How to Edit Header in WordPress Like a Pro

Let’s face it, WordPress is the Beyoncé of content management systems. It’s a fan favorite, and for good reason. Whether you’re looking to edit the header in WordPress or simply launch a brand-new site, it’s all incredibly straightforward. With just a couple of clicks (no tech wizardry required), you can whip up a blog or website that’s ready to roll. 

Usually, getting your WordPress site live is a breeze. Just snag a WordPress hosting plan, log into your hosting account, install WordPress, pick a snazzy free or premium theme, and follow the ridiculously easy setup instructions. You’re online. 

But here’s the kicker—what if you want more than just a basic website? Maybe you’re itching to show off by integrating Google Analytics, impress the bots with Google Search Console, or swap out that default site header image for something more (like a custom video). 

If you’re new to this whole website-owner gig but want to take your site to the next level or tweak that all-important header, fear not. Even if this is your first rodeo, you can totally customize your WordPress header like a pro.  

This post will walk you through the oh-so-simple steps on how to edit header in WordPress. Ready? Let’s dive in.  

What the Heck is a WordPress Header?  

The header of your WordPress site is like the trusty signpost at the entrance of a shop. It’s that top part of your site where you typically find your logo and the all-important navigation bar (the menu that keeps your visitors from wandering around aimlessly). But hey, don’t think you’re limited to just the basics. You can also edit your header area in WordPress site with cool extras like a search bar, images, or even a video.

Look at the header for the blog you’re reading now. Yep, that’s the one. It stays consistent no matter which page you click on, making it super easy for visitors to always spot your logo, navigation bar, and any other fancy elements you’ve thrown in there.

And behind the scenes? Your header is doing even more heavy lifting. This is where you sneak in all sorts of invisible goodies—like Google Analytics tracking, Facebook Pixel, or even some verification codes for Google Search Console and Pinterest. All these hidden codes make your website smarter without your visitors even knowing it. Pretty slick, huh?

Different Types of WordPress Site’s Header 

Your WordPress header doesn’t have to look like every other site on the block. Depending on the vibe and functionality you want, there are a few types of headers to choose from. Let’s take a quick tour, shall we?  

Default Header

This is the standard issue header—clean, simple, and steady. It lives at the top of your website and usually contains your logo and navigation menu. As users scroll down the page, the default header stays put at the top, doing its thing quietly. 

Sticky Header (aka The Header That Won’t Quit)

A sticky header, also known as a fixed header, follows you as you scroll down the page, like that loyal friend who’s always got your back. It’s convenient for websites with a ton of content—like blogs, articles, or service pages—because users don’t have to scroll all the way back up to navigate. So, everything they need is always just one scroll away.  

Transparent Header (for That Modern, Sleek Look)

Want to show off those gorgeous images or videos in your header? Enter the transparent header. This style lets the content beneath peek through with a semi-transparent background, giving your site a cool, modern feel. Just ensure you have a solid design plan so your header text and elements are also easy to read. And hey, if the design side gets tricky, you can always call in a WordPress developer for backup. 

5 Ways to Give Your WordPress Header a Makeover 

Method 1: Edit Your WordPress Header Using the WordPress Theme Customizer  

Let’s kick things off with the easiest and most user-friendly method—the trusty WordPress Theme Customizer. This is your go-to tool for giving your site’s header a quick refresh without breaking a sweat. Follow this step-by-step guide:

• First, log in to your WordPress admin dashboard. You can also get there by typing ‘wp-admin’ at the end of your domain URL.  
• Now that you’re in, click the ‘Appearance’ tab on the left-side menu. Then, select ‘Customize’ from the dropdown menu.

• Here’s the catch—header settings may play hide-and-seek depending on your theme. Look for sections like ‘Header,’ ‘Header & Navigation,’ or ‘Header Options.’ Once you spot it, give it a click. 
• Now, depending on your theme, you’ll have all sorts of options to play with: 
  • Site Title/Logo: Switch up your site title or upload a custom logo to give your site some extra flair.  
  • Site Tagline: Want to show off your tagline or keep it a secret? The choice is yours.  
  • Header Image/Gradient: Feeling artsy? Set an image or a fancy gradient background for your header.  
  • Navigation Menu: Pick your primary navigation menu, tweak its placement, and style it just the way you like it.  
  • Header Layout: Adjust the layout’s width, height, and alignment until it’s picture-perfect.  
  • Header Text and Colors: Play around with text colors, link colors, and typography until you’ve nailed the perfect look. 
• As you make changes, the WordPress Customizer gives you a sneak peek in real-time. So, make sure everything looks just right before you make it official. 
• Once you’re happy with the new look, hit that magic ‘Publish’ or ‘Save & Publish’ button. Your changes will go live, and your WordPress website’s header will shine like a newly polished trophy.  
• Head over to your website in a fresh browser tab and admire your handiwork. 

Pro Tip: Clear your cache to make sure you’re seeing the latest and greatest version of your header.  

One more thing—every theme is different, so the customization options you see might vary. If your current theme doesn’t give you the flexibility you crave, it might be time for a new theme or even custom WordPress design services.  

And hey, before you go all in on changes, always back up your site or work on a staging site. That way, you avoid any “oops” moments that could lead to accidental data loss or disruptions.  

Method 2: Edit the Header in WordPress Using the Full Site Editor (For the Bold & Brave) 

If you’re ready to level up and want a bit more advanced customization options, the WordPress Full Site Editor (FSE) is your go-to. It’s like the superhero version of the WordPress Theme Customizer, giving you more control and flexibility to customize your header. Additionally, it’s powered by the awesome Gutenberg block editor. Let’s break down the process: 

• First, log in to your WordPress admin dashboard. You’re the captain of this ship, and it’s time to steer it towards customization greatness. 
• Head over to the ‘Appearance’ menu. Now, instead of clicking ‘Customize,’ go ahead and choose ‘Editor’. It will take you to the Full Site Editor, where advanced customization magic happens.

• In the Full Site Editor, you’ll see a live preview of your website (pretty sweet, huh?). Your header will usually be hanging out at the top, labeled as ‘Header’ or ‘Site Header.’ Click on it to open the treasure chest of header editing options. 
• This Editor lets you do full site editing. So, you can do all sorts of cool stuff to your site’s header:  
  • Change Your Logo: Swap out your site logo with a shiny new one or stick with the classic—your call.  
  • Add Blocks: Yep, you can add text, images, buttons, or anything else using blocks. Want a header with a search block, social media icons, and a cat gif? You got it. 
  • Adjust Header Height: Make your website’s header taller or shorter to fit your vision (or mood). Whether you want a towering banner or a sleek, minimal look, it’s all within reach.  
  • Arrange Header Elements: Using blocks, you can easily align text, buttons, and images left, center, or right—total creative freedom. 
  • Sticky Header Option: Want your header to follow visitors down the page? Just enable the sticky header feature, and voilà! Your site logo block and nav links will stay right where they should—at the top, always within reach.  
• The Full Site Editor comes with a nifty real-time preview feature. So, as you tweak and twist your header, you’ll see exactly how it looks on your site. 
• Once everything looks perfect and you’re ready to roll, click ‘Update’ or ‘Publish.’ Just like that, your custom header is live for the world to see.  
• Head to your website, give it a refresh and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your revamped website header should be shining like a newly minted coin. 

Just remember—your theme and installed plugins might still limit what’s possible with a header, but the sky’s the limit with Full Site Editor. 

Method 3: Edit Your WordPress Header Adding Custom Code (A Brave Adventure)  

The route to custom coding gives you laser-precision control over your site’s look and feel. But it’s a bit like working without a safety net—unless you’re packing some serious HTML, CSS, and PHP skills. Not quite there yet? No worries—this might be a great time to call in a WordPress developer (a.k.a. the pros who speak fluent code) for professional web design service. But if you’re all set to dive in, here’s the roadmap:

• Before you touch a single line of code, you need to back up your WordPress site. Whether you use a handy plugin like UpdraftPlus or do a manual backup, it’s your safety net if things don’t go according to plan.
• Head to your WordPress Dashboard and navigate to Tools ? Theme File Editor (for some themes, you may find this setting in Appearance ? Theme File Editor). Select your child theme (because editing the parent theme is risky business), and you’re ready to tinker.

• Now locate the header.php file (or something like header-template.php). This is where all the magic happens, so open it up in the code editor.
• Here’s where things get serious. Edit your header’s HTML, CSS, and PHP to match your vision. Want to swap out the logo? Update the HTML. Need to change the header’s style? Hit that CSS. But, be careful with PHP code—it can break your site faster than you can say “White Screen of Death.”

If you’re unsure about what to do, don’t hesitate to check out your theme’s documentation or tag in a WordPress developer for backup.

• Once you’ve made the changes, hit Save on the header.php file. And yes, you can breathe again now.
• Head over to your website and check out that shiny new header you just customized. Is everything looking good? No unexpected hiccups? Awesome.
• Right-click on your page and hit Inspect to make sure your new header looks amazing across all devices—desktop, tablet, and mobile. You want it to look sharp everywhere, right?
• If things go sideways (like the dreaded White Screen of Death), don’t panic. You’ve got that backup ready to go. Review your code, check for any syntax errors or conflicts with other plugins, and you’ll have everything back on track in no time.

Note: Editing your header with custom code offers unparalleled control, but with great power comes great responsibility. Be sure to document your changes and keep those backups handy—just in case your customization spree doesn’t go exactly as planned. 

Method 5: Edit the Header in WordPress via FTP (For the Bold and Brave)  

Again, this method is for the WordPress daredevils out there—those who know their way around HTML, CSS, and PHP. Ready to give it a whirl? Let’s dive in:

• First, you’ll need an FTP client to access your web server, and FileZilla is a fan favorite.

• Here’s what you need before connecting:  
  • Host/Server Address: Usually your domain name (e.g., ftp.yoursite.com) or server IP address.
  • FTP Username and Password: Your hosting provider hooks you up with these.
  • Port: FTP typically uses port 21, but check with your hosting provider just to be sure.
• Once you’ve got your info, fire up your FTP client, and let’s get connected. 
• Now, head to the WordPress root directory (aka public_html). From there, navigate to /wp-content/themes/. This is where all your theme goodies are stored.  
• Look for the file named header.php (or maybe header-template.php, depending on your theme). Right-click on it and hit Download—this will save it to your local computer. And hey, make sure you keep a backup. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later.  
• It’s time to crack open that file in a text editor like Notepad or Visual Studio Code. Now, you can work your magic—add, remove, or modify anything from header images to navigation menus. 

Just remember, when you’re editing PHP, one tiny mistake can break your entire site. So, proceed with caution (or have a WordPress developer on speed dial).

• Once you’ve made your changes, save the updated header.php file on your computer. Now it’s time to put it back where it belongs.  
• In your FTP client, navigate back to the same directory where you found header.php. Right-click on your freshly edited file and hit Upload—you’ll be overwriting the original header file on the server.  
• Now, the moment of truth—head over to your site and see how those changes look. Everything working perfectly? No glitches? You, my friend, have just edited your WordPress header via FTP. 

Note: Editing your site’s header through FTP is another way to add custom code, but as always, make sure you know what you’re doing. Keep regular backups, document your changes, and never hesitate to ask for help if things get tricky. 

Method 5: Edit Your WordPress Header Using the Insert Headers and Footers Plugin (Because Coding Isn’t for Everyone) 

Let’s face it—not all of us are ready to dive into the deep end of coding. Thankfully, WordPress is an open-source superhero, which means other brilliant minds out there have created plugins to handle the nitty-gritty for you. And guess what? There’s one plugin that’s tailor-made for header footer edits, and no coding is needed—the Insert Headers and Footers plugin. 

Ready to learn how to work this magic? Here’s the rundown:

• Log in to your WordPress admin page. 
• In your left navigation menu, hover over ‘Plugins’ and click on ‘Add New Plugin.’ Once you’re on the Plugins page, type “Insert Headers and Footers” in the search bar.

• Found it? Great. Now click ‘Install’ and then hit the ‘Activate’ button. Voilà—your new favorite plugin is ready for action. 
• Once the plugin is activated, head over to your admin panel, hover over ‘Settings,’ and click on ‘Insert Headers and Footers.’ This is where the magic happens—it’s like your secret WordPress workshop for header (and footer) edits. 
• You’ll see a few boxes in this plugin, like Scripts in Header, Scripts in Body, and Scripts in Footer. To edit your header, paste your custom code into the Scripts in Header box.  
• Hit ‘Save,’ and that’s it. Your website header is now customized without a single line of code being manually written—how cool is that?

Creating Multiple WordPress Header Template Areas (Yep, You Can Have More Than One)  

Guess what? WordPress doesn’t just let you edit one header for your site—it’s got more tricks up its sleeve. You can create custom headers for different templates, and the best part? It’s easier than you think. Also, with some cool premade headers (called block patterns), switching up the look of your site is as easy as snapping your fingers. 

Let’s walk through how to create a new header for specific templates—using the Single Post Template as our guinea pig.

• First, head over to the Site Editor and click on Templates. Find the Single Template, where we’ll craft a custom header just for your blog posts.

• When you open it up, you’ll notice the site header from the last section chilling there. Pro tip: don’t touch it. If you edit that header, your changes will show up site-wide—and we want a new look, not a full makeover. 
• Let’s remove that existing header for this template. Click on the List View icon, select the header, and hit the little ellipsis (those three dots that hide all the fun stuff). Finally, click Remove Header—buh-bye. 
• Now, to add a new header hit the Block Inserter and search for the Header Block. Add it to your single post template, and boom—you’re on your way to a fresh look. 

But Wait, There’s More You Can Do with Site Editor  

When it comes to creating your new header, you’ve got options—like, lots of them.

Option 1: Using a Premade Header Pattern (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Shortcut?)  

If you’re in a hurry or just want to see some stylish options, WordPress has your back with block patterns. To check them out, go to the Patterns Tab and search for Headers. You’ll see a whole bunch of premade headers for the Twenty Twenty-Three theme. You can also hit the Explore button to browse the entire WordPress pattern library.  

Heads up: Not all header patterns include navigation elements, so if you’re looking for those nifty menus, you might need to grab a navigation pattern or use a menu plugin to get exactly what you want.  

Option 2: Creating a New Header from Scratch (For the DIYers) 

Are you feeling creative? Build your header from the ground up by choosing to Add New Pattern > Add New Template Part.

• Once you click Add New Template Pan, you’ll be prompted to name this new masterpiece. Then click Add.  
• Once your new header is locked in, you can start adding blocks right in the page editor. 
• Want to get fancy? Click Edit to jump into the template editor, where you can add rows, blocks, and everything your heart desires to design a totally unique header. The world (or, at least, your website) is your oyster. 

Now, you’ve got the tools to edit and give your header in WordPress website a custom look that shine on every page. Cool, right?  

Importance of Responsive Headers  

Let’s face it, we’re living in a mobile-first world, and your website’s header has to keep up. Think of it as the digital welcome mat for your visitors—if it’s not rolling out the right message on every device, you could be turning people away before they even get started. 

A responsive header is like a chameleon; it adjusts perfectly to fit any screen size. Whether your visitors are scrolling on their phones, tablets, or desktops, they should be able to see your brand, navigate easily, and maybe even click that irresistible CTA button. 

Ignore mobile-first design, and your bounce rates could skyrocket faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer. Also, search engines like Google love a good responsive site, so it’s a win for both user experience and SEO. 

Adjusting Header Elements for Mobile View   

Smaller Fonts: Big, bold fonts are awesome on desktop but can take up way too much space on mobile. Shrink them down for a sleeker, more readable header.  

Less Padding: Tighten up the space around your elements. Less padding means more room for the good stuff—your logo, menu, and CTA.  

Collapsible Menus: Instead of showing a full menu on mobile, opt for a collapsible (or hamburger) menu. It keeps things tidy, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a good burger? 

Tools to Test Your Header for Responsiveness  

Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test: Just pop in your URL, and this tool gives you the thumbs up (or down) on whether your header plays nicely with mobile devices. Also, it’ll tell you exactly what’s messing up your mobile vibe if something’s off.  

Browser Dev Tools: Both Chrome and Firefox offer snazzy built-in tools that let you simulate all kinds of devices. It’s like playing dress-up with your header—try it out in different screen sizes and see how it performs. Spot any weird overlaps or misaligned logo image? Now’s the time to fix it.  

How to Add Images to Your WordPress Header (It’s Easier Than You Think)  

Ready to jazz up your site’s header section with a killer image? Before you dive in, there’s one thing to check first: does your theme even support custom header images? If so, great. Let’s walk you through the process on how to edit header image in WordPress: 

Step 1: Check if Your Theme Supports Custom Header Images  

Every theme is a little different, so here’s where things might vary. From your WordPress dashboard, click on Appearance and look for one of these options: 

Editor: If you’ve got the Site Editor, use the Cover block to upload your header image. It’s a snap.  

Customize: Find the Header Image option under Customize, and you’re in business.  

Step 2: Upload a Header Image Using the Site Editor

If you’re using a theme like Twenty Twenty-Two, you’ve got some serious flexibility. Here’s what to do with the header’s appearance:

• Head to Appearance ? Editor.
• Click on the area where you want your header image—typically right above your site’s title and menu.
• Click the + Block Inserter icon to add a new block.
• Search for the Cover block and select it.
• Click Upload to add your image from your computer, or hit Select Media to use an image already in your media library.

Pro tip: You can even add video headers here if you’re feeling fancy. 

Step 3: Upload a Header Image Using the Customizer 

Some themes use the Customizer, and if yours is one of them, here’s your playbook:

• Navigate to Appearance ? Customize.
• Look for the Header Image option (if it’s not there, sorry, your theme doesn’t support header images).
• Click Add New Image.
• Choose an image from your Media Library or upload a new one from your computer.

Step 4: Choose the Right Image (Because First Impressions Matter)  

Let’s talk image formats: stick to .jpeg, .gif, or .png files for the best results. Size-wise, every site is different, but here are a few common scenarios you might run into:

• If your image looks blurry, go for a larger resolution. 
• If it doesn’t stretch across the full width, upload a wider image. 
• If it’s taking forever to load, shrink the file size. 

A good rule of thumb? Try using a 16:9 aspect ratio—something like 1920 x 1080 pixels usually works like a charm. Some themes even tell you the perfect image dimensions. 

Head to Appearance ? Themes, select Info and scroll to Quick Specs for any recommendations. 

How to Delete Header Images (When It’s Time for a Change) 

Want to ditch your current header image? No problem. Here’s the deal:

• In your Customizer, simply click the Hide Image button. 
• Alternatively, head to Appearance ? Header and remove the uploaded image.

Heads up: Changing things like header size, borders, or colors may require a deep dive into your theme files. Always check your theme’s instructions if you want to tweak things further. 

And don’t forget to hit Save Changes once everything looks just right. 

How to Add Videos to a WordPress Header (Because Static Images Are So Yesterday) 

Let’s face it—video headers are a game-changer. Whether you’re a real estate agent showing off prime properties, a vacation firm tempting people with dreamy destinations, or a charitable organization sharing impactful stories, video is your new best friend. Why? Visitors love video, and it builds trust faster than static images. ALso, it just looks cool. 

Now, there are two ways to edit videos to the header of your WordPress site. First is adding local video in .mp4 format and second is embedding YouTube video.  

To add a local video in .mp4 format, you can upload it directly to your Media Library. But we don’t recommend it. Because even a tiny 8MB video in your header can gobble up your bandwidth like nobody’s business. Every time someone visits your site, that video will auto-play, and your bandwidth will skyrocket, which is not ideal. 

Avoid this bandwidth trap by embedding videos from YouTube. Here’s how: 

• Go to the WordPress dashboard and navigate to the Appearance tab. 
• Click on Customize and then Header Media. 
• Now, pop your YouTube link into the header media section, and boom—you’ve got a sleek, professional video header. 

With your new video header, your website’s about to get a whole lot more engaging. 

Pro Tip: It’s always smart to add a fallback image to your video header. If your visitor’s browser can’t handle the video or takes forever to load it, they’ll be staring at a big ol’ empty space. Not a good look. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Edit Header in WordPress

Editing your WordPress header can feel like stepping into a DIY project—easy to start but just as easy to mess up. Here are some pitfalls to dodge:  

Overwriting Existing Header Code Without Backup: Rule #1 of WordPress tinkering—always make a backup. Overwrite your header code without one, and you might end up with a blank page (cue the panic). Save yourself the heartache and back it up before you dive in.  

Using Non-Responsive Images or Videos: Think all your images and videos will magically resize for mobile? Think again. Non-responsive media can wreck your header’s look on smaller screens. Make sure everything scales properly, or risk showing visitors a pixelated mess. 

Ignoring Site Speed and Performance: Got a giant image or video file sitting in your header? Your site speed could take a nosedive. Slow headers frustrate visitors and can hurt your SEO. Keep your media files optimized for faster loading, or your visitors might bail before they even get to your content. 

Conclusion: Ready to Edit Header of Your WordPress site? 

Customizing your WordPress header section is like giving your website a stylish makeover. Whether you’re jazzing it up with custom code or using a handy plugin, it’s all about making your site uniquely yours. Adding code to your header is also how you’ll integrate tracking tools and other nifty features. 

So, if you’re itching to dive into header customization, you’ve got options. You can either roll up your sleeves and edit the header.php file yourself or take the easy route with the Insert Headers and Footers plugin. 

And remember, WordPress is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. Ready to get started? Swing by HostGator and check out our affordable WordPress hosting plans. Your dream site is just a click away. 

FAQs: Edit Header in WordPress