then, scroll down in the left panel and click on ‘+ Add New Item.’

You can customize the anchor text, input the URL, choose to open it in a new window, and set it as nofollow.

At the bottom, you can adjust the font size, spacing, divider, and alignment of the links.

Remember to click ‘Save’ to apply your changes.

How to Modify a WordPress Site Using Code

If you are familiar with coding, you can use custom code snippets to modify your WordPress website. However, we recommend this approach only if you possess the necessary technical skills to prevent any issues.

One method to edit a WordPress site using code is by adding CSS, which is a stylesheet that alters the appearance of HTML on the front end.

Users of classic themes can access Appearance »Customize and find the ‘Additional CSS’ section in the Theme Customizer.

In this section, you can add CSS code to customize the appearance of various HTML elements, such as colors and fonts.

This feature can be useful if the options provided by your theme are insufficient for your requirements.

For users of block themes, adding custom CSS directly within the Full Site Editor is not possible.

Instead, visit the link below to access the Theme Customizer and locate the Additional CSS section. Remember to replace the domain name with your own.

https://example.com/wp-admin/customize.php

For further information, refer to our guide on resolving the issue of a missing Theme Customizer in WordPress.

Another option for adding CSS is through the CSS Hero plugin. This tool simplifies the process of incorporating custom CSS into WordPress themes, making it accessible even for beginners.

If you’re interested in using CSS Hero, take a look at our review and these helpful tutorials:

• How to Add Custom Styles to WordPress Widgets
• How to Easily Add Box Shadow in WordPress
• How to Style WordPress Navigation Menus (Updated)

How to Edit WordPress Theme Files

Occasionally, certain tutorials may require you to modify your WordPress theme files to implement changes that exceed the capabilities of your theme’s built-in features. We advise editing theme files directly only if it is the sole method to achieve your desired results.

In this situation, we suggest the following:

• First, create a child theme. This serves as a duplicate of your WordPress theme, allowing you to customize it safely with code.
• Make sure to back up your website. This precaution enables you to restore your site to an earlier version if any issues arise.

To edit a WordPress theme file, access your WordPress file directory through the backend. You can do this by using your hosting provider’s file manager or connecting via an FTP client.

If you are using Bluehost, navigate to your dashboard and select the ‘Websites’ tab. Then, click ‘Settings’ for the specific website where you want to access the theme files.

Next, scroll down to the ‘Quick Links’ section.

Click on ‘File Manager.’ If you are unsure about the location of your root folder, use the ‘Document Root’ feature to view its path.

Once you are in the file manager, navigate to your website’s root folder, typically labeled public_html.

Then, go to /wp-content/themes and locate the folder for your current theme.

Inside, you will find all the WordPress theme files that you can edit with a text editor.

Here are some modifications you can make by editing WordPress theme files:

• Creating a Custom Homepage in WordPress
• Building a Full-Width Page in WordPress
• Adding Custom Fonts to Your WordPress Site

How to Safely Add Custom Code to WordPress

For adding custom code in WordPress, we suggest using WPCode. Our tests show that WPCode is a safer and more user-friendly option compared to directly modifying theme files.

With WPCode, you can avoid the risk of breaking your website. It alerts you to any code errors and can deactivate problematic code. Additionally, you can create PHP shortcodes to insert custom content seamlessly into your site.

To see how WPCode works, check out our comprehensive WPCode review in the CanadaCreate Solution Center.

What Is the Best Method for Beginners to Edit a WordPress Site?

For beginners, we highly recommend installing a page builder plugin like SeedProd to edit WordPress websites. It is as easy to use as the block editor but offers significantly more control over your WordPress design.

If you prefer not to use a plugin, consider using a block theme with the Full Site Editor. While this feature is still being developed as part of the ongoing Gutenberg project, it is currently quite user-friendly.

The Theme Customizer offers less flexibility compared to the Full Site Editor since it doesn’t support drag-and-drop functionality. Therefore, we recommend that users of classic themes install SeedProd to enhance their editing experience.

We only advise coding if you have created a child theme and backed up your site to prevent potential issues. However, using the WPCode plugin allows you to safely add custom code to your WordPress site without the risk of errors or breaking your website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions from our readers regarding WordPress website editing:

What is the difference between editing a post and editing the entire site?

Editing a post or page involves updating specific content—such as text, images, or videos—on a particular page of your website. This is particularly useful for blog articles, landing pages, or service pages.

Site-wide editing affects every page of your website, including the header, footer, fonts, colors, and menu. You can make these changes using the Site Editor or Customizer, depending on the theme you are using.

Is it safe to edit my website while it is live?

Yes, it is generally safe, but exercise caution. Simple edits like updating text or adding images can be done live without issues.

However, for significant design or layout changes, it’s advisable to use a staging site for safety.

Many hosting providers offer one-click staging options. Alternatively, you can use plugins like WP Staging to create a test version of your site, allowing you to experiment with changes without impacting actual visitors.

What should I do if I accidentally break something while editing?

Stay calm! WordPress includes a built-in revision history for posts and pages, enabling you to revert most changes. For design modifications or theme adjustments, you can:

• Restore a backup if you created one prior to making changes.
• Utilize your hosting provider’s backup tools.
• Deactivate a plugin or theme if it caused the problem.
• Contact your hosting support for assistance, as many offer free troubleshooting services.

In the future, consider using a child theme or making edits in a staging environment to ensure safety.

Can I switch editors later, such as moving from Gutenberg to a page builder?

Yes, you can install a page builder like Elementor or SeedProd even if you initially used the block editor, but proceed with caution.

Keep in mind that switching editors may require you to reformat some parts of your pages. Certain builders save content in their own format, which could make it difficult to revert without some adjustments.

It’s advisable to choose one primary editing method early in the process and stick with it for better consistency.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to edit a WordPress website. Additionally, consider exploring our expert recommendations for the best WordPress theme builders and our collection of outstanding WordPress website examples.

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