Creating a unique WordPress page template is an interesting part of website development but can sometimes be challenging. By using a tailored template, the developer can resonate with the idea of uniqueness and engaging content. This article explores an easy method to create a unique WordPress Page template.

What is a Page Template in WordPress?

In literal meaning, a page template is a PHP file that is used to control the layout and design of individual pages. It offers a customized appearance and display of either a specific page or a set of pages without affecting the theme’s core design. As such each page template has a different structure, style, and design for content presentation.

A Page Template refers to a creative group of blocks combined to create a design for a webpage.

Uses of Page Templates

Generally, developers tend to maintain a consistent and cohesive design of a website. However, there are some developers who prefer having different designs for different pages to make them unique and appealing.

A tailored WordPress page template is used for various purposes. For example:

• to show recent posts of each category
• depicting location via Google Maps
• showing a list of authors and their works
• showing recently uploaded images and posts
• customized portfolio

Steps to create a unique WordPress page template

Step 1 – get accustomed to the WordPress theme template

The theme has multiple template files that serve certain purposes. So, before designing a unique WordPress theme, it is important to know and analyze the theme hierarchy. WordPress has templates in the following order:

• Page Template
• Page -{slug}.php
• page-{id}.php
• page.php
• singular.php
• index.php

Step 2 – Start with a Copy of an Existing Template File

to make a unique template design, start by making a copy of the existing template file. The widely used template file for pages is page.php. Replicate this file and rename it as desired.

Step – 3 Edit the Template File

Open the copied file in the text editor or code editor, such as Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, etc., and modify the HTML structure and CSS style according to the desired customization. It allows users to re-arrange elements, add or remove sections, and alter the template’s layout.

Step 4 – Add Template Tags and WordPress Functions

Insert template tags and WordPress functions according to desired needs. These tags will enable dynamic content like page titles, page content, featured images, and navigation menus.

For Example, to display page title:

• <h1><?php the_title(); ?></h1>

To use other template tags:

• <?php the_content(); ?> <!– Displays the page content –>
• <?php the_post_thumbnail(); ?> <!– Displays the featured image –>

Step 5 – Save and Upload the Custom Template File

After making the desired changes, save the custom file with the .php extension and then upload this template file to the WordPress theme directory on the hosting server. An FTP client or a built-in theme editor can do this.

Step 6 – Assign the Custom Template to a Page

In the WordPress admin panel:

• Navigate to the Pages section
• Either create a new paper or edit an existing one
• Locate the Page Attribute section
• From the Template dropdown, choose the preferred custom template
• Save and update the page

Step 7 – Preview and Fine-Tune

After making the necessary customization, have a look at the page. Make changes if needed, or continue with the process until the desired outcome is achieved.

Conclusion

Creating a unique WordPress Template is a powerful way of changing the website’s aesthetics. By following a simple method and analyzing the hierarchy of themes, the user can just upturn the existing template and create or modify the template’s theme. The rationale is to improve the website’s appeal to users to increase the overall user experience ultimately.