What is theme.json file in WordPress and how to use it
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2025 10:06 am
The theme.json file is an important part of WordPress block themes and controls many aspects of your site's appearance and functionality. If you've recently switched from a classic theme to a block theme, you may be wondering what this file is and whether you should edit it.
You are not alone. We and many WPBeginner users have wondered the same thing. So we decided to dig deeper into the topic to provide a complete guide.
In this article, we will explain what a theme.json file is, why it is important, and how you can use it to customize your WordPress site.
What is theme.json File in WordPress and How to Use It
What is WordPress theme.json file?
The theme.json file is a special theme file introduced in WordPress 5.8 . It plays a key role in the full site editing experience (FSE) , which allows you to visually customize every aspect of your WordPress block theme.
Essentially, the theme.json file acts as a blueprint that controls the style and functionality of the block bahamas telemarketing data theme. It contains the code that tells WordPress how different elements, such as colors, typography, layouts, and templates, should look and behave.
Why do WordPress block themes need a theme.json file?
Changing a block theme in WordPress is different than changing a classic theme .
Classic themes use the functions.php file to enable features like custom menus or featured images with the add_theme_support(). You can then style these features with CSS rules in the CSS stylesheet (style.css).
The add theme support function in functions.php
In block themes , theme.json serves as a central hub for everything that defines the look and feel of your block theme. It allows you to define things like fonts, colors, and layout options in one place, replacing the need for add_theme_support()functions.php.
You are not alone. We and many WPBeginner users have wondered the same thing. So we decided to dig deeper into the topic to provide a complete guide.
In this article, we will explain what a theme.json file is, why it is important, and how you can use it to customize your WordPress site.
What is theme.json File in WordPress and How to Use It
What is WordPress theme.json file?
The theme.json file is a special theme file introduced in WordPress 5.8 . It plays a key role in the full site editing experience (FSE) , which allows you to visually customize every aspect of your WordPress block theme.
Essentially, the theme.json file acts as a blueprint that controls the style and functionality of the block bahamas telemarketing data theme. It contains the code that tells WordPress how different elements, such as colors, typography, layouts, and templates, should look and behave.
Why do WordPress block themes need a theme.json file?
Changing a block theme in WordPress is different than changing a classic theme .
Classic themes use the functions.php file to enable features like custom menus or featured images with the add_theme_support(). You can then style these features with CSS rules in the CSS stylesheet (style.css).
The add theme support function in functions.php
In block themes , theme.json serves as a central hub for everything that defines the look and feel of your block theme. It allows you to define things like fonts, colors, and layout options in one place, replacing the need for add_theme_support()functions.php.