How do I customize the look of my theme in WordPress?

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Applies to: WordPress.org (self-hosted)
Last updated: May 2025

Problem

You’ve activated a theme, but now you want to change its colors, fonts, layout, or homepage design to better match your brand or content.

Solution

WordPress provides several ways to customize your theme depending on how the theme was built. Most modern themes use the Customizer, Full Site Editing (FSE), or a theme-specific panel.

Method 1: Using the WordPress Customizer (Classic Themes)

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
  2. Go to Appearance > Customize
  3. You’ll enter the Customizer, where you can preview and edit your site in real time

Common customization options include:

  • Site Identity: Logo, site title, tagline, favicon
  • Colors and Fonts
  • Header and Footer layout
  • Menus
  • Widgets (for sidebars or footers)
  • Homepage Settings: Choose a static homepage or your latest posts

Click Publish to apply changes.

Method 2: Using Full Site Editing (FSE Themes)

For themes that support Full Site Editing (e.g., “Twenty Twenty-Four”):

  1. Go to Appearance > Editor
  2. You can now directly edit:
    • Header
    • Footer
    • Page templates
    • Block patterns

You can click on any element and modify styles, layouts, or content. It’s like editing with blocks but at the global theme level.

Method 3: Using Theme-Specific Options Panel

Some premium themes (like Astra, GeneratePress, or Divi) come with their own custom settings panel.

  1. Look for a menu like Appearance > [Theme Name] Options or Theme Settings
  2. Options may include:
    • Layout presets
    • Typography settings
    • Custom colors
    • Header builder or footer builder

Refer to your theme’s documentation for details.

Method 4: Using Page Builders (Optional)

If your theme integrates with a page builder (e.g., Elementor, Beaver Builder, WPBakery), you can build custom layouts using drag-and-drop tools.

  • Install the page builder plugin
  • Open a page or post
  • Click Edit with Elementor (or the equivalent builder)
  • Use sections and widgets to create visually rich designs

Tips

  • Use Preview before publishing major layout changes
  • Always save your work before exiting the Customizer or Editor
  • If you’re not seeing changes, try clearing your site cache or browser cache
  • For advanced customization, consider creating a child theme

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