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Full Site Editing Theme

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Genx

in Glossary

What is a Full Site Editing (FSE) Theme in WordPress?

A Full Site Editing (FSE) theme in WordPress is a new type of theme designed to take full advantage of the WordPress block editor for creating and editing all parts of a website, including headers, footers, sidebars, and templates. This differs from traditional WordPress themes, where only the content area (posts and pages) was editable with the block editor, while other parts of the site (like the header or footer) required coding knowledge or theme-specific options to modify.

Introduced with WordPress 5.9 (released in January 2022), Full Site Editing themes are built specifically for the Site Editor, allowing users to customize every aspect of their website using blocks, without needing to dive into code or install third-party page builders.

Key Features of a Full Site Editing Theme

  1. Block-Based Structure:
  • FSE themes are built using blocks, meaning every part of the website, from the header to the footer, is composed of customizable blocks.
  • Users can modify and rearrange blocks directly in the Site Editor to change the layout and design of their entire site.
  1. Global Styles:
  • Global Styles allow users to set site-wide design settings, such as typography, color schemes, and spacing, which will be applied consistently across all pages and templates.
  • This feature gives users control over the appearance of their site without needing custom CSS.
  1. Template and Template Parts Editing:
  • FSE themes introduce the ability to create and edit custom templates (for specific pages or post types) and template parts (like headers or footers) directly within the WordPress dashboard.
  • Users can create templates for their homepage, single posts, pages, archives, and more, using the drag-and-drop block editor.
  1. No Need for Customizer or Widgets:
  • Full Site Editing themes do not rely on the traditional Customizer or Widgets because all these features have been replaced by the Site Editor and blocks.
  • The focus is on providing a unified editing experience where everything is controlled through the block editor interface.
  1. Theme.json Configuration**:
  • FSE themes utilize a theme.json file to define theme settings, including default styles, block settings, and global design options.
  • This file is central to how the theme manages layout, spacing, colors, and other design elements, giving users a high level of control over customization.

Benefits of Using Full Site Editing Themes

  • Complete Design Freedom: Users have granular control over every part of their website’s design without needing to edit code or rely on theme options.
  • Consistency: Global styles ensure that design elements like fonts, colors, and spacing are consistent throughout the site.
  • No Coding Required: Everything can be done through the visual editor, making it easier for non-developers to create and customize beautiful websites.
  • Flexibility: FSE themes allow users to change or create templates for specific content types without needing to create child themes or use custom PHP files.

Examples of Full Site Editing Themes

  1. Twenty Twenty-Three: The default WordPress theme for 2023 is a block-based theme designed for Full Site Editing, offering a variety of pre-designed patterns.
  2. Tove: A colorful, modern block theme built for cafes and restaurants, with deep integration of Full Site Editing features.
  3. Blockbase: A simple, minimalist theme designed to showcase the core block editor and FSE capabilities.

How to Use a Full Site Editing Theme

  1. Install a FSE-Compatible Theme: You can find FSE themes in the WordPress theme repository. Once installed, navigate to the Site Editor (under “Appearance > Editor”) to start customizing.
  2. Customize Templates and Template Parts: You can edit existing templates or create new ones for specific pages or post types. For example, you may want a unique template for your homepage or a custom footer for blog posts.
  3. Adjust Global Styles: Use the Global Styles panel to define typography, color schemes, and other design elements that will apply across the entire site.
  4. Save and Publish: Once you’re satisfied with the design and layout, save your changes and publish. Your custom design will be reflected across the entire site.

Final Thoughts

Full Site Editing themes represent a major shift in how WordPress themes are built and customized. With FSE themes, users without coding knowledge can have full control over the design of their websites, offering a more flexible and seamless experience. As WordPress continues to evolve, Full Site Editing themes will likely become the standard for site creation and customization.

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