Editing the header in WordPress is one of the simplest ways to personalize your website and make it stand out. I’ve always found the header to be one of the most important parts of a site—it’s the first thing visitors see, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.
Whether you’re looking to update your logo, add navigation menus, or include a call-to-action button, WordPress gives you plenty of flexibility to customize your header. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to edit header in WordPress to suit your brand and make a lasting impression. Let’s dive in!
What is a WordPress Header?
A WordPress header refers to the section of a WordPress website that typically appears at the top of every page. It is part of the site’s layout and serves several important purposes in terms of design, navigation, and branding.
As the first thing your site visitors encounter, the WordPress header plays a crucial role in making a strong first impression. It should include all the essential elements visitors need.
Key Features of a WordPress Header
- Branding: Often includes the site logo, site title, or tagline.
- Navigation: Usually contains the primary navigation menu with links to important pages (e.g., Home, About, Contact).
- Design Element: Sets the tone for the website with background images, colors, or videos that match the site’s theme.
- Additional Information: May include elements like social media icons, a search bar, contact information, or a call-to-action button.
What are the Types of Header in WordPress?
Headers in WordPress can take various forms and styles to align with different website designs and enhance user experience. Whether you’re working on a new site or creating a child theme, exploring different header types can significantly improve the interface and usability of your website.
1. Default Header
The default header is the basic style that appears at the top of your website’s pages. It typically features standard elements like a logo and a navigation menu. This type of header remains static and does not move as users scroll down the page.
2. Sticky Header
A sticky header, also known as a fixed header, stays visible at the top of the screen as users scroll. This ensures easy access to navigation links and branding elements at all times.
Sticky headers are particularly beneficial for websites with long-form content, such as blogs or detailed service pages, as they provide seamless navigation without requiring users to scroll back to the top.
3. Transparent Header
A transparent header has a background that allows the underlying content, such as images or videos, to show through. This style creates a sleek and modern aesthetic, often used in visually driven websites.
Transparent headers require careful design to ensure text and elements in the header are legible against the background. Consulting dedicated WordPress developers can help you achieve the exact transparent styling you envision for your site.
How to Edit Header in WordPress Using 6 Different Methods?
Here’s are the 6 different methods how to edit the header in wordpress.
Method 1: Edit Header in WordPress Using the Full Site Editor
- Navigate to your WordPress site’s admin panel by adding
/wp-adminto your site URL (e.g.,www.yoursite.com/wp-admin). - Enter your credentials to log in.
- Go to Appearance → Editor to launch the Site Editor.
- Click on Patterns to view all the template parts for your site.
- Under the “All Template Parts” section, locate and select the Header section to see all the template parts categorized as headers.
- Choose the specific header template part you wish to edit.
- Click the header template part preview to close the left sidebar and open the editing interface.
- (Optional) Use the List View (three vertical lines in the top-left corner of the editor) to display a list of all the blocks in the header.
Method 2: Edit Header in WordPress Using the Theme Customizer
Editing the header with WordPress’s default Customizer is one of the most common and user-friendly approaches. Follow these steps to customize your header using the Theme Customizer:
Step 1: Log in to Your WordPress Website
- Access your WordPress admin dashboard using your administrator credentials.
- Navigate to your login page by appending
wp-adminto your domain URL. - If your login page is custom, explore methods to locate your WordPress login URL.
Step 2: Open the Theme Customizer
- In the left-side menu of your WordPress dashboard, click Appearance.
- Select Customize from the dropdown menu to launch the Theme Customizer.
Step 3: Find Header Settings
- Header settings vary by theme and are usually located under sections like Header, Header & Navigation, or Header Options.
- Click on the appropriate section to access header customization options.
Step 4: Customize Header Elements
Depending on your theme, you can modify:
- Site Title/Logo: Change the site title or upload a custom logo.
- Site Tagline: Edit or hide the site’s tagline.
- Header Background: Set an image, gradient, or solid color as the header background.
- Navigation Menu: Adjust the menu’s placement, style, or replace it with another menu.
- Header Layout: Modify header width, height, or alignment.
- Typography and Colors: Change text color, link styles, and font settings.
Step 5: Preview Changes
- View real-time previews of your changes in the Customizer.
- Ensure all adjustments align with your design preferences before saving.
Step 6: Save Changes
- Click Publish or Save & Publish to apply your changes.
- The updated header will now be live on your site.
Step 7: Check Your Website
- Open your website in a new tab to view the updated header.
- Clear your site’s cache to ensure the latest changes are visible.
Additional Tips
- Theme-Specific Options: Keep in mind that customization options depend on the theme you’re using. If your current theme lacks flexibility, consider switching to a more customizable theme or opting for custom WordPress design and development services.
- Backup Your Site: Always back up your site or create a staging environment before making significant changes to avoid data loss or site disruptions.
Method 3: Edit Header in WordPress Using a Header Plugin
Using a plugin to edit your WordPress header is a practical approach for achieving advanced customization and integrating modern web design standards.
One highly recommended option is the Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin, which has over 1 million active installations and regular updates from the Brainstorm Force developer community.
Step 1: Install and Activate the Elementor Header & Footer Builder Plugin
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Go to Plugins and click Add New.
- Search for Elementor Header and Footer Builder.
- Click Install and then Activate once the installation is complete.
- This activates the plugin, making it ready for use.
Step 2: Create a Header Template
- Navigate to Templates in your WordPress dashboard.
- Select Theme Builder and click Add New.
- Choose Header as the template type.
Step 3: Choose a Header Structure
- Elementor provides pre-designed header structures for quick setup.
- Alternatively, you can build a custom header from scratch.
- Once you select a structure, the Elementor editor will open.
Step 4: Design Your Header
- Use the drag-and-drop Elementor editor to design your header.
- Add elements like logos, navigation menus, buttons, text, and images.
- Customize the styling, colors, typography, and spacing to match your brand.
- Leverage Elementor’s widgets to create dynamic and interactive headers.
Step 5: Preview Your Header
- Click the eye icon near the Publish button to preview your header.
- Make any necessary adjustments before publishing.
Step 6: Save Your Header Template
- Click Publish to save your header.
- A pop-up will appear asking where you want the header to be displayed.
Step 7: Assign the Header to Your Website
- To assign the header, go to Templates in the dashboard.
- Click Edit for the header template.
- Scroll to Display Conditions in the template settings.
- Configure display rules to assign the header to specific pages, posts, categories, or the entire site.
Step 8: Publish Your Header Template
- Once you’ve set the display conditions, click Publish to make your header live.
Step 9: Verify Your Header
- Visit your website to ensure the new header is displaying and functioning as intended.
With the Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin, you can create static, sticky, or transparent headers with ease. This method provides full control over your website’s header design and allows for quick updates anytime.
Method 4: Edit Header in WordPress by Adding Custom Code
Editing your WordPress header using custom code offers precise control over its design and functionality.
However, this method is best suited for users proficient in HTML, CSS, and PHP. If you’re unsure, it’s advisable to seek help from experienced WordPress developers. Here’s how to proceed:
Step 1: Backup Your Website
- Before making changes, create a backup of your website to avoid potential data loss.
- Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or manually back up the relevant WordPress files and database.
Step 2: Access Theme Files
- Navigate to Appearance → Theme Editor in the WordPress dashboard.
- Select your current theme (preferably a child theme) to access its files.
Step 3: Locate the Header File
- Find the file named
header.phpor similar (e.g.,header-template.php) in the theme folder. - Open it in the editor for customization.
Step 4: Customize the Header Code
- Use HTML, CSS, and PHP to edit and enhance your header.
- For example, modify the HTML for the logo or navigation menu and use CSS to style it.
- Be cautious with PHP edits to prevent breaking the site, and refer to theme documentation or consult professionals if needed.
Step 5: Save Changes
- After making edits, save the
header.phpfile.
Step 6: Verify the Changes
- Visit your website to confirm the updated header is displaying as intended.
- Ensure all elements function properly without errors.
Step 7: Test Responsiveness
- Right-click on the webpage and select Inspect to test the header’s responsiveness.
- Check how it looks across different devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile screens.
Step 8: Troubleshoot Issues
- If issues arise, such as the White Screen of Death (WSOD), restore your site using the backup.
- Debug the issue by reviewing your code for errors or conflicts with plugins and themes.
Editing the header with custom code provides full creative freedom but requires a solid understanding of WordPress coding practices. Always document your changes and maintain regular backups to ensure the security and integrity of your website.
Method 5: Edit Header in WordPress via FTP
This method is tailored for advanced WordPress users who have a strong grasp of HTML, CSS, and PHP coding. Editing the header via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows you to directly access and modify theme files on your web server. Follow these steps to proceed:
Step 1: Connect to Your Web Server
- Use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to your server.
- You’ll need the following details:
- Host/Server Address: Typically your domain name (e.g.,
ftp.yourwebsite.com) or server IP. - FTP Username and Password: Provided by your hosting provider.
- Port: Usually port 21 unless specified otherwise by your hosting provider.
- Host/Server Address: Typically your domain name (e.g.,
Step 2: Navigate to Theme Files
- After connecting, locate your WordPress root directory, usually named public_html.
- Navigate to the folder /wp-content/themes/ where your theme files are stored.
Step 3: Locate the Header File
- Look for the file named
header.phporheader-template.phpin your theme folder. - Right-click on the file and choose Download to save a copy to your local computer.
- Keep this downloaded file as a backup.
Step 4: Edit the Header Code
- Open the
header.phpfile using a text editor or IDE (e.g., Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code). - Modify the header elements as needed, such as adding or changing media, logos, navigation menus, or text.
- Exercise caution when editing PHP code to avoid breaking your site.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
- Save the updated
header.phpfile to your local computer once you’ve made the necessary edits.
Step 6: Upload the Edited File
- In your FTP client, return to the same directory where the original
header.phpfile was located. - Right-click the updated file on your local computer and upload it, selecting Overwrite to replace the existing file on the server.
Step 7: Verify Changes on Your Website
- Visit your website to confirm that the header changes are applied and the site is functioning correctly.
Editing the header via FTP is a powerful method but requires a solid understanding of coding and WordPress themes. Always create backups and proceed carefully to avoid unintended disruptions to your site.
Did you know❓WordPress powers approximately 43.5% of all websites, making it the most popular content management system globally.
How to Add Elements to Your Header?
Adding elements to your WordPress header is a great way to enhance functionality and improve your site’s user experience. Whether you’re including a logo, navigation menu, or call-to-action buttons, WordPress provides simple tools to make these adjustments.
- Insert a Logo
- Include the Site Title in Your Website Header
- Add a Navigation Menu to the Header
- Insert a Search Box
- Add Social Media Icons to the Header
- Add a Call-to-Action (CTA) Button
- Set a Background Color for the Header Row
- Upload a Logo to Email Templates (Optional)
Insert a Logo
Adding a Logo to Your Header Template Part:
- While editing the Header template part, click the + Block Inserter button.
- Search for the Site Logo block.
- Click on the Site Logo block to add it to your header.
- Upload your logo image.
- After completing your edits, click the Save button to apply your changes.
Include the Site Title in Your Website Header
Follow the steps to add SEO title to your wordpress.
- Open the List View in the editor.
- Select the Site Title block from the list.
- Click on the block labeled “Write site title…” and type your desired Site Title into the field.
- Review the changes to ensure your Site Title displays correctly.
Your header is starting to take shape! The next step is to add navigation elements to enhance its functionality.
Add a Navigation Menu to the Header
Including a navigation menu in your header helps visitors quickly access important pages and improves the overall usability of your website.
- While editing the Header template part, click the + Block Inserter button.
- Search for the Navigation block.
- Click the Navigation block icon to add it to your header.
- Customize the menu as needed once the Navigation block is added.
Tip: Use the left and right arrows to adjust its position within the header.
- When you’ve finished configuring the menu, click the Save button to apply your changes.
Insert a Search Box
Adding a search box to your header enhances user experience by making it easier for visitors to find content on your website.
- While editing the Header template part, click the + Block Inserter button.
- Search for the Search block.
- Click the Search block icon to add it to your header.
Tip: After adding the Search block, adjust its position using the left and right navigation arrows to place it relative to other header elements. Resize it by dragging the selection points until it fits your preferred dimensions.
- Once you’re satisfied with the changes, click the Save button to apply them.
Add Social Media Icons to the Header
Adding social media icons to your header allows visitors to connect with your brand on various platforms, boosting engagement and visibility.
- Open your Header template part in the WordPress editor.
- Click the + Block Inserter button and search for the Social Icons block.
- Click the Social Icons block to add it to your header.
- Click on the + icon within the Social Icons block to add individual social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
- For each icon, click it and enter the respective profile URL.
- Adjust the icon size, alignment, and style using the block settings.
- Use the left or right navigation arrows to place the block in your desired location within the header.
- Once satisfied, click the Save button to apply the changes.
Add a Call-to-Action (CTA) Button
Including a call-to-action (CTA) button in your header encourages visitors to take specific actions, such as signing up, contacting you, or exploring key offerings.
- Open the Header template part in the WordPress editor.
- Click the + Block Inserter button.
- Search for the Buttons block and insert it into your header.
- Inside the Buttons block, click on the Add Button option.
- Type the desired text for your button (e.g., “Get Started,” “Contact Us”).
- Select the button and click the link icon in the toolbar.
- Enter the URL or page you want the button to direct users to.
- Customize the button color, size, and alignment using the block settings.
- Once you’re happy with the design, click the Save button to finalize the changes.
Set a Background Color for the Header Row
Setting a background color for your header row helps define the header’s appearance and ensures it aligns with your website’s overall design and branding.
- Open the Header template part in the WordPress editor.
- Click on the Row block that contains the header elements.
- In the block settings on the right-hand side, locate the Background Color option.
- Select or customize the background color you want for the row.
- Preview the changes to ensure the color looks good with your header content.
- Click the Save button to apply the changes.
Upload a Logo to Email Templates (Optional)
Uploading a logo to your email templates reinforces brand identity and creates a professional, cohesive look in all your communications.
- Open your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to WooCommerce → Settings or the email template settings for your plugin.
- Go to the Emails tab and locate the Email Template section.
- Click the Upload Logo or similar option (depends on your plugin or theme).
- Upload your desired logo or select an existing one from the media library.
- Adjust the logo’s size and alignment if options are available.
- Save the changes to update the email templates.
Did you know❓ Customizing your WordPress header not only enhances your website’s design but can also improve 📈 SEO by strategically placing key navigation elements for better user experience and search engine crawlability!
What are the Steps to Create a New Header?
If your site’s theme includes a header by default, you may need to create a new one when customizing templates or replacing a removed header.
Follow these steps to add a header:
- Access your site’s dashboard.
- Go to Appearance → Editor → Templates.
- Select the template you want to add a header to.
- Click the Edit button (pencil icon next to the template name) to edit it. Alternatively, click the + icon to create a new template.
- Use the + Block Inserter to search for the Header template part and add it.
- Ensure the Header is positioned at the top of the template. If it isn’t, use the move button in the toolbar to adjust its position.
- Click Save to apply your changes.
How to Use a Header Pattern in WordPress?
Quickly add a professional-looking header by selecting a premade header block pattern. Follow these steps to edit the header and replace it with a block pattern:
- In your site’s dashboard, navigate to Appearance → Editor.
- Select the Template that contains the header you want to update from the left sidebar.
- Click the pencil icon next to the template name to open the editor and close the sidebar.
- Open the List View for better navigation.
- Click the three dots next to the header template part and choose Replace header.
- Browse the available header patterns and select the one you prefer. The pattern will be added to the header area of your site.
- Customize the new header pattern by replacing the text and images with your own content.
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FAQs
How do I edit an existing header in WordPress?
How do you edit the header in WordPress.org?
How to customize the header menu in WordPress?
What is a custom header in WordPress?
Conclusion
Editing your WordPress header is a straightforward yet impactful way to enhance your website’s appearance and functionality. By customizing elements like the logo, navigation menu, you can create a header that truly reflects your brand and meets your visitors’ needs.
I hope this guide has given you the confidence to make those changes and transform your header into a professional and engaging part of your site. Remember, small adjustments can make a big difference, so take your time, experiment, and create a header that leaves a lasting impression.
