WordPress themes<\/a> allow widgets on sidebars. There can be just one, or several possible sidebars for your site. But since themes constantly get better, widgetized areas keep on expanding. The chances are that your current theme allows you to attach widgets to the footer, header or even below content in posts and pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to know where you can use widgets?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Don’t worry; you won’t have to explore much since all widget-ready areas are listed in Appearance -> Widgets<\/em>. Once you open the page, available areas are located on the right side. If you use WordPress’ Twenty Seventeen theme, you can expect one sidebar and two footer areas that accept widgets.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSince WordPress widgets are designed for beginners, it’s relatively easy to add ones to your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nGo to Appearance -> Widgets<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\nChoose a widget from the “Available Widgets” list on the left side<\/li>\n\n\n\n Add a widget:\n\nDrag the widget to a widgetized area on the right side or<\/li>\n\n\n\n Click on the widget and select where to add it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n Fill in the details and check the options<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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Depending on a widget, you can expect different functions and options. From the very moment you drop it to its new location, WordPress will open options available for that particular widget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, if you selected the Text widget, you will immediately get the opportunity to write in title and content. Take note that each widget has a save button, so don’t forget to preserve the changes before navigating away.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Any widget can be used multiple times on your WordPress website.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
What if you can’t use drag and drop technique?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n In rare occasions, you might not be able to use drag&drop functionality to add new widgets. In that case, you can enable a more straightforward option:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLook to the top of the Widgets page and click on “Screen Options”<\/li>\n\n\n\n Click “Enable accessibility mode”<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nThis will show widgets in somewhat different surroundings where each component will get an “Add” button next to it. Then, to add a widget, click the button, select its options and choose a widgetized area where you want to add it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To turn off the accessibility mode, go back to “Screen Options” and choose “Disable accessibility mode”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inactive Widgets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n If you delete a widget from any of the widgetized areas, all settings that you applied to it will be lost. So, in order not to lose the configuration, you can hide a widget from the public by dragging it to the “Inactive Widgets” list that can be found on the left side of the page. If you do so, no settings will be lost. Instead, that particular widget will sit on the list and wait for you to reactivate it when needed.<\/p>\n\n\n
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When switching themes that have a different number of sidebars and other widget-ready areas, you may end up losing some widgets. Don’t worry; if WordPress weren’t able to recognize new widget areas, it would move them to the “Inactive Widgets” list. To reactivate them, just move widgets to a newly available location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Manage with Live Preview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n If you are more of a visual type and you need to have a preview of what you’re doing, there is a treat for you. On top of the page, click on the “Manage with Live Preview” button. This will open up a new screen.<\/p>\n\n\n
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While previewing the homepage, the Customizer will show you widgetized area on the left side. Choose a sidebar, footer or any other area you have to edit it. From here, you can modify existing widgets or add new ones. What’s different here is that you can immediately see all changes done to the widgets. If you want to reorder widgets, just drag and drop them in the position that you like from the left side of the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n