1/29/2025

Understanding the Complexities of Full Site Editing in WordPress

WordPress has been at the forefront of website development for years, providing tools that help users CREATE, MANAGE, & CUSTOMIZE their online presence. One of the latest advancements is Full Site Editing (FSE), a feature that promises to REDEFINE how we build websites. However, with GREAT POWER comes GREAT RESPONSIBILITY—or in our case, some complexities. Let's dive into these intricacies & figure out what FSE means for you as a user or developer.

What is Full Site Editing?

Full Site Editing (FSE) refers to a set of new capabilities that allow users to build… well… the entire site using blocks. This means you can now customize your header, footer, sidebar, & everything in between using the same BLOCK-BASED system that you’ve grown accustomed to while editing posts & pages. FSE was introduced in WordPress 5.9 and is based on the Gutenberg editor concept.

Since its launch, FSE has aimed to shift the traditional templated approach where PHP templates ruled the day. Instead, FSE lets you build your layouts using blocks, making it EASIER & MORE INTUITIVE for users without extensive coding skills. Say goodbye to excessive reliance on third-party plugins & hello to a more cohesive user experience.

How Full Site Editing Works

When you start utilizing FSE, you’ll find that it comprises mainly two areas: Site Editor & Blocks. Let’s break these down:

1. Site Editor

The Site Editor is a new interface specifically designed for editing & customizing your entire site layout. Here’s what you need to know:

Accessing: You can access the Site Editor by navigating to Appearance > Editor in the WordPress dashboard. Once you’re here, you can see your site in action, ready for ALL your customizations!
Templates & Template Parts: You can edit different TEMPLATES (like page layouts) & TEMPLATE PARTS (such as headers & footers). Templates can be modified directly in the editor, allowing for REAL-TIME UPDATES to your site design.
Global Styles: One of the more exciting features that come with the Site Editor is the ability to set Global Styles. This can control typography across your entire website, tweak colors, & even set layouts, ensuring consistency throughout.

2. Blocks

Blocks are the heart of the FSE experience. They allow you to add content elements anywhere in your layouts. Here’s what stands out:

Versatility: You can use blocks for everything—from text to images, navigation menus to entire sections. This makes designing a site feel like CREATE, DRAG, & DROP at the SAME time!
Dynamic Content: FSE introduces dynamic blocks, which pull data from your website. This means your blog posts, for example, can be displayed using the Query Loop Block, making it simple to show recently published posts or content by category.
Block Patterns: You’ll encounter block patterns as well—these are pre-defined combinations of blocks. If you want to add a stylish call-to-action or a content section, you can quickly pull a block pattern instead of building from scratch. It’s like having a toolbox full of helpful templates at your fingertips!

Benefits of Full Site Editing

As much as FSE introduces some complexities, it also comes with a HUGE assortment of benefits:

Streamlined Design Process: By allowing users to manipulate headers, footers, & overall layouts via the same block system they use for their posts, FSE simplifies things greatly.
Customization at Your Fingertips: You don’t have to tamper with code or depend on a developer. If you can use the WordPress block editor, you can effectively utilize FSE.
More Control Over User Experience: Since you can create custom templates for different post types or utilize unique styles site-wide, you can create a more personalized brand experience tailored to your audience.
Reduced Plugin Dependence: Many features that traditionally required plugins can now be covered by FSE. No longer do you have to rely on dozens of external plugins—FSE covers many of your needs with built-in tools.

Challenges of Full Site Editing

While the joy of FSE is apparent, let’s not KID ourselves—there are complexities involved.

1. Learning Curve

One of the biggest hurdles is the learning curve that comes with FSE. It’s a shift in established workflows. Many users have built habits around the WordPress customizer & traditional themes. Learning to navigate this new setup might take time.

2. Compatibility Issues

Not all themes support FSE; hence you may end up facing compatibility issues. If you’re running a Non-Block Theme, you will miss out on the Site Editor & its functionalities.

3. Limited Third-Party Integration

Since FSE is relatively new, some popular plugins (like those used for eCommerce solutions or membership sites) may not play nicely with it just yet.

4. Blocks Limitations

Despite the flexibility offered by blocks, the reality is that some blocks remain limited in terms of functionality. You might find the need for additional customizations not possible with the default block library. Therefore, you may still need to rely on custom coding or external solutions.

TIP: Always check that your preferred blocks & patterns are compatible with the FSE before diving in!

Getting Started with Full Site Editing

So how can you get in on this action? Getting started involves these simple steps:

Choose a Block Theme: Make sure to select a theme compatible with FSE. Themes such as Twenty Twenty-Two have been designed with FSE in mind.
Explore Templates: Once you've installed the right theme, take time to explore available TEMPLATES & BLOCK patterns to see what fits your vision!
Dive into the Site Editor: Familiarize yourself with the Site Editor, playing around with different layouts & styles.
Leverage Block Patterns: Use block patterns to speed up your design process. This can save a ton of time!
Experiment & Iterate: Don't be afraid to experiment! FSE allows for easy restructuring, so test layouts & designs until you hit the sweet spot.

Calling in the Reinforcements: Arsturn

While the transition to FSE can be a little overwhelming at times, fear not! Tools like Arsturn can truly help you enhance your engagement. Arsturn allows users to CREATE CONVERSATIONAL AI chatbots for websites that can interact with your audience seamlessly. By using Arsturn's intuitive platform, you can establish meaningful connections with visitors before they even have a chance to leave your site.

Why Choose Arsturn?

User-Friendly Interface: You can create chatbots without any coding expertise, perfect for those just getting started with WordPress.
Completely Customizable: Tailor the chatbot's appearance & function to fit your brand's identity.
Instant Responses & Insightful Analytics: Provide timely information to your users while gaining insights into their interests & behaviors that can seriously enhance your content strategy.

By integrating these elements, you can take FULL advantage of FSE in WordPress while boosting engagement with your audience.

The Future of Full Site Editing

Full Site Editing is undoubtedly the FUTURE of WordPress. As it continues to develop, we can expect improvements in:

User Experience: Future updates will likely address existing complexities, offering more streamlined processes.
Expanded Block & Pattern Libraries: As FSE gains traction, expect an explosion of new resources to complement it.
Better Compatibility: More themes & plugins will become fully compatible with FSE, allowing for a broader range of functionality.

In conclusion, while Full Site Editing introduces intricacies & challenges, it promises a more integrated & user-friendly approach to WordPress website creation in the future. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a newcomer to WordPress, the possibilities that FSE offers are boundless. Embrace the journey, leverage tools like Arsturn, and create an online presence that truly reflects your vision!