WordPress, the world’s most popular content management system, has undergone significant changes in recent years — especially in how we build and design websites. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of block-based themes (also known as Full Site Editing or FSE) in WordPress 5.9. This has sparked a shift in how developers and designers approach theme development.
So, with the growing momentum behind block themes, what does the future hold for WordPress block themes vs. classic themes? Are classic themes becoming obsolete, or do they still have a place in the WordPress ecosystem? Let’s explore both options and see how each might evolve moving forward.
What Are Block Themes?
Block themes are a new way to build and customize WordPress websites. Rather than relying on the traditional template hierarchy of classic themes, block themes use Gutenberg blocks for every part of the site — from the header and footer to custom page layouts and post content.
Block themes are based on the Full Site Editing (FSE) feature introduced by WordPress, which allows users to edit every aspect of their website using blocks. These blocks can be arranged visually through the WordPress block editor, without needing to write any custom code.
Key Features of Block Themes:
- Full Site Editing: Edit headers, footers, sidebars, and more via the block editor.
- Reusable Blocks: Create and save custom blocks for content, making it easy to reuse them across pages.
- Theme.json: A file that enables developers to customize the default styles of a theme, allowing for a more consistent look and feel across the website.
- Template Parts: Build components like headers, footers, and sidebars that can be reused across multiple pages.
- Customization without Code: The ability to modify page layouts, typography, colors, and more without needing to know CSS or HTML.
Block themes provide a highly flexible and intuitive way to build WordPress websites, especially for users who prefer working within the WordPress ecosystem without needing to code.
What Are Classic Themes?
Classic themes, on the other hand, are the traditional WordPress themes that have been in use for many years. They are designed around PHP templates and the WordPress template hierarchy, which includes files like header.php, footer.php, single.php, and more. These themes typically require manual coding for customization, though many come with theme options to allow users to make some changes through the WordPress dashboard.
Classic themes are built for the classic WordPress editor (TinyMCE), and while they can still be used with the Gutenberg block editor, they are not designed to take full advantage of the block-based structure. They typically rely on widgets, theme options, and customizer settings for layout customization.
Key Features of Classic Themes:
- Traditional PHP Template Files: Themes are structured around template files that are rendered by WordPress.
- Manual Customization: Customization often requires writing code or using theme options.
- Widget-based Layout: Layout customization is typically done via widgets and theme options, rather than a visual editor.
- Classic Editor Compatibility: While block editor support is possible, classic themes don’t leverage Full Site Editing features as efficiently.
Classic themes are still widely used and will likely continue to exist, but the WordPress community is clearly moving toward more block-based development as it provides greater flexibility, accessibility, and ease of use.
The Future of Block Themes in WordPress
1. Full Site Editing Becomes the Standard
Block themes are the future of WordPress design, and as Full Site Editing (FSE) becomes more refined and widespread, block themes will likely become the default for WordPress websites. With the introduction of the Site Editor, users will have the ability to customize their entire website — from the header to the footer and every section in between — using an intuitive, block-based interface.
In the near future, block-based themes will allow users to:
- Create custom templates without writing code.
- Easily swap between different layouts or template parts.
- Design their site using a visual editor that provides real-time previews.
With the improvements in block theme functionality, WordPress aims to make site building accessible to a larger audience, including those without a coding background.
2. Increased Developer Adoption
As more third-party developers create and refine block-based themes, the variety and quality of these themes will increase. Many developers are already working on block-based plugins and tools that expand the capabilities of WordPress’ block editor, such as custom block patterns, reusable block templates, and enhanced styling options.
3. Speed and Performance
One of the major benefits of block themes is the performance improvements they offer. Since block themes are rendered dynamically, they can be much faster than traditional themes, especially when combined with server-side optimizations and caching.
4. Seamless Integration with Modern Web Development
Block themes fit well into modern web development practices like Jamstack, headless WordPress, and serverless architecture. The future of WordPress block themes will involve even greater flexibility, integration with popular JavaScript frameworks (like React, Vue.js, or Next.js), and the ability to use WordPress as a headless CMS that powers content for external websites and apps.
The Future of Classic Themes in WordPress
While the future of WordPress seems to be heading toward block themes and Full Site Editing, classic themes will not disappear overnight. There are a few reasons why classic themes will still have a place in WordPress development:
1. Familiarity for Developers
Many developers are deeply familiar with the traditional WordPress theme structure and are comfortable working with PHP and template files. Classic themes are still a great option for developers who need to create highly customized sites and work with legacy codebases.
2. Backward Compatibility
WordPress prides itself on being backward compatible, and classic themes will continue to be supported for the foreseeable future. This is particularly important for older websites or sites that rely on older plugins and custom functionality built around the traditional theme structure.
3. More Control and Customization
For advanced developers who need full control over every aspect of a website, classic themes still offer a more granular level of customization. With the block editor gaining popularity, many developers are using custom blocks in classic themes to integrate new functionality while retaining the flexibility of traditional themes.
4. Smaller, Simpler Websites
For simpler websites or blogs that don’t require the complex layout options offered by Full Site Editing, classic themes may still be more practical. Many small business owners and bloggers might prefer the simplicity of a classic theme, especially if they’re already familiar with it.
Will Classic Themes Disappear?
While block themes are clearly the way forward, classic themes will not disappear in the near future. As WordPress continues to evolve, it will likely support both block-based and classic themes, catering to the needs of different users and developers.
The future of WordPress is one of coexistence, where both block themes and classic themes play important roles. Over time, more and more users will likely gravitate toward block themes due to their flexibility, performance benefits, and ease of use, but classic themes will continue to be a viable option for specific use cases.
Conclusion: Block Themes vs. Classic Themes — What’s Right for You?
If you’re starting a new website or are comfortable experimenting with the new features of WordPress, block themes are undoubtedly the future. They offer incredible flexibility, ease of use, and performance, and they’re the best way to take advantage of the Full Site Editing experience.
However, if you’re working on a legacy website, require a high level of custom PHP-based control, or prefer a traditional development approach, classic themes are still a solid choice for now. And, given WordPress’s backward compatibility, classic themes will continue to be relevant for the foreseeable future.
In the end, both block themes and classic themes have their place, and the WordPress ecosystem will continue to support both for years to come. As a website owner or developer, the choice will depend on your needs, preferences, and goals.