Note: This article was generated with ChatGPT-4o based on a conversation I had with it.
Recently, I updated my WordPress website to use a block-based theme, and it came with a major shift in how the homepage and overall site design are managed. If you’ve been using traditional WordPress themes like I had, this change might catch you off guard. In this post, I’ll explain what’s going on, why it works this way, and how you can navigate and reconcile the changes in workflow.
What’s a Block-Based Theme?
A block-based theme is a new type of WordPress theme built specifically for the Block Editor (Gutenberg). Unlike traditional themes, which rely heavily on the WordPress Customizer or predefined PHP templates, block-based themes use Full Site Editing (FSE). With FSE, you can edit every part of your site—headers, footers, sidebars, and even the homepage—using the Block Editor.
Here’s the key difference: traditional themes use static pages for certain parts of your site (like the homepage), while block-based themes often define these areas using templates. Templates are blocks of content configured in the Site Editor, not managed through your Pages list.
Why the Homepage Behaves Differently
When I applied my new block-based theme, it introduced a beautifully designed homepage… but it wasn’t linked to my old homepage page in the WordPress Pages list. In fact, I could only access and edit it by going to Appearance > Editor and finding the homepage template there. This happened because the theme relies on a template-driven workflow.
The theme’s homepage is defined in a front-page.html
or similar file. It’s designed to display by default, bypassing any static pages unless I explicitly assign one.
Reconciling the Changes
If you’re in the same boat, here are your options to adjust to this new workflow:
1. Use Your Old Homepage
If you’re attached to your old homepage design, don’t worry. You can still use it:
- Go to Settings > Reading in your WordPress admin.
- Under Your homepage displays, select A static page.
- From the dropdown, choose your old homepage page.
- Save your changes.
This will tell WordPress to use your old page instead of the theme’s default template.
2. Embrace the Theme’s Homepage Template
If you like the new design but want to tweak it, you’ll need to edit the template directly:
- Go to Appearance > Editor.
- Look for the homepage template (usually labeled Front Page).
- Use the Block Editor to customize the layout and content.
- Save your changes.
This allows you to retain the theme’s full functionality and modern design while making it your own.
3. Blend the Two Approaches
If you want to keep the theme’s design but also preserve content from your old homepage, you can:
- Copy the content from your old homepage page.
- Edit the theme’s homepage template in the Site Editor.
- Paste your old content into the appropriate blocks.
This way, you get the best of both worlds—your content in the context of a fresh, modern design.
Why This Change is Exciting
While the shift to block-based themes may feel confusing at first, it unlocks a lot of potential for creativity and customization. You’re no longer confined to the limitations of static pages or the Customizer. Instead, you can design your site visually, with drag-and-drop blocks and reusable templates.
The ability to edit global styles, manage templates, and control every aspect of your site without diving into PHP is a game-changer. Once you get the hang of it, this new workflow makes managing and designing your site faster and more intuitive.
Final Thoughts
The move to block-based themes represents a major shift in how WordPress sites are built and managed. If you’re transitioning from traditional themes like I am, it’s worth taking the time to understand how templates and the Site Editor work. With a bit of practice, you’ll see how powerful and flexible this system can be.
Have you tried a block-based theme yet? What’s your experience been like? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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