The block editor makes site creation fast and flexible. Now, you can use that same huge library of blocks available when editing your pages and posts to edit and customize your sidebars, headers, and footers.

What are Widgets?

Sidebars, headers, and footers on your WordPress.com website are powered by widgets. Widgets are small but powerful modules to arrange and display content and tools around the edges of your posts and pages. Until now, widgets have been the best way to insert a variety of content — from calendars to social icons — into the sidebar, header, and footer of your site.

Flexibility with the Block Editor

Setting up and managing widgets was a very static and often tricky process. The block editor you're familiar with in pages and posts is now part of the widgets editor. This aims to put editing power in your control.

You're no longer limited to just widgets — any block is for your choosing.

For example, in your sidebar, header, and footer, you can now:

  • Tweak the structure by adding columns or spacers
  • Quickly add content like a Search block or a header
  • Format content via colors and rich text editing

What About Older Widgets?

Every widget that exists today will be incorporated into blocks.

But don't worry — your current widgets will still work and can be used alongside your other blocks. Even legacy widgets that don't have a block equivalent will work. Just use your preferred method of inserting a block, search for the widget's name, and insert.

Getting Started

If you've never edited the content in your sidebar, header, or footer, now is a great time to experiment!

To edit the content, go to Appearance → Customize → Widgets and you'll now be able to directly add widgets and any blocks, while previewing exactly what they'll look like on your site.

This update is just one more step on the way to a more intuitive site editing experience. Go forth and create!