How to Edit HTML Code in WordPress: Simple Steps for Customisation

Customising your WordPress website allows you to tailor it to your specific needs, and one of the most effective ways to do so is by editing the HTML code. Knowing how to edit HTML code in WordPress allows you to adjust your site’s design, such as fixing layout issues, improving SEO, or adding custom features. By mastering this skill, you can improve your site’s functionality and make it look exactly how you want. It gives you the flexibility to personalise themes and modify elements that are not available through default settings. This makes your website stand out and perform better across devices.

This article will explore the methods of editing HTML in WordPress. It will also discuss the best practices for editing HTML and common mistakes to avoid. 

Why Edit HTML Code in WordPress?

Knowing how to edit HTML code in WordPress gives you more control over your website’s design and features. It allows you to make changes that go beyond what the default settings can offer. Whether you want to fix layout issues, improve your website’s SEO, or add custom features, editing the HTML code gives you the flexibility to do so. Learning to edit HTML code in WordPress helps you make your site look and work exactly how you want.

Let’s understand the reasons behind editing HTML code in WordPress:

1. Personalising Design – Editing HTML lets you add special features or design elements that aren’t available with basic themes or plugins, making your site unique.
2. Fixing Layout Issues – HTML problems like broken layouts or missing content can affect your site’s appearance. Editing the code lets you fix these issues directly.
3. Improving SEO – Adding meta tags, alt text, or schema markup can improve your site’s visibility on search engines.
4. Adding Extra Features – Editing HTML enables you to add custom forms, widgets, or external tools, making your site more interactive and functional.

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What Are the Prerequisites for Editing HTML Code in WordPress?

Before you understand how to edit HTML code in WordPress, having a few basic things in place is important. You need to understand the basics of HTML, have access to your WordPress dashboard, and make sure your website is backed up. These steps will help you make changes safely and avoid any mistakes that could affect your site’s performance. With these basics, you can confidently edit your site and improve its design and functionality.

Here are the prerequisites for editing HTML code in WordPress: 

1. Basic Understanding of HTML Structure – You should know the basic structure of HTML, including tags and attributes, to make meaningful changes to your site.
2. Access to Your WordPress Dashboard – You need login credentials to access your WordPress dashboard, where you can edit your posts, pages, or theme files.
3. A Backup of Your Website – Always back up your site before making any changes to ensure that you can restore it if anything goes wrong.
4. A Clear Understanding of the Changes – Before making edits, you must know precisely what you want to modify to avoid unnecessary errors.

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Methods to Edit HTML Code in WordPress

Multiple methods are available when editing HTML code in WordPress, each designed for different changes. Whether making simple adjustments to your content or performing advanced customisations, knowing the correct method helps you manage your website correctly. Understanding how to edit HTML code in WordPress gives you complete control over your site’s design and functionality. By choosing the appropriate method, you can ensure your website meets your needs and optimises for performance.

Let’s understand the methods to edit HTML code in WordPress:

1. Editing HTML via the WordPress Editor – The first method is correct for editing HTML directly within posts or pages. The WordPress block editor’s ‘Text’ or ‘Code Editor’ view allows you to add or modify HTML for inline styles, custom formatting, or scripts.
2. Using the WordPress Theme Editor – The Theme Editor allows you to access and edit theme files such as header.php, footer.php, and style.css. It’s an advanced method, so as you correctly noted, caution is necessary to avoid breaking the layout or affecting other site components.
3. Using a Plugin for Code Customisation – Plugins like ‘Custom HTML Block’ and ‘Code Snippets’ help add reusable code, widgets, or specific customisation without modifying theme files. This method is great for keeping your customisations separate from the theme files and preserving them during updates.
4. Accessing HTML via cPanel or FTP – This method is accurate for advanced edits or when you cannot access the WordPress dashboard. Accessing the theme’s directory through cPanel or FTP gives you direct control over the theme’s HTML files (e.g., index.php or single.php), which is helpful for more complex changes.

Best Practices for Editing HTML in WordPress

When learning how to edit HTML code in WordPress, following simple guidelines is essential to keep your website safe and running smoothly. Editing HTML directly can affect your website’s design and performance, so it’s essential to be careful. Using the right approach, you can avoid mistakes, keep your customisations intact, and ensure your site continues to work well. 

Let’s explore the best practices for editing HTML in WordPress:

1. Always back up your site before making changes – Backing up your website means you can restore it if something goes wrong. It helps protect your data and avoids mistakes.
2. Use child themes to keep your changes safe – A child theme lets you make changes without affecting the central theme. This way, your changes stay safe when you update the theme.
3. Check your HTML code for errors – Always check your HTML code before saving. This ensures it works properly on different browsers and keeps your site running smoothly.
4. Test your changes in different browsers and devices – Make sure your website works well on different browsers and devices. This helps you catch any issues early and ensures your site looks good everywhere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When editing HTML code in WordPress, it’s easy to make mistakes that can harm your site’s performance. Understanding how to edit HTML code in WordPress properly can help you avoid common errors that might lead to broken layouts, slow loading times, or other issues. By being mindful of these mistakes, you can ensure your edits enhance your website without causing problems. 

Listed below are some common mistakes to avoid when making HTML changes in WordPress:

1. Editing Live Site Files Without Testing – Test your changes on a staging site first to avoid affecting the live site.
2. Incorrect Syntax – Missing tags or brackets can cause layout issues or make parts of the site disappear.
3. Forgetting to Backup Files – Always back up your website to prevent losing data if something goes wrong.
4. Not Validating Code – Validate your HTML to ensure there are no errors and it works well across all browsers and devices. 

Why Choose Digital Regenesys for UI/UX and Graphic Design Course?

Digital Regenesys offers a UI/UX and Graphic Design Course with GenAI to teach you the essential skills for modern design work. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this course provides a strong foundation for creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites and applications. You’ll learn the basics of HTML, its role in web design, and how to edit HTML code in WordPress. This skill helps you customise themes, adjust design elements, and enhance your website’s functionality. Understanding HTML is crucial for anyone interested in web design, as it forms the structure of every webpage. 

Let’s explore the other benefits of enrolling in this course at Digital Regenesys:

1. Expert-Led Learning – Learn from experienced professionals who guide you through real-world projects and share valuable industry knowledge.
2. Practical Experience – Work on design projects that help you build a strong portfolio to show to future employers or clients.
3. Flexible Learning – Learn at your own pace with online courses, allowing you to fit your studies around your personal or work life.
4. Global Certification – Get a recognised certificate upon completing the course, which can help improve your career opportunities in the design field.

Therefore, learning how to edit HTML code in WordPress allows you to change your website’s design and functionality. By mastering this skill, you can fix issues, improve your site’s performance, and add custom features to enhance the user experience. Consider enroling in Digital Regenesys’s UI/UX and Graphic Design Course with GenAI to deepen your web design knowledge. With expert-led instruction and practical experience, you’ll develop the skills to create professional, responsive websites. Start your design journey with us today.