WordPress Full Site Editing (FSE): Everything Users Need To Know
We’re all aware that WordPress is one of the most popular website builders in the world. It’s known for its flexibility, ease of use, and ability to create stunning websites without needing to know a single line of code. As a trusted platform on a global scale, the plugins available compared with the ease of navigation, make WordPress the go-to for website design. Recently, WordPress has introduced a powerful new feature called Full Site Editing (FSE), a new page builder feature that’s part of the editor interface making it even easier to use.
So, what is WordPress Full Site Editing, and how can it benefit you to use the site editor? Allow the experts at MH Themes to break it all down in simple terms, explain why FSE is a game-changer, and show you how to make the most of it.
What Is WordPress Full Site Editing (FSE)?
Full Site Editing (FSE) is a new feature introduced in WordPress that allows users to design and customize their entire website using blocks. If you’ve used the WordPress Block Editor (formerly known as Gutenberg) or Elementor, you’re likely already familiar with using blocks to build content. With FSE, you can now take that block-based approach beyond posts and your site’s pages to design your header, footer, sidebar, and other parts. Basically, FSE gives you complete creative control over your website’s layout and design.
This means you no longer have to rely heavily on themes, a specific plugin, or complex coding to get the exact look and functionality you want. Instead, you can edit every part of your site visually with one new block at a time—making web design more accessible than ever.
Why Is Full Site Editing a Big Deal?
1. Greater Creative Freedom
Before FSE, WordPress users were often limited by the constraints of their themes. Customizing headers, footers, or other site elements usually requires either working with a developer or learning to code. Now, with WordPress Full Site Editing, you can use blocks to adjust every part of your website exactly how you like it. Want a bold, image-heavy header or a unique footer design? FSE makes it possible without needing a professional designer.
2. Simplified Workflow
FSE streamlines the process of creating and updating a website. You can make changes directly in the WordPress Site Editor without switching between multiple tools or needing a complicated setup. For users who want a smooth, straightforward experience, this is a huge benefit.
3. More Control Over Themes
While themes are still an essential part of WordPress, FSE-compatible themes, like those from our website, give users even more control. You can start with a beautifully designed theme and then tweak it to your heart’s content using Full Site Editing tools. This means your website can feel more personal and tailored to your brand or project.
How Does Full Site Editing Work?
To use WordPress Full Site Editing, you need to have the right setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
- Update WordPress to the latest version: FSE is a relatively new feature, so make sure your WordPress installation is up to date. Simply go to your dashboard and check for updates under the “Updates” tab.
- Choose a block-based theme: To take full advantage of FSE, you need a theme that supports it. Block-based themes are designed specifically to work with Full Site Editing. Our themes offer a fantastic selection of magazine-style themes that are both visually appealing and FSE-compatible.
- Access the Site Editor: Once you have an FSE-compatible theme, navigate to the WordPress dashboard and click on “Appearance > Editor.” This will take you to the Site Editor, where you can start customizing your website.
- Customize your templates: The Site Editor allows you to edit templates—the underlying structure of your website’s pages. For example, you can create unique templates for your homepage, blog posts, or archive pages. You can add, move, or delete blocks to get the layout you want.
- Use global styles: Global Styles is another powerful feature of FSE. It lets you change the overall look and feel of your website—like fonts, colors, and spacing—all from one central location. This means you can maintain a consistent design across your site with minimal effort.
How to Prepare for Full Site Editing on WordPress
WordPress Full Site Editing introduces a lot of exciting features, but it’s important to be prepared for these changes. The rollout of FSE features is happening gradually, so users and developers have time to adapt.
1. Understand the Gradual Rollout
Unlike the initial release of the Gutenberg Block Editor, where changes came all at once, WordPress developers have learned to implement FSE features step by step. This ensures users can get familiar with new tools and updates without feeling overwhelmed. For example, WordPress 5.8 introduced some of the first FSE capabilities, such as template editing and block-based widgets. As time goes on, more features will be added in future updates.
2. Explore Template and Template Part Editing
One of the key features of FSE is the ability to create and edit templates. For instance, WordPress now supports page and post templates, allowing you to customize layouts for specific content types. Using tools like the Query Loop block, you can create dynamic layouts that display posts based on specific criteria. Inner blocks like Post Title, Post Author, and Post Categories give you even more control to design templates that stand out. The best part? Any changes you make to a template will automatically apply to all posts or pages using that template.
3. Discover Block Themes
Block themes represent the next big step for FSE. These themes are built entirely out of blocks and offer pre-designed patterns and templates for pages and posts. With block themes, users can enjoy a seamless editing experience, and developers can push creative boundaries. We are already working on optimizing our themes to embrace this new approach, so stay tuned for updates.
4. Experiment with Global Styles
Global Styles is a game-changing feature that simplifies the design process. Instead of making changes one block at a time, you can update colors, fonts, and other style elements across your entire site in a single location. Over time, this feature is expected to replace the traditional Customizer, making it even easier to maintain a cohesive look and feel for your website.
Preparing for FSE is all about familiarizing yourself with these tools and staying updated on new releases. The gradual rollout means there’s plenty of time to explore and experiment.
Who Can Benefit from Full Site Editing?
Beginners
If you’re new to website design, FSE simplifies the process. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for anyone to customize their site without technical skills. You don’t need to worry about complicated code or hiring a developer.
Bloggers and Content Creators
FSE is ideal for bloggers and content creators who want a unique online presence. You can create a custom blog layout, design attention-grabbing headers, and ensure your brand stands out.
Small Business Owners
For small business owners, a professional-looking website can make all the difference. With FSE, you can quickly design a site that reflects your brand’s personality and communicates your message effectively.
Developers and Designers
Even though FSE is beginner-friendly, it also offers advanced customization options that developers and designers will love. It allows for rapid prototyping and gives you complete creative control, which can speed up your workflow.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of WordPress Full Site Editing
- Experiment with Blocks
Don’t be afraid to try different blocks to see what works best for your website. From image galleries to buttons, WordPress offers a wide variety of blocks to help you build the perfect layout.
- Leverage Reusable Blocks
Reusable blocks are a great way to save time. If you create a block layout that you love, you can save it and use it across multiple pages on your site.
- Use MH Themes for Inspiration
We provide some of the best magazine-style WordPress themes available. These themes are perfect starting points for building visually appealing websites. Plus, their FSE compatibility ensures a seamless editing experience.
- Preview Changes
Always preview your changes before publishing. The Site Editor allows you to see how your edits will look in real-time, so you can make adjustments as needed.
What’s Next for WordPress Full Site Editing?
Honestly, the Full Site Editor is constantly evolving. Users will enjoy even greater flexibility and creativity as more themes and plugins embrace this new feature. Developers are also working to enhance the FSE experience with new tools and blocks, so keep an eye out for updates.
Full site editing represents a significant shift for site owners and theme developers, offering a more seamless and powerful way to build and edit a new WordPress website. With tools like the site tagline, site title, and site logo now integrated directly into the editing screen, users can personalize pages of their site more efficiently than ever. Unlike the classic editor, which limits customization to specific content areas, full site editing (FSE) allows for comprehensive editing to create a cohesive design across your site.
If you’re using a theme from MH Themes, rest assured that our team is committed to staying at the forefront of WordPress innovation. Our themes are regularly updated to take advantage of the latest features, ensuring you’re always ahead of the curve.
Embrace the Power of Full Site Editing
WordPress Full Site Editing is a revolutionary feature that opens up endless possibilities for website design. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, FSE makes creating a site that reflects your unique vision easier than ever. With the help of our expertly designed templates, you can take your website to the next level.
For those transitioning from older tools, it’s essential to make the most of FSE by exploring its capabilities, such as adding dynamic elements like the site logo or customizing entire templates. This feature, added to WordPress, gives site owners the freedom to edit their site and experiment with site building using the editor right away. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a beginner, FSE opens up exciting possibilities for designing and managing your website.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into Full Site Editing today and unleash your creativity! If you’re ready to explore FSE-compatible themes, check out the incredible options we have available. Your perfect website is just a few clicks away.
