How to switch to HTML view in WordPress

When working with WordPress, sometimes you may need to edit the HTML directly to customize your content beyond what the visual editor allows. WordPress provides multiple ways to How to switch to HTML view in WordPress, whether you’re editing a post, page, or theme files.

Why Edit HTML in WordPress?

Editing HTML allows you to:

• Customize the design and structure of your content.
• Add custom styles and scripts.
• Fix formatting issues that the block editor may not handle well.
• Embed third-party code snippets.

Methods to How to switch to HTML view in WordPress

1. Using the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg)

The Block Editor, introduced in WordPress 5.0, allows users to edit individual blocks as HTML.

1. Open the WordPress post or page you want to edit.
2. Click on the block you wish to modify.
3. Click on the three-dot menu (•••) in the block toolbar.
4. Select “Edit as HTML”.
5. Modify the HTML code and switch back to “Edit visually” if needed.

2. Switching to Code Editor Mode in Gutenberg

For those who want to see the entire post in HTML format:

1. Click on the three-dot menu at the top-right corner of the editor.
2. Select “Code editor“.
3. This will display the entire post or page in HTML format.

3. Using the Classic Editor

If you’re using the Classic Editor (TinyMCE):

1. Open the post or page.
2. Click on the “Text” tab in the editor.
3. Make the necessary HTML changes.
4. Switch back to “Visual” mode if needed.

4. Editing Theme Files in WordPress

If you need to modify the structure of your WordPress theme, you can edit theme files:

1. Go to Appearance > Theme Editor.
2. Locate the file you need to edit (e.g., header.php, footer.php).
3. Make your HTML changes and click “Update File”.

Alternatively, you can use FTP or a file manager to access your WordPress files for more extensive modifications.

Precautions When Editing HTML in WordPress

• Backup Your Site: Before making any changes, ensure you have a recent backup.
• Use a Child Theme: If modifying theme files, use a child theme to prevent updates from overwriting your changes.
• Test Changes in a Staging Environment: This prevents errors from affecting your live website.

Conclusion

How to switch to HTML view in WordPress is essential for users who need finer control over their content and design. Whether you’re using the Block Editor, Classic Editor, or modifying theme files, WordPress provides various ways to access and edit HTML efficiently.