I've been experimenting with building using FSE in a block theme.
I discovered a limitation of the block library that I'm using, and I'm forced to create a child theme so I can code around the issue.
But within the theme dashboard I've created a series of templates already. Templates for Pages, the header and the footer.
How do I make those template usable within the child theme?
Solution: Copy the templates from the parent theme /templates folder and parts folders into the child theme
That's a common challenge many WordPress developers face when working with Full Site Editing in block themes. When you've invested time creating custom templates directly in the theme dashboard only to discover limitations in the block library, moving to a child theme becomes necessary while preserving your existing template work. This situation often arises when theme constraints prevent the customizations you need, forcing you to create a child theme for deeper modifications.
Understanding Block Theme Template Preservation
Block themes store templates and template parts differently than classic themes, which affects how you transfer your work. When you create templates through the Site Editor, they're saved in the active theme's templates and parts folders. Many people exploring WordPress platform options discover that block themes offer powerful editing capabilities but sometimes require child themes for advanced customizations. The templates you've built for pages, headers, and footers represent significant design work that shouldn't be lost during the transition.
The process involves manually copying template files between theme directories while maintaining proper file structure. Before starting this transfer, it's wise to ensure your site has proper SSL certificate configuration since you'll be working with core theme files. Having secure access to your WordPress installation is crucial when making structural changes to theme components. This security measure protects your site during the template migration process.
Identifying where your templates are stored is the first practical step. Block themes typically organize templates in the /templates directory and template parts in /parts or /patterns folders. If you're working with a theme from another developer, you might need to identify WordPress theme structures to understand their specific organization method. Knowing exactly where your theme stores these files ensures you copy all necessary components to your child theme.
Step-by-Step Template Transfer Process
Begin by accessing your WordPress installation files through FTP or your hosting file manager. Navigate to wp-content/themes/[parent-theme-name] and locate the templates and parts folders. These contain the HTML files for all templates created through the Site Editor. Copy both folders entirely to your child theme directory, maintaining the same folder structure. This ensures WordPress will recognize your templates in the child theme context.
After copying the folders, activate your child theme and check the Site Editor to confirm all templates appear correctly. You may need to clear any caching plugins and refresh the editor. Your page templates, header, and footer templates should now be available for use and further customization within the child theme environment. This process preserves your design work while allowing the code modifications needed to overcome block library limitations.
What happens if my child theme doesn't show the copied templates?
If your child theme doesn't display the copied templates, several factors could be causing the issue. First, verify that you maintained the exact folder structure from the parent theme, as even minor path differences can prevent template detection. Check that file permissions allow WordPress to read the template files, and ensure you're using the correct template naming conventions. Sometimes simply refreshing WordPress media and templates through the dashboard resolves display issues.
Can I modify block theme templates directly without a child theme?
While you can modify block theme templates directly through the Site Editor, this approach has significant drawbacks. Any changes made directly to the parent theme will be lost when the theme updates, which is why using a child theme is recommended for permanent modifications. Direct edits also make it difficult to track changes and can cause conflicts during theme updates. The child theme approach provides a safe environment for template customizations that persist through parent theme updates.
Creating a child theme might seem like extra work initially, but it protects your customizations long-term. When you need to make structural changes like adjusting WordPress layout components, having templates in a child theme gives you complete control without risking loss during updates. This method also makes it easier to test changes without affecting your live site, as you can develop in a staging environment before implementing modifications to your production site.
How do child themes differ from page builders?
Child themes and page builders serve different purposes in WordPress development, though both allow customization. Child themes modify the underlying theme structure through code, while page builders work within the existing theme framework using visual interfaces. Understanding these differences helps when choosing the right approach for your project needs, especially when comparing different website platform approaches to customization.
| Feature | Child Themes | Page Builders |
|---|---|---|
| Customization Level | Complete code access | Limited to builder elements |
| Performance Impact | Minimal when coded properly | Can be significant |
| Update Safety | Preserved through updates | Dependent on builder compatibility |
| Learning Curve | Requires coding knowledge | Visual, beginner-friendly |
Child themes provide direct access to template files and functions, allowing deep customization that page builders can't achieve. However, they require understanding of WordPress theme structure and PHP, while page builders offer visual editing without coding. The choice depends on your technical comfort level and the depth of customization required for your specific project goals and design requirements.
What's the best way to backup templates before transferring?
Before transferring templates to a child theme, create comprehensive backups using reliable methods. Export your templates through the Site Editor if available, and manually backup the entire themes directory through your hosting file manager or FTP client. Using a dedicated backup plugin provides additional protection, ensuring you can restore your templates if anything goes wrong during the transfer process. These precautions are especially important when preparing for WordPress site migration or major structural changes.
Beyond file backups, document your template configurations and settings since some template data might be stored in the database. Take screenshots of how templates appear in the Site Editor, and note any custom CSS or settings applied to specific templates. This documentation helps recreate your setup if needed and serves as reference during the child theme development process. Having multiple backup methods ensures complete template protection.
Professional WordPress Services
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