A widget is a small block of content or a feature that you place outside your main post area, such as in a sidebar or footer. A search box, a list of recent posts and a newsletter form are common examples.
Widgets let you show useful extras on every page without editing any code. Think of widget areas as empty shelves that your theme provides, and widgets as the items you place on them.
Common examples of WordPress widgets
WordPress includes plenty of widgets out of the box, and plugins add even more. Here are the ones you will see most often:
- Search: Lets visitors search your posts.
- Latest Posts: Shows your newest articles.
- Categories and Archives: Help readers browse older content.
- Custom HTML: Lets you paste ad code or other snippets.
- Image: Displays a banner or an author photo.
How to add a widget in WordPress
Since WordPress 5.8, the Widgets screen uses blocks, so adding a widget feels just like adding a block to a post.
- First, go to Appearance → Widgets in your dashboard.
- Now, click a widget area, such as Sidebar or Footer, to open it.
- Next, click the + button to see the available blocks.
- Here, pick a block like Search and move it into position with the arrows.
- Finally, click Update at the top right to save your changes.
You can also manage widgets from Appearance → Customize → Widgets, where you get a live preview while you edit. If you prefer the older drag-and-drop screen, see how to disable widget blocks in WordPress.
The widget areas you see depend completely on your theme. Some themes have one sidebar, while others have several footer areas.
What about block themes?
Block themes don't have a Widgets screen at all. Instead, you add the same blocks directly to your templates in the Site Editor. Our post on WordPress widgets and their uses explains more.
Widgets are an easy way to fill your sidebar and footer with useful content. That's it for widgets. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment box below.