How to Edit HTML in WordPress Editor?

WordPress is an outstanding CMS out-of-the-box. You can create almost any sort of website with it without any knowledge of coding. But sometimes, you need some more extensive customizations, and for that, you will have to edit the HTML code. Then you’ll be able to fine-tune every aspect of your website’s design and functionality.

So through this blog, I’ll explain how the WordPress development experts edit the HTML codes and what kind of improvements it offers. Let’s get straight into it.

How to Edit HTML in WordPress Editor?

When you need to customize your WordPress website beyond the standard options, one of the key necessities is editing the HTML code. To that end, WordPress has two types of editors: Gutenberg Block Editor and Classic Editor. Let’s see how you can edit HTML using these two.

Using Block Editor

While the Block Editor offers a user-friendly interface, it also provides flexibility for those who want to dive deeper. Here’s how to edit HTML within it:

Step 1: Open a page or post with a block editor.

Step 2: Click the “+” button to add a new block.

Step 3: Search for “Custom HTML” and add it to the editor.

Step 4: Now, go ahead and type in the custom HTML code in the block.

This block also gives you the ability to preview how the code will look on the live site, so you can see if it’s working properly.

There is another way to edit the HTML in the block editor. That is, by simply clicking the “Edit as HTML” option.

When you click “Edit as HTML” via the three-dot menu for an existing block, it automatically converts the content to an HTML format. Then you can add a nofollow link, change the text style, or even add other code.

But what if you want to edit the entire post rather than individual blocks? Then click the three-dot menu and select “Code editor”. In that case, you will be able to fine-tune every aspect of the page or post without any restraint.

Using Classic Editor

The Classic Editor is a legacy editor still available in many WordPress installations and offers a more traditional approach to HTML editing.

To edit the HTML, simply open a new or existing page or post and click the “Text” tab. That will convert all content into HTML format. Then you can edit the HTML code effectively.

How to Edit HTML in WordPress Widgets?

Another way to customize the different sections of a page or post is to edit the widgets directly. You can edit the widgets with Custom HTML. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Log into the WordPress admin dashboard and go to Appearance > Widgets. The widgets will depend on your WordPress theme.

Step 2: Whichever section you want to edit, click the + icon in a widget area and search for “Custom HTML”.

Step 3: In the Content box of the Custom HTML widget, directly input your HTML code.

You can use basic HTML tags like <p>, <strong>, <em>, <a>, and more to format text, add links, and insert images. For more complex elements, you can paste entire HTML code snippets.

Step 4: Click the “Preview” button to see how your HTML will appear on your website.

Step 5: Once you’re satisfied, click the “Save” button to apply the changes.

For even more extensive design and functionality changes, you can consult with our professional WordPress development company.

How to Convert HTML into a WordPress Theme?

Converting an HTML template into a WordPress theme involves restructuring your HTML and CSS into WordPress-specific files and templates. Here’s a basic breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Navigate to your WordPress file and directory structure and create a new folder with a unique name for your theme.

Step 2: Inside this folder, create two essential files:

• style.css: This file contains your theme’s stylesheet.
• index.php: This file serves as the main template for your theme.

Step 3: Copy and paste your CSS styles from your HTML template into the style.css file. Make sure that the CSS selectors and properties are compatible with WordPress’s default styles.

Step 4: Structure HTML into WordPress templates:

• Header: Create a header.php file and paste the HTML code for your header section, including the <head> and <body> tags.
• Footer: Create a footer.php file and paste the HTML code for your footer section, including the closing </body> and </html> tags.
• Content: Create a content.php file and paste the HTML code for your main content area. This will typically include the <header>, <main>, and <footer> sections of your HTML template.
• Sidebar: If your theme has a sidebar, create a sidebar.php file and paste the HTML code for the sidebar content.

Depending on your theme’s complexity, you might need additional files in the WordPress template hierarchy, like single.php, page.php, 404.php, etc.

Step 5: Replace static content with WordPress template tags to dynamically display content from your posts and pages.

For example, use <?php the_title(); ?> to display the post or page title, and <?php the_content(); ?> to display the post or page content.

Step 6: Now, go to Appearance > Themes in your WordPress admin dashboard and activate your newly created theme.

But before you customize a theme, make sure to create a child theme. That way, you can transform your HTML template into a fully functional WordPress theme without any worry.

Basic HTML Tags for WordPress Websites

While WordPress offers a user-friendly interface, understanding basic HTML tags can significantly enhance your website’s customization and functionality. Let’s look at these basic HTML tags.

Heading

• <h1> to <h6>: These tags define headings and subheadings. Use them to structure your content and improve SEO.

Paragraph

• <p>: This tag defines a paragraph. Use it to separate blocks of text.

Text Formatting

• <strong>: This tag defines important text.
• <em>: This tag defines emphasized text.
• <u>: This tag underlines text.
• <del>: This tag defines deleted text.
• <ins>: This tag defines inserted text.

Link

• <a>: This tag defines a hyperlink. Use the href attribute to specify the link’s destination.

<a href="https://www.example.com">Link to Example Website</a>

Image

• <img>: This tag defines an image. Use the src attribute to specify the image source and the alt attribute to provide alternative text for screen readers.

<img src="image.jpg" alt="Image Description">

List

• <ul>: This tag defines an unordered list.
• <ol>: This tag defines an ordered list.
• <li>: This tag defines a list item.

<ul>
    <li>Item 1</li>
    <li>Item 2</li>
</ul>

Table

• <table>: This tag defines a table.
• <tr>: This tag defines a table row.
• <th>: This tag defines a table header cell.
• <td>: This tag defines a table data cell.

<table>
    <tr>
        <th>Name</th>
        <th>Age</th>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Alice</td>
        <td>30</td>
    </tr>
</table>

Needless to say, using these HTML tags can make some significant changes to the way your content is presented on the live website. So use an HTML validator to ensure your code is correct and free of errors.

FAQs on Editing HTML in WordPress

Let’s Summarize

Editing HTML directly within WordPress can be a powerful tool for customizing your website’s appearance and functionality. Whether you prefer the classic text-based editor or the more modern block editor, WordPress offers flexibility for both beginners and experienced developers.

Remember to always back up your website before making significant changes, validate your HTML code to ensure accuracy, and test your changes thoroughly to avoid unexpected issues.

If you need help with editing the core of your website for customizations, consult with our WordPress professionals today!