Wordpress uses a block editor, which provides a great deal of flexibility when designing webpages. The basic template options are a Full-Width layout or a Two-Column layout, which then determines which blocks can be used to further build out a page.
Page layouts (Full-Width vs. Two-Column) must be consistent within their related navigation link sets. If one page is Full-Width, then the rest in that set must also be Full-Width to ensure a consistent and cohesive user experience.
Review the Web Platform Strategy for more about site architecture and theme design.
Full-Width Layout
A Full-Width layout is used for all top-level pages. This layout works well to provide an engaging landing page with a high-level overview that routes users off to more specific pages.
- Used for all pages at level 1 in the site hierarchy
- May be used for pages at level 2 and 3, depending on content organization needs
- Cannot be used for pages at level 4 or lower in the site hierarchy
- Must include a Hero Panel at the top of the page
- Line Art Squiggles are allowed in the Hero Panel only for pages at level 1
- Breadcrumbs are required in the Hero Panel if the page is at level 3
Two-Column Layout
A Two-Column layout is used for most pages across the website as it works well to provide an information-focused page that relies more on text than images. The navigation link set displayed in the second column allows for users to explore further within a subset of related webpages.
- Used for all pages at level 4 or lower in the site hierarchy
- May be used for pages at level 2 and 3, depending on content organization needs
- Must include a navigation link set in the right column