Mastering WordPress full site editing: a step-by-step tutorial - (r)

Oct 3, 2024
Master WordPress full site editing (FSE)

-sidebar-toc> -language-notice>

WordPress' evolution has taken some time to reach maturity, however it's gone from a simple blogging system to an advanced Content Management System (CMS) that almost controls the web. Most significant advancements have come through the design of web design templates. WordPress Full Site Editing (FSE) is an innovative method of integrating sophisticated tools in every person's hand.

This entire guide goes through the history and features of WordPress full site editing. Its ultimate aim is to explain how FSE can work and aid in the creation of your own website design, along with experts.

A short history of how layouts were created and layouts in WordPress

The procedure of making layouts and websites within WordPress is essential to comprehending the value of FSE. The most important tool in this day and age is the classic editor.

The WordPress Classic Editor interface. It shows the visual and text editing tabs, formatting options, and publishing settings. The status is set to Draft and visibility to Public.
WordPress Classic Editor. WordPress Classic Editor.

The editor was not "classic." The editor was in fact an alternative to the TinyMCE Editor - the default starting with WordPress from around 2017 onwards. It's simple simple"What You See is What You get (WYSIWYG) Editor for Text which lets you input HTML content and also simple HTML and styles to format. In fact, you can download TinyMCE Editor for free. TinyMCE Editor is a premium tool.

The TinyMCE rich text editor interface integrated into a website. It shows a sample event registration landing page with editing tools, and a form for users to register for an event.
The following will be the TinyMCE Editor home page.

One of the major drawbacks that comes with TinyMCE Editor are the fact that TinyMCE Editor is a sluggish set of choices to view the editor's interface and has less flexibility than you'd sometimes prefer. Theme frameworks are a practical and effective alternative. Naturally, StudioPress' Genesis Framework is still in use, however there are other options, such as Thesis.

A blog post page using the Genesis Framework. It features a black and white image of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The post is titled April in Paris – Ella Fitzgerald and dated February 1, 2018. The sidebar shows recent posts with thumbnail images.
It is also the default Genesis Framework theme.
The Elementor interface showing a furniture store homepage design. The page features a New Collection section with product images and descriptions, including a table lamp for $200 and a space bench for $300. A large purple acrylic side table is showcased on the right. The interface includes editing tools and color pickers on the left-hand side.
The Elementor homepage.

Read the following section to learn why we provide alternatives to using our TinyMCE Editor and a page builder plugin.

The Block Editor, as well as WordPress complete editing and maintenance of the site

WordPress was voted as the most popular platform by its popularity. However, for it to maintain its position the platform must compete to keep its spot. There are times that other platforms entered the market.

The Wix website builder interface displaying a photography portfolio page in edit mode. The left-hand panel shows options to add sections, while the main area presents a sample layout for Edward's White Room Photography with an image of a woman holding a camera. Various editing tools and publish options are visible in the top menu bar.
Editing websites using Wix.

It was the source of important concerns concerning WordPress management, as different platforms gained more traction. Additionally, the platform offered stylish, modern, efficient interfaces, with the basic control of layout.

The Block Editor can be described as a simple way to build your website's pages and articles, but it also comes with a few drawbacks. This application is limited, which means you'll likely require a page builders plugin in order to create adjustments that are more difficult. Furthermore, you'll require knowledge on development in order to build a complete site, which creates a barrier for creative ideas, but WordPress provides a solution. WordPress team is able to provide an answer to.

What exactly is WordPress does Full Site Editor (FSE) is

The WordPress Site Editor interface. The image shows a post template layout with three columns displaying post titles, excerpts, and publication dates. A context menu is open, showing options such as Copy, Add before, Add after, and more.
Editing templates inside the WordPress Editor complete for the website.

This is the most formal method to update your website. The process brings all aspects of your site under supervision by the admin.

  • Navigation editing. The method used previously to edit navigation by using an Appearance menu builder screen is now integrated in the Editor for the Site. Editor.
  • Global designs. It's simpler to control the layout and style of a website. The design includes typography, colors spacing the fonts used, colors, and much more.
  • Block Patterns. These can be thought of as elements of design that could be used in conjunction with Blocks they can be added to your design layouts.

In the next section, we'll talk about things that WordPress Full Site Editing can help users later. Meanwhile Let's take a review of the reasons for having FSE initially.

Why is it that FSE is integrated into WordPress

WordPress WordPress team has a variety of reasons to introduce FSE. A few of the concerns are of a technical nature. This is the case with The Block Editor won't allow users to modify every part of our website, even though it's required in the first place.

The WordPress Templates management interface within the Site Editor. It displays various page templates such as All Archives, Blog Home, Index, and Page No Title with thumbnail previews and descriptions for each template.
The Templates display when you open the editor on Sites.

The experience is also long-lasting. WordPress allows for complete editing of websites. It is not going away; it will simply evolve with the years. The platform is able to change to what the team of developers at WordPress would like to introduce to WordPress.

The power of WordPress can be a major benefit to everybody from creators all the way up to users. WordPress permits you to completely modify your site. It gives the user more control over changes to the layout they want to implement without relying on the designers, advanced customization tools or even coding expertise.

Another option to consider is FSE

For WordPress users as well as WordPress users and WordPress personnel, FSE is not only an option at present It's also the future of WordPress. However, it will require an appropriate theme for it (more of which to come). Furthermore, there are other WordPress businesses might not have the same opinion, particularly those that have competing products.

A code editor window showing PHP functions for registering custom block styles in WordPress. The code defines styles for an arrow-icon-details block, including CSS properties for padding and list-style-type.
An editor for coding that shows a small portion of PHP code.

The Block Editor can still be employed in the majority of the customizing and composing content. From there, total site editing, it's simple to hop on. The Block Editor is likely to be in use already:

The WordPress Block Editor interface for a Privacy Policy page. The content area shows sections on Comments, Media, and Cookies with suggested text. A sidebar on the right offers block editing options for typography and styling.
WordPress Block Editor. WordPress Block Editor.
The Elementor interface within WordPress, showing text editing tools on the left, a preview of the page content in the center featuring a mountain landscape image, and a structure panel on the right showing the page layout elements.
The Elementor page builder screen an element of WordPress.

To experience a completely new approach as opposed to WordPress completely editing your website and then to go to the place where your start was, go with the latest and most innovative CMS: ClassicPress.

The ClassicPress website homepage. It features a teal and green gradient background with white text describing ClassicPress as The CMS for Creators. There is an image of the ClassicPress dashboard and buttons to download or switch from WordPress.
The ClassicPress home page.

The idea behind it is that the development of WordPress is a fantastic idea in addition to FSE. Block Editor and, by further extension, FSE. Therefore, ClassicPress Fork ClassicPress Fork does not include FSE. Instead, you'll construct websites with the Classic and TinyMCE Editor as before.

The Block Editor is basically a answer to the Block Editor's insufficient development at the time the first version was released. At the time, the concept was good to consider on paper. With WordPress's present editing capabilities but, there's really no justification to move to ClassicPress.

What is the process? WordPress complete site editing functions

Simply simply put, WordPress full site editing expands the functionality of the Block Editor across the whole site. For you to use FSE to edit your website in its fullest possible capacity, you need to install the theme 'Block' or  the 'FSE' theme that is compatible with FSE. We will discuss this in the future.

A basic understanding of the way FSE functions is easy:

  • It is possible to access tools that are site-wide to design your site. This is the Global Styles panel later, nevertheless, allows you to modify the appearance of your entire web site. In many cases there is no need for specific CSS to implement your concepts.
  • The theme.json file is the mainstay of FSE. The configuration file defines the primary designs and configurations for the theme. This can be a great starting point to develop your web's style, but it can also be the "hub" for your web design.

The majority of users will not run versions of WordPress earlier than 5.9 But if you are, then you'll have to update your WordPress to make use of FSE. You may also require a theme to support it. Let's discuss this quickly.

The best FSE area

  • Be sure to check for any updates frequently within the theme's codebase.
  • Discover what other users think about this theme through review and ratings.
  • Make sure that the developer is providing the highest quality service to meet your specific specifications.

As WordPress fully edits websites is an upcoming feature on the platform, there are fewer options of themes are available to users. However, this doesn't mean that it's impossible to find. There are many large corporations that offer their own versions of an FSE/Block theme. One of the first was ThemeIsle's Neve which is an FSE-focused theme:

The Neve FSE theme site. The header includes navigation links, and the main content features a headline (“Create and grow your unique website today”) with a subheading and two Call To Action buttons. Below are three feature icons for building sites, style variations, and pattern-readiness.
The Neve FSE theme home page.

The traditional or classic version of the theme utilizes the Customizer which was found via in the appearance screen. This latest version integrates the Site Editor completely and has improved performance for users.

There are many other Block themes to consider including Portfolio WP and Mugistore. But, Ollie is perhaps the most popular of the other themes:

An array of website design mockups and UI components displayed in a grid layout from the Ollie theme. It showcases various elements such as headers, content sections, image galleries, and Call To Action buttons in dark, light, and colorful themes.
The Ollie theme homepage.

It enables WordPress full site editing without any influence. It includes a great software for onboarding, as well as with a premium version which has a lot of Pattern Library elements as well as templates.

The Twenty Twenty-Four theme home page, displaying a hero section including a large architectural image of a modern building with a distinctive slanted roof covered in wooden slats. The header includes navigation links for a Privacy Policy and a Sample Page.
The Twenty Twenty-Four theme's main home screen.

The capabilities of Site Editor as well as its depth allow the creation of (and extend) themes that often require a variety of resources and codes. The ability is democratized to design and create themes. The primary interface is the first interface for themes similar to these.

Looking into the primary FSE interface

To get access to the Site Editor navigate to "Edit", then and then click Appearancewithin WordPress:

A screenshot of the WordPress dashboard. The left sidebar displays the main WordPress admin menu options. The Appearance menu is expanded to show the Themes and Editor options. It also shows a Site Health Status warning.
The URL Edit > Appearance on the WordPress Dashboard.

The interface is straightforward enough. On the right hand side of the screen is a design preview. If you click on it, you will be able to access the user interface for Site Editor and will be able to access your homepage. The left side of the screen is a set of Links to other websites that you can edit depending on a particular job. We'll then look at these screens later.

Before getting into the various screens of FSE Take note that it is possible to leave Site Editor using the WordPress logo which can be found on the left-hand side in the top-left corner of your screen. If you prefer there is the option to select the back button on the primary designpage:

The WordPress Site Editor’s Design screen. There are options for Navigation and Styles visible. The WordPress logo and a back arrow are highlighted in the top left-hand corner.
The primary Site Editor Design page.

After this stage is completed we can move on to FSE.

The five foundations of WordPress the complete editing of a site

Let's now take a look at each single screen within the editor and compare them to how it is presented in its navigation. Then we'll examine the screens!

1. Navigation

The Navigation page is an alternative to the menus and appearance screen. After you've entered it, you'll be able to see an overview of all content and pages available on your website:

A full view of the Navigation page within the WordPress Site Editor. The left-hand sidebar shows a navigation menu structure, while the main content area displays a website preview with placeholder text and the visual navigation menu.
The page that allows navigation on the editor's site.

If you're starting your first site, this page will display all of your blog posts as well as pages listed below. It can be confusing since it's your primary menu to navigate. In the middle of the navigation heading, you will be able to open the Actions menu. You will be able to alter the name of the menu change the name, remove it or to copy it

A portion of the Navigation page within the WordPress Site Editor. The site’s title is visible at the top. The left-hand sidebar shows navigation menu items, and a drop-down menu in the center offers options to rename, edit, duplicate, or delete a selected menu item.
Go to the Actions menu from the navigation menu.

When you press "Edit" to launch Block Editor, it will launch. Block Editor, it will present a different version of the Block Editor that contains your navigation block menu:

The Site Editor’s navigation menu interface. The main content area shows a list of navigation menu items using Lorem Ipsum text. On the right-hand side, there's a Navigation Menu panel with options to edit and manage the menu structure.
Utilize the Navigation Block within the Site Editor.

The bar to the left, you can choose from options to move each entry upwards or downwards, or even eliminate it from the list, and build an additional menu from it.

A close-up view of the Navigation Menu Block options within the Site Editor. It shows a drop-down menu of options for the first menu item to move them up or down, add submenu links, or remove items.
The sidebar that is on the Navigation Block.

Every menu item is a separate Page Link Block, which will come with the option of the block's own. The formatting options are available inline and style of the sidebars:

The Site Editor displaying the contents of a Navigation Menu Block. An inline menu displays a list of options to add new links, customize typography, adjust styles for the navigation elements, and more.
The possibilities for formatting an individual webpage are unlimited. Link Block within the Site Editor.

You can also use inline images, or submenus on this webpage. It's a lot more customizable in comparison to traditional methods to create navigation. If you want to add something new in the menu, just click the plus icon and select the post or page you want to add: JlGKQgYwmVlRaMLBoac There are options of adding a page as an option for navigation.

If you save any modifications You'll notice that the navigation shows your changes. For additional menus that you have created using this procedure and the duplicate hyperlink to the navigation page.

2. Styles

The Styles screen lets you alter the look and feel of your website at an enormous scale. You can use the sidebar to select the various palettes of fonts and styles to create different styles.

The Styles page within the WordPress Site Editor. The headline reads A passion for creating spaces, and precedes a description of services. Six service categories are listed below: Renovation and restoration, Continuous Support, App Access, Consulting, Project Management, and Architectural Solutions. The left-hand sidebar shows various style presets and color palettes for customizing the theme.
Screen for the Screen Editor's Styles for Sites.

If you click one of them, it will be able to display the appropriate design's spot on your website. You can also click on the edit'pencil icon that is located on the right-hand side of the bar to make changes in the Site Editor:

A close-up of a website design within the Site Editor showcasing services offered by an architectural firm. The right-hand sidebar shows style customization options for typography, colors, shadows, and layout.
There are a variety of choices that can be found on the Style sidebar of the site editor.

Each option this bar offers a range of fonts, colors, patterns, as well as shadow settings. Particularly, you can choose web-wide fonts and then apply them to various components of your layout.

The Site Editor interface showing global typography settings. The left-hand side displays partial text about creating spaces, while the right panel shows font and style options including Cardo, Inter, and System fonts. The color scheme uses red text on a light background.
The typography settings are available on the Site Editor Sidebar.

By exploring the menus, you can offer the user additional options to think about including spacing, color and additional. Layoutsection Layoutsection can be used to change the dimensions of your main content area. You can also adjust padding and Block spacing:

A screenshot of the WordPress Site Editor interface showing layout customization options. The main content area displays a heading "for creating spaces" with some descriptive text. The right-hand sidebar shows layout settings for adjusting content width, padding, and block spacing.
The layout options available within The WordPress Site Editor.

If you're curious about how these changes will appear but without visiting your site then click on"eye" "eye" icon to access the Style Book. This tool is great to visualize what designers would appreciate:

The WordPress Style Book interface, showing typography options for a website. The text "Code Is Poetry" is displayed in various sizes to demonstrate different heading styles. A paragraph of sample text and a bulleted list are also shown. The right-hand sidebar offers options to customize typography, colors, shadows, and layout.
The WordPress Site Editor's Style Book.

Also, though we don't discuss it here, you can change the style of each Block that you create on your website. As an example one can create a brand new design that is based off the design of Paragraph Block and it's universal. After you've finished your task, you'll be able to save your modifications and then apply them to your site.

Utilizing the theme.json file with WordPress Full editing of sites

A code editor displaying a portion of a WordPress theme.json file. The visible section defines color palettes and gradients, including names, hex color codes, and gradient definitions for various color schemes.
A theme.json file in a code editor.

This allows you to define the standard styling of your Blocks and site in addition to using it to create the configuration files. It also uses the JSON formatting which gives users more convenience than in the past.

In the end, remember that anything you can create through theme.json, you are able to do in Site Editor.

3. Pages

The Pages screen is an exact copy of one of Pages screen. It's similar to the features of the standard Posts Screens as well as Pages from The WordPress dashboard. You'll find, for instance the statuses of your pages that categorize your blog posts as scheduled drafts of published posts, etc.

The Site Editor’s Pages screen, showing a list of filtered scheduled pages on the left-hand side. The right-hand side shows a preview of the home page of a website.
The screen for Pages comes from The Site Editor.

Each page has additional choices including Edit View, View Rename, as well as the possibility to delete. It is possible to alter a page with an icon for pencil. On the upper-most part of the display, you'll find an"Add New" Page button, which will complete the job that will last a lifetime.

If you're using Block Editor, Block Editor the screens feel more familiar to how you work with these screens. However, you'll be able to use the same functions here as they are normally available, the Site Editor comes with an additional set of blocks to assist you in creating your own website. Blocks cover the most common situations like the design of an identity for your site along with navigation, authors comments and more:

The WordPress Site Editor interface. The left-hand sidebar shows various Block options such as Navigation, Site Logo, and Site Title. This sidebar highlights the Query Loop Block. The main editing area displays a page layout with a hero image.
Picking the Theme Blocks you would like to choose from The WordPress Site Editor.

One of them - one which uses the question loop block. This is an excellent device to assist in completing things that typically need PHP to do. It displays information according to specific specifications, it's also feasible to show your most popular posts and even make portfolios. All of that could be accomplished without the two screens of the Site Editor.

4. Templates

The WordPress Templates management interface within the Site Editor. It displays various page templates such as All Archives, Blog Home, Index, and Page No Title with thumbnail previews and descriptions for each template.
The Templates screen in the Editor for Sites.

The method of creating templates follow the same procedure as pages and posts. You'll be using the Editor to modify Sites to include Blocks into the template. The modifications are saved. Naturally, the changes can apply to every webpage by using the template.

For creating a brand fresh template, simply click the "Add New Template" button:

Adding a new template within the WordPress Site Editor. It shows options to add templates for different page types such as Front Page, Pages, Author Archives, Category Archives, and more.
Adding a new template within the Editor for use for Sites.

It will guide the user through an easy procedure to pick a kind of design template that you would like to create and then create the Block Pattern for your first design. The patterns we've selected represent the main focus of our final segment.

5. Patterns

Block Patterns form a group of Blocks that perform the needs of your website. It is possible to, for example, add a header image with your branding, navigational elements along with the site's name:

The WordPress Site Editor showing a header Block Pattern containing menu items, a site title, logo placeholder, and links to a Privacy Policy, Sample Page, and two other Latin placeholder text items. The WordPress interface controls are visible at the top of the image.
Designing a Header Block using The Site Editor.
The WordPress Patterns management page within the Site Editor. The left-hand sidebar shows categories of patterns. The main area displays thumbnail previews of banner patterns, including images of buildings and architectural details.
It is part of the Block Pattern library within the Site Editor.

On the left-hand side there's an overview of all the pattern designs available, divided into folders referred to as 'types. It's a wonderful option to make an design online and, in many cases, can be stunning.

The click of the Add New Patternbutton opens the editor, which allows you to create the entire section by yourself. This lets you create components that are reused on your website that can last for years and provides a reliable way of creating websites for you and others you share with.

What is WordPress Editing your site in full order to design styles

There's a lot to learn regarding WordPress complete site editing and it's impossible to cover all that you can accomplish with the program. However, we can provide a few tips for making your most out of FSE.

If you decide to do that, you could export your design and template to reuse them on various websites. For this, go to the editor for each post or page. Then, select the option menu that is located on the top toolbar. Within the drop-down menu you are able to select the export option:

The Site Editor interface showing the main editing screen, menu options, and a sidebar displaying editing tools. At the bottom, the Export functionality is highlighted.
Exporting themes using the Options section of the site editor.

It's the Search symbol that appears in the screen of the site editor as well as in the search bar of the Block Editor's toolbar. Block Editor toolbar give customers access to WordPress Command Palette or Command Center. If you're an avid user of code editors, then you're well aware of how it functions. It's a method of getting nearly anywhere in the Site Editor employing a context-sensitive search. It is also possible to perform commands

The Command Palette within the Site Editor. The drop-down menu shows options such as Styles, Single Posts, Pages, Sidebar, and Post Meta, among others.
Opening, using and opening via opening and using the Command Palette from the Site Editor's Design screen.

This can speed up this process, and also reduce the amount of keyboard and mouse movements that you have to perform. You can add or eliminate any part of your site using this feature as well as switch between views and manipulating the patterns.

Summary

WordPress full-site editing is the latest method of creating websites with no code. It's an enormous leap from the earlier version, and gives the user a wide range of choices to experiment with.

We appreciate the flexibility this feature can offer. Users of normal websites don't have to modify one line of code and they can use the site editor's screen Editor. Developers have access to their own theme.json file, which we'll discuss in the next blog article. However, at the moment we're leading developing the top WordPress website, which is designed specifically to meet your needs.

Do you think about utilizing the advantages that come with WordPress full-site editing for your WordPress project? Let us know your thoughts by commenting in the comments below!

Jeremy Holcombe

Senior Editor of WordPress Web Developer and the Content Writer. Alongside everything connected to WordPress I also enjoy golf, going to the beach as well as watching films. Additionally, I suffer from height problems.

This post was first seen here. this website

Article was posted on here