Using the Appearance > Customize option, you can make these changes without needing advanced technical skills. This article will guide you through the process, step by step.
What Are the Header and Footer?
Let’s start with the basics:
Header: The top section of your website, visible on every page. It typically includes your logo, site title, navigation menu, and sometimes extras like contact details or social media links.
Footer: The bottom section of your website. It often contains copyright information, links to key pages (like a privacy policy), and occasionally widgets or additional navigation.
Editing these areas lets you enhance your site’s branding and make it more user-friendly for visitors.
Accessing the Customization Options
To get started, follow these steps:
Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
Go to Appearance > Customize in the left-hand menu.
This opens the WordPress Customizer, a tool that lets you tweak your site’s appearance with a live preview. You’ll see your website on the right and a list of options on the left.
Note: The options available depend on your theme. Some themes offer more customization features than others, but the process remains similar.
Editing the Header
Here’s how to customize your header:
1. Change the Logo
In the Customizer, find Site Identity or Header Settings.
Click Select Logo to upload a new logo or pick one from your media library.
Adjust the size if your theme allows it.
2. Edit the Site Title and Tagline
Under Site Identity, update your site’s title and tagline.
These usually appear near your logo in the header.
To hide them, uncheck Display Site Title and Tagline.
3. Modify the Navigation Menu
Look for Menus or Primary Menu.
Choose which menu displays in your header.
To adjust menu items, click Edit Menu or visit Appearance > Menus for more control.
4. Add or Remove Widgets (If Supported)
Some themes allow header widgets, like a search bar or social icons.
Check for a Header Widgets section to add, remove, or rearrange widgets.
Editing the Footer
Now, let’s customize the footer:
1. Edit the Copyright Text
Look for Footer Settings or Site Identity.
Update the copyright text (e.g., “© 2025 Your Site Name”).
Some themes let you add custom text or links here.
2. Add or Remove Widgets (If Supported)
If your theme supports footer widgets, you can add things like recent posts or contact forms.
Find the Footer Widgets section to manage these.
3. Change the Footer Menu (If Applicable)
Some themes include a footer menu.
Check Menus or Footer Menu to select or edit it.
Saving Your Changes
Once you’re happy with your edits:
Click the Publish button at the top of the Customizer to save and apply your changes live.
If you’re not ready to go live, use Save Draft to store your work without making it public.
Tips for Success
Preview First: The Customizer’s live preview lets you see changes instantly—review them before publishing.
Test on Mobile: Use the mobile view button (at the bottom) to check how your header and footer look on smaller screens.
Explore Your Theme: Some themes offer extra options, like color changes or layout tweaks—play around to see what’s possible.
With these steps, you’re all set to edit your WordPress site’s header and footer using Appearance > Customize. It’s an easy way to make your site stand out. Have fun customizing!