The beauty of WordPress 5.9 is the near-endless options for customization, largely due to Full Site Editing. This release makes it easier than ever for users, including total WP beginners, to customize each aspect of their site without digging into code.
You’ll want some edits to be specific to one page or block. In a previous article, we discussed page templates, which allow you to make page-specific customizations. Editing page templates is the best way to create a truly unique and dynamic site, suited exactly to your brand.
On the other hand, there are options for site-wide edits. For example, you can update Global Styles for site components like links and buttons. When you change their color or typography, it updates all links and buttons across your site. No need to navigate to each page and make those edits.
There’s also another avenue for site-wide customizations, and that’s in the form of template part blocks.
What Are Template Parts?
As you’ll recall, block themes — like the new default block theme, Twenty Twenty-Two — are a major reason why WP 5.9 is so simple to customize. Every part of your site exists in blocks (if you’re using a block theme). When you select a template page, those pages are made up of blocks, also called template parts.
Template parts include headers, footers, and general. General parts aren’t tied to a certain location (like headers and footers), and they tend to perform one function, like displaying your posts.
The Twenty Twenty-Two theme’s template parts include three types of headers and one footer. Note that this may differ based on the block theme you install.
Template Parts: Why and How
As mentioned before, template parts enable site-wide customizations, similar to Global Styles. Select a template part — let’s say a header — and edit it as you like. Then, every page template that includes that header is automatically updated. This is helpful because, while you may want to customize specific pages on your site, you don’t necessarily need to customize every component of those pages.
For example, let’s say the default footer template part includes navigation links to every page on your site, but you only want to display a few. The rest of the pages can be accessed via a menu in the header. You can customize your footer template part to include navigation links to your “Posts” and your “About Me” pages. Now, every page template that includes a footer (most of them) will include those specific links. No more, no less.
Additionally, if you select a page template that doesn’t include that template part, you can add it as a block. Simply click the “+” button in the top left corner, search for the block you wish to add, and (if it’s a template part like a header or a footer), you’re given the option to create a new one or select the one you’ve already customized.
More Options, More Customizations, More You
With these WordPress 5.9 features and more, you’re free to create a site like none other, setting your brand apart. Without these capabilities, your site could easily look like a bland, default site. This isn’t memorable or engaging for your clients (and potential clients!).
Full Site Editing, including template part blocks, is your greatest asset when it comes to standing out from the crowd. Harness the power of total customization — it’s never been easier.
