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How to Edit HTML in WordPress: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever wondered how to tweak your website’s look or fix a pesky formatting issue in WordPress? If so, you’re not alone—knowing how to edit HTML can unlock a new level of control over your site.

Understanding how to safely edit HTML in WordPress is key to making custom changes, improving your site’s design, or adding special features.

In this article, you’ll discover clear steps, helpful tips, and best practices for editing HTML in WordPress—no coding degree required!

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How to Edit HTML in WordPress: The Complete Beginner’s Guide

Editing HTML in WordPress allows you to customize your website beyond what the default editor offers. Whether you want to tweak layouts, add custom code, or enhance your site’s features, knowing how to access and safely update HTML is an essential WordPress skill. Fortunately, WordPress makes it relatively easy—even for beginners. Let’s explore the different methods, benefits, and best practices for editing HTML in WordPress.

Why Edit HTML in WordPress?

HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the core structure behind every webpage. By editing it directly, you’re able to:

  • Fix layout inconsistencies.
  • Embed custom elements (like tables, forms, or widgets).
  • Fine-tune content presentation.
  • Add tracking codes or custom scripts.
  • Achieve creative control beyond the block or visual editors.

However, while editing HTML offers flexibility, it requires careful handling to avoid breaking your website.

Ways to Edit HTML in WordPress

WordPress provides several methods to access and edit HTML. Depending on what you want to achieve, you can choose from editing posts and pages, widgets, or even your site’s theme files.

1. Editing HTML in Posts and Pages

The Block Editor (Gutenberg)

If your site uses the Block Editor (introduced after WordPress 5.0), you can edit blocks directly in HTML.

Steps:
1. Open a post or page in the WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on the block you want to edit.
3. Click the three-dot menu (options) and select “Edit as HTML.”
4. Make your changes, then switch back to “Edit visually” to preview.

This method is ideal for quick tweaks or adding custom code to specific blocks.

The Classic Editor

If you prefer or use the Classic Editor:

  • Switch from “Visual” to “Text” tab.
  • Directly edit the HTML in the editor.

This editor gives you access to the raw HTML of your entire content.

2. Editing HTML in WordPress Widgets

WordPress widgets allow you to place code in your site’s sidebars or footers.

How to add/edit widget HTML:
1. Go to Appearance > Widgets in your dashboard.
2. Add a “Custom HTML” widget to your desired area (sidebar, footer, etc.).
3. Paste or write your custom HTML code.
4. Save your changes.

This is perfect for displaying banners, third-party widgets, subscription forms, or any custom feature across your site.

3. Editing HTML in WordPress Themes

For deeper customization—like changing your site’s header, footer, or layout—you’ll need to access theme files.

Using the Theme Editor

WordPress provides a built-in Theme Editor:

  1. Go to Appearance > Theme File Editor.
  2. On the right, select the file you want to edit (like header.php, footer.php, etc.).
  3. Edit the HTML as needed.
  4. Save changes.

Warning: Editing theme files directly can break your site if done improperly. Always make a backup first and consider using a child theme to preserve customizations after theme updates.

Through FTP or File Manager

For more control (especially if you get locked out of your admin area):

  • Connect to your site via FTP (like FileZilla) or use your hosting provider’s file manager.
  • Navigate to /wp-content/themes/your-theme/.
  • Download and edit your file locally; then upload the updated file.

This method allows you to fix mistakes if the site becomes inaccessible via the admin panel.

4. Editing HTML in the Full Site Editor (Block Themes)

If you’re using a Full Site Editing (FSE) theme (such as those built on WordPress 5.9+):

  • Go to Appearance > Editor.
  • Choose the site part (header, footer, template) you want to edit.
  • Select a block and use the “Edit as HTML” feature or insert a “Custom HTML” block.

FSE empowers you to control nearly every part of your site visually or with code.

Benefits of Editing HTML in WordPress

  • Customization: Gain full control over how your content and site features display.
  • Flexibility: Add or modify features unavailable through default settings.
  • Optimization: Improve layout, integrate third-party tools, and enhance user experience.
  • Learning: Understand your website’s structure, making troubleshooting easier in the long run.

Challenges and Risks

Editing HTML directly comes with potential pitfalls:

  • Site Breakage: Small mistakes in HTML (like a missing tag) can cause display errors.
  • Security Risks: Improper code can introduce vulnerabilities or open up your site to attacks.
  • Overwriting Changes: Theme updates may overwrite your edits unless you use a child theme.

Advice: Always back up your site before making changes and avoid editing core or theme files unless necessary.

Step-by-Step: Editing HTML Safely in WordPress

Here’s a simple process to edit HTML without risking your site’s stability:

  1. Back Up Your Website
  2. Use WordPress backup plugins or your hosting provider’s backup tool.

  3. This gives you a restore point if something goes wrong.

  4. Determine What You Want to Edit

  5. To update content, use the Page/Post editors.

  6. For layouts or global changes, edit theme files (preferably via a child theme).

  7. Make Changes in Small Steps

  8. Edit only what’s necessary.

  9. Save drafts and preview before publishing.

  10. Test Responsiveness

  11. Check your changes on different devices to ensure consistent appearance.

  12. Use Child Themes Where Possible

  13. Create a child theme to safely hold your custom code. This prevents changes from disappearing after theme updates.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Use the “Custom HTML” Block in the Block Editor for adding code snippets safely.
  • Validate HTML before saving, using online tools, to avoid code errors.
  • Document Changes: Keep notes of what was edited, where, and why. This helps in troubleshooting and future site management.
  • Don’t Edit WordPress Core Files: Only modify themes or custom plugins to avoid breaking updates or core functionality.
  • Update Regularly: Keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date to minimize security risks.

Cost Considerations

Editing HTML in WordPress doesn’t require additional costs if you do it yourself. However, if you need premium plugins for advanced HTML editing or a premium theme that supports easier customization, costs may apply. Hiring a developer also introduces extra expenses.

If you’re managing a WooCommerce store and need to edit templates—such as email HTML notifications—ensure you test thoroughly, especially if you ship products internationally. Broken layouts can confuse customers or disrupt shipping processes. Testing your design and layout before finalizing is crucial for a smooth order and shipping workflow.

Conclusion

Editing HTML in WordPress can transform your website from basic to highly customized. Whether you’re making small tweaks using the block editor or designing intricate layouts in theme files, always proceed with caution. By following best practices, making regular backups, and learning as you go, you’ll gain confidence and control over your site’s code. WordPress gives you the tools—you just need to use them thoughtfully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I edit HTML in WordPress if I have no coding experience?
Yes! Editing HTML is accessible to beginners, especially within the WordPress editor. Start with small changes in the block or classic editor. If editing theme files, it helps to familiarize yourself with basic HTML tags.

2. What happens if I make a mistake editing HTML?
Mistakes in HTML can cause display issues or break a page. That’s why it’s vital to back up your site before making changes. If a mistake happens, restore your backup or use the undo function in the editor.

3. Should I edit the theme’s files directly?
It’s best to avoid direct edits to theme files. Use a child theme when you need to customize. This way, updates to the theme won’t overwrite your changes.

4. Is it safe to paste code from other websites into my WordPress HTML?
You should only use code from trusted sources and understand what it does before adding it to your site. Poorly written or malicious code can harm your website’s security and performance.

5. Can I revert back if I don’t like my HTML changes?
Absolutely! WordPress provides revision history for posts and pages, letting you revert to previous versions. For theme or site-wide changes, a recent backup allows you to restore your site if needed.

By learning to edit HTML in WordPress, you gain creative flexibility and problem-solving skills—empowering you to build the website you envision!

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