To edit the header in WordPress with a block theme, go to Appearance > Editor > Patterns, open the Header template part, change your logo, site title or navigation, and click Save. With a classic theme, use Appearance > Customize, where header options such as your logo and menu usually live.
Your header is the first thing every visitor sees: your logo, your site name and your main menu. If it's cluttered or out of date, it colours how people feel about everything underneath. It's easy to edit once you know where to look, and where to look depends on whether you have a block theme or a classic theme. Here's how to tell, and how to edit it either way.
Check your theme type first
| Under Appearance you see | Theme type | Where the header lives |
|---|---|---|
| Editor | Block theme | Header template part in the Site Editor |
| Customize | Classic theme | Header settings in the Customizer |
WordPress.org confirms the Site Editor is only available when you install and activate a block theme, so the Appearance menu is a quick, reliable test.
Edit the header in a block theme
- Go to Appearance > Editor.
- Click Patterns, then All template parts.
- Click Header.
- Click into the header to change blocks: swap the logo, edit the site title or adjust the navigation.
- Click Save.
WordPress.org describes the header template part as the area that typically contains a title, logo and main navigation. Open List View from the top toolbar to see every block in the header, which makes it far easier to select the exact element you want.
What to change and where
| You want to change | Where to do it |
|---|---|
| Logo, site title, tagline or site icon | Identity in the Site Editor, or the blocks in the header |
| Menu links | Navigation in the Site Editor |
| Layout, spacing and colours | The header template part and Styles |
| The whole header design | The pattern selector, if your theme offers one |
WordPress.org lists Identity, Navigation, Patterns and Styles among the Site Editor's menu items, and between them they cover almost every header change you'll want to make.
Swap to a different header design
Some block themes include several header designs. WordPress.org explains that if your theme has more than one pattern for the same area, you'll see a pattern selector in the design tab of the template settings. If you don't see one, your theme simply hasn't provided alternatives, and you'll need to edit the existing header block by block.
Why one save changes every page
This is the part people find surprising. WordPress.org says that when you change blocks inside a template part, every template that includes it updates. And when you click Save, WordPress shows you a list of everything you've changed, with a note that header and footer changes apply to all pages using those templates. That's exactly what you want for a header, as long as you check the change looks right before you confirm.
Edit the header in a classic theme
- Go to Appearance > Customize.
- Open Site Identity to change your logo, site title, tagline and site icon.
- Open Menus to change your header navigation.
- Look for a Header section, if your theme provides one, for layout and colours.
- Click Publish.
Classic themes vary a lot, so the exact options depend on who built your theme. If you can't find a setting, check the theme's own documentation.
What makes a good header
- A clear logo that links to your homepage.
- A short menu: five to seven items is plenty for most businesses.
- One standout button for your main action, such as Book a call or Shop now.
- Enough contrast to read easily on every device.
- A design that collapses neatly into a menu icon on mobile.
The biggest mistake I see is a header that tries to do everything: long menus, phone numbers, social icons and banners all at once. Pick what matters most to your customers and cut the rest. My guide to a successful website redesign covers navigation planning in more depth, and my list of signs your website needs a makeover can help you decide if the header is just the start.
Test before and after
Use the editor's Preview option to check your header on desktop, tablet and mobile views before saving. After saving, visit your live site on your phone and tap through the menu. If something looks stuck, clear your site's cache, as an old cached version can hide your changes for a while.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Common header problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely fix |
|---|---|
| Logo looks blurry | Upload a larger, sharper version of the image |
| Menu shows the wrong pages | Edit the menu in Navigation, or in Menus for a classic theme |
| Changes don't show on the live site | Clear your caching plugin and browser cache |
| Header looks squashed on mobile | Check the navigation block's mobile overlay setting |
Most header problems come down to one of these four. If you've tried them and the header still won't behave, check whether a page builder plugin is controlling your header instead of your theme, because that's a surprisingly common cause on older sites.
My verdict
Check your Appearance menu. With a block theme, edit the Header template part under Appearance > Editor > Patterns, use List View to find each block, and remember your change applies site-wide. With a classic theme, use the Customizer. Keep the header simple, test it on mobile, and give visitors one clear next step.
Frequently asked questions
How do I edit the header in WordPress?
In a block theme, go to Appearance > Editor > Patterns and open the Header template part. In a classic theme, use Appearance > Customize.
Why don't I see Customize in my WordPress menu?
You're probably using a block theme, which uses the Site Editor at Appearance > Editor instead.
Does editing the header change every page?
Yes. Changes to the header template part apply to all pages using that template.
How do I change the logo in my WordPress header?
Use Identity in the Site Editor, or select the logo block in the header template part.
Can I choose a different header design?
If your theme offers several header patterns, a pattern selector appears in the template settings.
