WordPress themes have changed a lot since full site editing arrived in WordPress 5.9. Today, you will often see the term block theme in theme listings and tutorials.
A block theme is a theme built completely with blocks. Every part of the site, including the header, footer and templates, can be edited visually in the Site Editor.
How is a block theme different from a classic theme?
A classic theme uses PHP template files and gives you the Customizer, Widgets and Menus screens. A block theme replaces all of that with blocks. Yes, even the header and footer are made of blocks. Here are the key differences:
- Templates: Block themes use HTML files full of block markup, stored in a
templatesfolder. - Template parts: The header and footer live in a
partsfolder as separate pieces. - Settings: Colors, fonts and spacing are defined in a
theme.jsonfile. - Editing: You customize everything from Appearance → Editor instead of the Customizer.
For example, the default themes from Twenty Twenty-Two onwards are all block themes. Many block themes also include style variations, so you can switch the whole color and font scheme with a single click.
How to check if you are using a block theme
It is pretty easy. Open the Appearance menu in your dashboard. If you see Editor there, you are most likely using a block theme. If you see Customize and Widgets instead, it is a classic theme.
Should you switch to a block theme?
If you are starting a new site, a block theme is a great choice. It is usually lightweight and lets you design pages without a page builder.
On an older site, the switch needs more care. Widgets and menus are handled differently, so some of your sidebar content may not carry over.
Before switching an existing site to a block theme, test it on a staging copy first. Our post on the WordPress staging tool explains how it works.
Block themes are clearly where WordPress design is heading. That's it. Are you already using a block theme? Tell us in the comment box below.