Your theme is your site’s wardrobe. It controls layouts, fonts, colors and templates. Today you’ll learn the two main theme types and how to choose one that looks great and behaves well.
Block themes
Block themes are built entirely from blocks, the same building pieces you use to write posts. With a block theme you can edit everything, including headers, footers and templates, visually in the Site Editor (Appearance → Editor). WordPress’s default themes, like Twenty Twenty-Five, are block themes.
- Visual control over the whole site, no code required.
- Global styles for site-wide fonts, colors and spacing.
- This is the direction WordPress itself is heading.
Classic themes
Classic themes use PHP templates and are customized through Appearance → Customize, Widgets and Menus. Many popular, mature themes are classic or “hybrid,” and they still work well.
- Familiar workflow with lots of existing tutorials.
- Often paired with page builder plugins.
- Layout changes beyond theme options may need code or a builder.
Not sure? For a brand-new site, a well-made block theme is a great starting point.
A theme-vetting checklist
- Recently updated and tested with the current WordPress version.
- Good reviews and an active support forum where questions get answered.
- Lightweight: test a demo page with a speed tool; avoid themes that bundle dozens of heavy features you won’t use.
- Accessible and responsive: check it on your phone and try navigating the demo with your keyboard.
- From a trusted source: the WordPress.org theme directory or a reputable developer.
Browse our curated picks on the themes page.
Professor’s warning: Never download “nulled” (pirated) premium themes. They frequently hide malware or backdoors, and they can’t receive safe updates. If it’s premium, buy it from the developer.
Your assignment
- Go to Appearance → Themes → Add New and preview three block themes.
- Run each theme’s demo through the checklist above.
- Activate your favorite (you can always switch later).
