Not every page on your site needs the same layout. Your blog page may need a sidebar, while a sales page looks better without one. A page template lets you make that choice.
A page template is a layout that controls how a particular page is displayed. You can pick a different template for each page without changing its content.
What is a page template in WordPress?
Your theme provides a default template for all pages. Many themes also include extra ones, such as Full Width, No Sidebar or Blank. Think of templates as different frames for the same picture.
For example, I use a full-width template for landing pages so that the offer gets the whole screen. Our guide on how to make a landing page in WordPress uses the same idea.
How to change the page template
- First, open the page you want to change in the block editor.
- Now, open the settings sidebar and click the Page tab.
- Next, find the Template option and click the current template name.
- Here, choose the template you want from the list.
- Finally, save the page to apply the new layout.
The list of templates depends on your theme. If you see only one option, your theme simply doesn't offer any extra page templates.
How do themes create page templates?
In a classic theme, a page template is a PHP file with a special comment at the top, like Template Name: Full Width. Since WordPress 4.7, such templates can also be used for posts and custom post types. In a block theme, you can create custom templates visually from Appearance → Editor → Templates.
A theme can also apply special templates automatically. For example, a file named page-contact.php is used only for the page with the slug "contact". You don't have to select it anywhere.
The WordPress Pages lesson covers the basics of creating pages if you are just getting started.
Page templates give each page the layout it deserves. That covers the basics of page templates. If your theme's templates confuse you, ask us in the comment section below.