The WordPress project is slowly but surely inching toward responsive block settings. Version 6.9 introduced the Block Visibility feature, allowing you to temporarily disable a block without deleting it from a post. WordPress 7.0 took it a step further by adding options to hide a block based on device.

Perhaps it’s a niche feature. But it’s also quite handy for targeting mobile or desktop users with specific blocks. And it’s also a gateway to more responsive controls landing in WordPress 7.1.

Today’s tip will show you how easy it is to show or hide a block based on a user’s device. Here we go!

Sample Project: Simplify a Hero Area for Mobile Users

Here’s a common scenario: Your website has a large hero area, complete with a high-resolution image, text, and a call to action (CTA). It looks great on a desktop device but is clunky on a phone. The image is too big, and there’s too much text for users to digest. What to do?

The responsive Block Visibility controls will make this a piece of cake. We’ll create two hero areas – one for desktop and another optimized for mobile. The result will be a better user experience for everyone.

Step 1: Create Desktop and Mobile Hero Areas

The first step is to create the two hero areas for our page. We’ll grab one from the WordPress Block Pattern library and see what we can do with it.

Our desktop hero area is beautiful on the big screen! It should also work well on tablets, such as an iPad. However, it may be overwhelming for mobile users.

Let’s simplify. We duplicated the desktop hero and made a few changes:

• We replaced the image with a cropped version that is optimized for smaller screens.
• We centered the text and CTA.
• We replaced the three columns of text with one, shorter passage.
• Finally, we tightened up the spacing to reduce scrolling.

The mobile hero offers the same immersive look without the extra bulk.

Step 2: Assign Hero Areas to Their Respective Devices

As of now, our page has two hero areas, each contained within a Group block. The next step is to set one of them to display on desktop/tablet devices, and the other on mobile. We’ll use the Block Visibility feature to make it happen.

Desktop/Tablet Devices:

• Click on the Desktop Hero block we created.
• Click on the Options menu (⋮) and select Hide Block.
• Choose the Hide on Mobile option.
• Click the Apply button and save the page.

Mobile Devices:

• Click on the Mobile Hero block we created.
• Click on the Options menu (⋮) and select Hide Block.
• We’ll choose two options this time: Hide on Desktop, Hide on Tablet
• Click the Apply button and save the page.

You may notice that the mobile hero no longer displays on the Block Editor canvas. That’s the desired result, as it won’t be in the way when working in Desktop preview mode.

Switch to Mobile preview mode, and you’ll see the opposite effect. The desktop hero is hidden, allowing the mobile version to take over. You can edit these blocks when in the appropriate preview mode.

Note that you can also view and edit these blocks using the Document Overview (List View) feature (Shift+Alt+O). Select the block, click on the Options menu (⋮), and select Show from the menu. You can hide it again once you’re finished editing.

Oh, and be sure to test on different devices! It’s not enough to shrink your desktop’s browser window. You can use your browser’s dev tools to emulate a mobile device if you don’t have one handy.

Use Different WordPress Blocks on Different Devices

It’s often the little extras that make the biggest difference. Targeting different devices via the Block Visibility feature is a prime example. Its release didn’t draw much fanfare. However, it makes WordPress more flexible for designers.

Before WordPress 7.0, we’d have to work around this limitation. That could mean installing a specialized plugin or writing custom CSS rules in a theme. Now, we’re only a few clicks away from choosing which blocks display on a given device.

The feature saves us time, improves the user experience, and won’t hog server resources. Most of all, it’s a sign of things to come for WordPress.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How to Hide WordPress Blocks Based on Device appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

It’s risky to apply these features to a production website without proper testing. As such, a staging site is crucial to ensure everything works. This enables you to catch bugs before they impact users. It also allows you to experiment with new features.

What is a staging site? It’s a copy of your production website that lives elsewhere. Common examples include a separate install on your web host or a local installation. The content doesn’t necessarily have to match. However, the site’s theme and plugins should be included to ensure an apples-to-apples comparison.

This guide will introduce you to how staging sites work, ways to implement them, and tools for building them. Soon, you’ll have everything you need to set up the perfect testing environment.

backup plugin to copy your production site and import it locally.

Here are a few tools that you can use to build a local staging environment:

Studio

Studio is a free and open-source local development environment from WordPress.com (a sponsor of Speckyboy). The app uses WordPress Playground to help you create new sites on demand with no dependencies. If you use WordPress.com or Pressable for hosting, you can also sync your local sites.

Local

Local offers one-click WordPress installations and a host of other goodies. You can use SSH or WP-CLI to manage your sites via the command line, create live links to share with others, and hot-swap PHP versions for testing. The app also syncs with sites hosted on Flywheel and WP Engine.

MAMP and XAMPP

We’ll lump these two apps together, as they are similar in scope. Both are local server environments that work on multiple operating systems. XAMPP will install an Apache/MariaDB/PHP/Perl stack. MAMP lets you choose from Apache or NGINX, along with a MySQL/PHP/Perl/Python/Ruby stack. Consider them both a bit more hands-on than the other local apps in this roundup.

WordPress Staging Plugins

Finally, we’ll introduce you to some plugins that will help you create a staging environment. Some will create a separate WordPress install on your existing host, while others connect to third-party services. You’ll also find plugins that pack up your site so that you can upload it elsewhere.

WP STAGING

WP Staging provides flexibility for how and where to create a staging environment. The plugin will clone your site to a subdirectory on your existing host. But you can also download a package to use locally or remotely. It also doubles as a daily backup plugin.

WPvivid

Create a custom site backup with WPvivid and migrate it to a subdirectory on your web host or other remote server. You can even send your site’s files to cloud services like Amazon S3, DigitalOcean Spaces, Dropbox, and Google Drive. There’s also a 1-click restore feature for rolling your site back to a previous version.

InstaWP Connect

InstaWP is a WordPress cloud service for rapid site building and deployment. You can use the InstaWP Connect plugin to copy your production website to the platform. From there, you can sync content between environments – perfect for testing new items before launch. Note that you’ll need an InstaWP account to use their service.

BlogVault

You can use BlogVault to create a staging backup to their cloud service. Make changes on staging and merge them back to your production site. The plugin also supports migrating your site to another host and will create incremental backups as you make changes. Note that BlogVault offers a 7-day free trial – you’ll need to pay for long-term access.

A Better Way To Test WordPress

A staging environment is a must-have for any mission-critical WordPress website. It’s a safe place for testing, troubleshooting, and experimenting. In addition, it provides peace of mind in knowing your work won’t negatively impact users.

The tools above will give you a great start, but some go the extra mile. Features such as site syncing and backup restoration make your job that much easier. The more automation you can bring to the process, the better.

Don’t take chances with your live website! Staging environments have never been easier to build and use. Find the tool that fits your needs and create your own personal safety net.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Best WordPress Staging Site Tools & Resources in 2026 appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

It’s also never been easier to publish an online course. What’s more, WordPress serves as a great foundation for online education. Its content and media management capabilities are a natural fit. Plus, the ability to add automation and connect to third-party services opens a world of possibilities.

Thus, it’s no surprise that learning management system (LMS) plugins have become a popular category. They enable features such as student registration, online transactions, quizzes, automated grading, and awarding certificates. They have everything you need to build, publish, and manage a course in short order.

With that in mind, let’s review a selection of top LMS plugins for WordPress. Each of them has something unique to offer, and you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. Let’s get started!

LifterLMS is a free learning management plugin for WordPress that includes all the basics. Their course builder makes it easy to create lessons, assignments, and quizzes within a custom dashboard (a common theme among the plugins listed here).

The plugin also features a variety of blocks for displaying course grids, outlines, student progress, a login form, and more. A collection of premium add-ons enables e-commerce functionality, social learning, and group management. This means the plugin will grow with you.

The free version of Tutor LMS lets you build and sell online courses with ease. Connect with students via built-in Q&A sections and lesson commenting. It also features a pleasant, easy-to-read design that allows students to focus on learning.

The pro version unlocks additional payment gateways (PayPal is the lone gateway in the free version), an AI Studio feature for generating course materials, certificates, and membership functionality.

Among Sensei’s standout features is Learning Mode, a distraction-free layout that focuses on your course content. You’ll also find a certificate creation tool, auto-graded quizzes, and analytical reports.

Upgrade to Sensei Pro for access to AI-generated quizzes, WooCommerce integration, conditional content, and a suite of custom blocks. The free Course theme will help you get your project off to a quick start.

A commercial-only plugin, LearnDash is a staple among WordPress LMS options. The plugin offers a complete turnkey solution for building and selling courses. Features include a drag-and-drop course builder, PayPal/Stripe integration, and drip-feed content.

It also integrates with third-party tools, such as WooCommerce, The Events Calendar, Gravity Forms, Slack, and Elementor. Available add-ons bring notetaking, group management, and advanced analytical capabilities. LearnDash helps you create professional-looking courses that scale.

LearnPress is a feature-packed WordPress LMS plugin for building and monetizing online courses. The plugin works with the WordPress Block Editor and Elementor out of the box. Meanwhile, you can add features such as course prerequisites, BuddyPress integration, certificates, a front-end editor, and more via free and paid add-ons.

You can even distribute your courses via the LearnPress mobile app – allowing your students to learn on the go. You’ll also find support for selling access to in-person courses.

Whether you’re new to building online courses or a pro, MasterStudy has plenty of features and flexibility. The plugin’s course builder includes options to enable course previews and reviews. You can also assign expiration dates and difficulty levels to each course.

In addition, there’s support for multiple quiz types and a quiz timer. Move up to the pro version and gain access to AI content generation, recurring subscriptions, certificates, live streaming support, and more.

Billed as a “social WordPress LMS,”” WPLMS includes an intriguing set of features. For one, the plugin offers a multi-platform framework that converts your courses to a progressive web app.

Students can optionally download a course and use it anywhere – even without an internet connection. That’s in addition to the standard features you’d expect in an LMS. This commercial option is robust to say the least.

Masteriyo is an extensible LMS solution, with over 40 available add-ons and 20+ third-party integrations. That provides plenty of customization options for course builders. The plugin can also power community-based educational platforms, where instructors sign up to teach courses.

Inside, you’ll find a certificate builder, content dripping, a student gradebook, and support for social logins. There are plenty of features to dig into.

WordPress LMS Plugins at a Glance

Turn Your WordPress Site Into a Learning Hub

The LMS plugins above offer nearly unlimited possibilities for online educators. Each takes a different approach to course building and management. With that, it’s a matter of picking the tool that fits your workflow.

There is no shortage of features or extras, either. The free plugins on our list include all the basics and are great for beginners. However, those with more complex project requirements will want to check out the premium versions – they include pro-level functionality and user experience.

One thing we haven’t mentioned yet is web hosting. LMS plugins aren’t necessarily resource hogs. But the more users you have, the more server resources you’ll need. Be sure to purchase a web hosting plan with enough storage, RAM, and CPU cycles to handle your anticipated traffic. Hint: It never hurts to leave some room for growth.

Are you looking for more tips for building a successful online course using WordPress? We have a handy guide to help.

Now that you have plenty of great options, it’s time to pick a plugin and get to work!

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post 8 Best LMS Plugins for WordPress in 2026 appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

That’s not to say AI isn’t useful or won’t last. It is a bandwagon that everyone is jumping on, however. In some cases, we’re not sure why we’re doing so.

That logic can apply to our clients using WordPress. Imagine seeing mentions of AI virtually everywhere. Well, you don’t have to imagine because that’s our reality, too. Regardless, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out.

Clients will naturally ask us about AI and how to implement it on their website. So, what should we tell them? How do we help them understand the pros and cons? Here are some ideas to help them understand AI’s potential role inside WordPress.

The Most Important Question: What’s Your Goal?

AI inspires our curiosity and makes us wonder about what’s possible. Product makers understand this and continue to add AI-powered features. We’re seeing this with WordPress plugins and third-party integrations.

It’s no surprise that clients want in on the action. Yet, AI alone doesn’t make a product better or more useful. As such, it’s important to consider why AI is (or isn’t) the answer for a given situation.

So, when a client brings up the subject of AI, the question to ask is: What’s your goal? As in, why do they think AI will be beneficial? What do they hope to accomplish with it?

Most early implementations have focused on content generation – text and images. Using AI makes sense if writing text or finding stock photos is a part of your client’s workflow. The technology excels at generating featured images, blog post excerpts, and SEO content summaries.

There’s also the much-ballyhooed/dreaded AI-powered chatbot (it depends on whom you ask). These apps perform customer service tasks and respond to user questions. They may be a fit for clients who want 24/7 coverage without hiring a human.

Other use cases are popping up. However, you and your client should define a clear goal. From there, you can decide whether AI is the right tool for the job.

Identifying the Downsides of Using AI

We often hail new technologies as the answer to all our problems. There are still concerns about AI and the companies behind it, however.

With that in mind, our clients should be fully aware of the potential downsides of adding AI features to their website:

User Privacy Concerns

AI companies require data to continue training their models. For example, we know they scrape websites to gather useful information. Implementing an AI app on your website might have similar consequences.

Clients should be aware of the risks and how a given provider handles customer data. Will they use information from your chatbot to improve their product? What happens to your customer’s contact information? How can you be sure that your data is safe?

This is vital information for every organization, particularly for compliance with privacy laws such as GDPR. In the past, apps like Google Analytics sparked privacy concerns. AI should be scrutinized just as much.

The Potential Costs

Some AI providers offer a free tier of service with strict usage limits. It may work well for small websites. For everyone else, there’s a subscription model for connecting with the provider’s API.

Estimating your usage can be difficult. That could lead to a surprise bill at the end of the month.

Educate your clients on the provider’s pricing model. Be sure to point out what happens if they exceed their allotted API calls. Some providers may have a setting to prevent overages – encourage clients to enable it. It’s an opportunity to measure usage and determine if they need a bigger budget.

AI Gets It Wrong Sometimes

AI apps have been known to provide inaccurate answers. These tools have also been tricked into returning potentially dangerous or offensive information.

Perhaps this isn’t a big deal if your client uses AI within the WordPress admin area. They aren’t likely to ask the app to do something nefarious (well, a hacker could). But what about using AI on the front-end of the site?

Such incidents can be a public relations nightmare for large organizations, and even small ones can see a negative impact on their reputation.

This is a risk worth bringing to your clients’ attention. A provider should give assurances and proof that this can’t happen with their app. Find out what, if any, safeguards are in place.

Help Your Clients Make an Informed Decision on AI

The buzz surrounding AI is understandable, and clients are right to ask about it. Everyone wants to know what the technology can do for them.

As web developers, it’s our job to help our clients figure out if AI is right for their website. A rational discussion about the good and bad is part of the process.

The truth is that some use cases are better suited for AI than others. Much depends on what your client wants to accomplish and how much they’re willing to spend. The ultimate measure of its usefulness may be the return on investment.

It all comes down to the same factors as other tools and technologies. That’s good news, as it means we’re prepared for the challenge.

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here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How To Help Your WordPress Clients Understand AI appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

Pricing has confounded many a small business owner. Choosing what to charge for your service is only one part of the equation, however. You must also decide how to communicate those figures with others.

Here’s a common challenge: Should you have a pricing page on your portfolio website? This information is a staple for many industries. For instance, everyone expects to know the price of a cup of coffee at their neighborhood shop. People looking for a salon will want to see a price list, as will those booking a cleaning service.

But creative fields like web design are different. We don’t traditionally sell one-size-fits-all commodities, although the industry is shifting. Even so, there are endless ways to build a website. Website maintenance pricing can also vary based on multiple factors.

However, that hasn’t stopped some web professionals from advertising their pricing. That alone makes it a topic worth discussing. An ever-changing industry and evolving client expectations also play a role.

With that, here’s a look at the good and bad of upfront pricing.

Pricing Doesn’t Need to Be Exact

Odds are that no two types of web projects will be priced the same. For example, a five-page brochure website costs less than a 100-site WordPress Multisite network. Adjacent services, such as web hosting, also depend on the project’s size and scope.

That’s a challenge for all but the narrowest of niches. As such, it seems nearly impossible to advertise exact pricing. Perhaps that’s not such a big deal.

There’s something to be said for advertising “ballpark” figures, ones that provide a price range. For one, it helps to weed out low-budget clients. Think of all the time you’ll save!

A price range, or even a “starting at” price, sets the right expectations. Potential clients will have a better idea of costs, while you’ll benefit from a buffer to work within. Just be sure to set a starting price that offers a comfortable profit margin.

In all, transparency is a good thing for your business. This is one way to demonstrate your commitment to being open with clients.

The Pitfalls of Publishing Your Prices

There are a few notable downsides to publicly sharing your pricing. For one, it’s information that competitors can use to their advantage.

If you’re charging $5,000 for a WooCommerce build, then another agency could undercut your price. Even a small discount could cause a client to go with your rival. From there, it becomes a race to the bottom. You might lower your price until there’s little margin to work with.

Public pricing may also complicate things when working on a project estimate. A client may not understand why their estimate is higher than what you advertised. That requires a delicate conversation about the factors involved.

The alternative is to eat the extra cost and hope that things even out. Some projects may require less work, while others take more resources. That’s a dangerous way to live, as you might be leaving money on the table.

Client perception is also a concern. There’s a risk to being seen as too expensive or too cheap. For instance, lower pricing may make some clients see you as inexperienced or low quality. It’s not fair, but people have been known to make snap judgments.

So, if you’re going to publish your prices, be aware of the potential pitfalls. Perhaps they’re worth it, or not. That’s for you to decide.

Is It the Right Move for Your Web Design Business?

The decision to publish your pricing comes down to your individual goals. For instance, making them public might be a way to advertise a new service or a flash sale. That won’t apply to every business, however.

Before you hit the “publish” button, ask yourself the following questions:

• How does pricing fit into my overall marketing strategy?
• Will it give me an advantage in attracting new clients?
• What are the potential downsides?

The important thing is to know why you’re publishing your pricing. Doing so should serve a purpose, even if it’s a temporary experiment. You’ll also want to acknowledge the risks involved.

In all, upfront pricing is still a difficult subject for freelancers. There’s no universally right or wrong answer.

Our best advice is to consider your options carefully and go with what makes sense for your business.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Should Freelancers Advertise Their Pricing? appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

That only scratches the surface, however. Custom blocks let you integrate with third-party services, add dynamic content, or create complex layouts. The right blocks help you achieve more without code.

Several custom block suites exist to supercharge your projects. They include a variety of blocks for niche and common tasks. Some offer features similar to a page builder, but stay within the Gutenberg interface. Others aim to fill the gaps left by the default blocks with features like mobile styling.

So, which ones are worth your time? We’ve assembled a collection of the best WordPress block suites on the market. There’s something here for everyone.

Some block suites want to reinvent the wheel, and the result is bloatware. GenerateBlocks avoids this fate by focusing on features that WordPress lacks. The free version includes nine blocks for building layouts, post queries, and decorative elements.

Step up to the pro version for access to a pattern library, responsive block settings, CSS effects, and global styling. This suite is proof that less is more.

Kadence Blocks is a suite that caters to designers looking for advanced control and functionality. The Section and Row Layout blocks are there to make page layouts a breeze. Other blocks, such as Advanced Form, Advanced Gallery, Posts, and Table of Contents, add utility.

Pro users will find scroll animations, dynamic content (custom fields), and custom fonts. It’s a do-it-all option for WordPress users.

If you’re looking for a page builder experience, put Stackable on your list. The plugin includes 42 blocks that run the gamut of design, layout, and utility. You can do more than build custom layouts, though. There are blocks for adding maps, media popups, cards, countdowns, and much more.

Upgrade to premium, and you’ll find features for dynamic content, integrations with popular plugins (ACF, WooCommerce), motion effects, and even more blocks. Stackable covers just about every conceivable niche.

You can use PublishPress Blocks to gain more control of the Block Editor. Its block permissions feature lets you choose who can use specific blocks. The block visibility controls display or hide blocks based on several criteria (user role, date/time, device, etc.).

And we can’t forget about the 20+ included blocks. Use them to build sliders, fancy lists, post grids, tables, tabbed layouts, and more. Pro features include additional blocks and other goodies.

CoBlocks is a completely free suite of handy blocks for building layouts and advanced functionality. Displaying media is a focus, with blocks for creating various gallery formats. In addition, you’ll find blocks catering to social media, logos, maps, pricing tables, and service listings.

Designers will want to check out the custom shape divider options. Finally, the resizable row/columns block helps you take control of custom layouts.

Spectra includes custom blocks for a wide array of use cases. Niche offerings help you add timelines, counters, FAQs, Lottie animations, and star ratings to your site. There are also blocks for displaying custom post layouts, sliders, and tabs.

The pro version adds animation, responsive controls, dynamic content, and a popup builder. There are plenty of possibilities to dig into.

Otter Blocks includes 20+ custom blocks that cover a range of uses. You’ll find options for displaying icons, maps, progress bars, and other UI components. An AI block helps you generate content and forms via a prompt. The plugin also adds custom CSS capabilities to all Gutenberg blocks, allowing you to create styles on a one-off basis.

The included display conditions let you target specific users and devices or customize a block’s display status by other criteria. Pro users will find a live search block, among other extras.

Interactivity makes Ultimate Blocks a compelling option for designers. Its content filter block lets users view content based on custom criteria. The social share block makes it easy for visitors to share your content with others.

On the utility side, both the review and how-to blocks feature Schema markup to help with SEO. The pro version adds several new blocks and the ability to save custom styles.

Build Better With Custom Blocks

The default WordPress blocks can only get you so far. Thankfully, the large ecosystem of custom blocks allows us to level up. We can use them to create pixel-perfect layouts and add high-end features – all with a few clicks.

You’ll find some similarities in the block suite plugins above. Each has its take on custom layout tooling. There are also plenty of accordions, tabs, and galleries to go around.

So, how do you choose the right one? First, consider your project goals. Do you need custom blocks to build layouts, or are you more focused on those extra features? If you’re looking for advanced components, that may be the deciding factor.

It’s also worth thinking about how many sites you’ll use the plugin on. The free version may be all you need, or the features you want are locked behind a pro subscription. Consider the potential costs before deciding.

Like page builders, block plugins require a commitment. You’ll need the plugin to keep using its custom blocks. So, choose a suite that you’re likely to be happy with in the future.

All things considered, a block suite is the quickest way to improve your no-code experience. They’ll save you precious time by letting you do more within WordPress. Find the right one for your needs and get building!

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post 8 Best Block Suites You Can Add to WordPress appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

That only scratches the surface, however. Custom blocks let you integrate with third-party services, add dynamic content, or create complex layouts. The right blocks help you achieve more without code.

Several custom block suites exist to supercharge your projects. They include a variety of blocks for niche and common tasks. Some offer features similar to a page builder, but stay within the Gutenberg interface. Others aim to fill the gaps left by the default blocks with features like mobile styling.

So, which ones are worth your time? We’ve assembled a collection of the best WordPress block suites on the market. There’s something here for everyone.

Some block suites want to reinvent the wheel, and the result is bloatware. GenerateBlocks avoids this fate by focusing on features that WordPress lacks. The free version includes nine blocks for building layouts, post queries, and decorative elements.

Step up to the pro version for access to a pattern library, responsive block settings, CSS effects, and global styling. This suite is proof that less is more.

Kadence Blocks is a suite that caters to designers looking for advanced control and functionality. The Section and Row Layout blocks are there to make page layouts a breeze. Other blocks, such as Advanced Form, Advanced Gallery, Posts, and Table of Contents, add utility.

Pro users will find scroll animations, dynamic content (custom fields), and custom fonts. It’s a do-it-all option for WordPress users.

If you’re looking for a page builder experience, put Stackable on your list. The plugin includes 42 blocks that run the gamut of design, layout, and utility. You can do more than build custom layouts, though. There are blocks for adding maps, media popups, cards, countdowns, and much more.

Upgrade to premium, and you’ll find features for dynamic content, integrations with popular plugins (ACF, WooCommerce), motion effects, and even more blocks. Stackable covers just about every conceivable niche.

You can use PublishPress Blocks to gain more control of the Block Editor. Its block permissions feature lets you choose who can use specific blocks. The block visibility controls display or hide blocks based on several criteria (user role, date/time, device, etc.).

And we can’t forget about the 20+ included blocks. Use them to build sliders, fancy lists, post grids, tables, tabbed layouts, and more. Pro features include additional blocks and other goodies.

CoBlocks is a completely free suite of handy blocks for building layouts and advanced functionality. Displaying media is a focus, with blocks for creating various gallery formats. In addition, you’ll find blocks catering to social media, logos, maps, pricing tables, and service listings.

Designers will want to check out the custom shape divider options. Finally, the resizable row/columns block helps you take control of custom layouts.

Spectra includes custom blocks for a wide array of use cases. Niche offerings help you add timelines, counters, FAQs, Lottie animations, and star ratings to your site. There are also blocks for displaying custom post layouts, sliders, and tabs.

The pro version adds animation, responsive controls, dynamic content, and a popup builder. There are plenty of possibilities to dig into.

Otter Blocks includes 20+ custom blocks that cover a range of uses. You’ll find options for displaying icons, maps, progress bars, and other UI components. An AI block helps you generate content and forms via a prompt. The plugin also adds custom CSS capabilities to all Gutenberg blocks, allowing you to create styles on a one-off basis.

The included display conditions let you target specific users and devices or customize a block’s display status by other criteria. Pro users will find a live search block, among other extras.

Interactivity makes Ultimate Blocks a compelling option for designers. Its content filter block lets users view content based on custom criteria. The social share block makes it easy for visitors to share your content with others.

On the utility side, both the review and how-to blocks feature Schema markup to help with SEO. The pro version adds several new blocks and the ability to save custom styles.

Build Better With Custom Blocks

The default WordPress blocks can only get you so far. Thankfully, the large ecosystem of custom blocks allows us to level up. We can use them to create pixel-perfect layouts and add high-end features – all with a few clicks.

You’ll find some similarities in the block suite plugins above. Each has its take on custom layout tooling. There are also plenty of accordions, tabs, and galleries to go around.

So, how do you choose the right one? First, consider your project goals. Do you need custom blocks to build layouts, or are you more focused on those extra features? If you’re looking for advanced components, that may be the deciding factor.

It’s also worth thinking about how many sites you’ll use the plugin on. The free version may be all you need, or the features you want are locked behind a pro subscription. Consider the potential costs before deciding.

Like page builders, block plugins require a commitment. You’ll need the plugin to keep using its custom blocks. So, choose a suite that you’re likely to be happy with in the future.

All things considered, a block suite is the quickest way to improve your no-code experience. They’ll save you precious time by letting you do more within WordPress. Find the right one for your needs and get building!

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post 8 Best Block Suites You Can Add to WordPress appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

Style variations give you a head start on design. They allow us to create multiple color and typography combinations. They also house custom block styles defined in the Site Editor. Anything in a theme.json file can also be included in a style variation.

This is handy for web professionals and users alike. Choose the variation that suits your needs and start building your site.

Creating a custom block theme style variation is easier than you think. The entire process takes place in the WordPress Site Editor. A simple variation can be built in minutes.

So, follow along as we build a style variation! We’ll show you how to point and click your way to a custom design.

Style Variation Project Requirements

The requirements for building a custom style variation are minimal. You’ll need:

We don’t recommend using a production website for this process. A staging or local WordPress installation is the safer way to go.

Let’s Build a Style Variation

Now, it’s time to start building! Log in to your WordPress website and follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the WordPress Site Editor

First, navigate to Appearance > Editor in the WordPress admin to open the Site Editor. Then, click the Styles link in the left sidebar.

The Styles panel includes links for Typography, Colors, Background, Shadows, and Layout. You’ll also find a Browse Styles link that displays available style variations for the theme.

Finally, the Blocks link allows you to customize individual block styles across the site.

Step 2: Change Your Theme’s Styles

This step is all about personal preference. Work your way through the Styles panel and start making changes.

Color and typography are the most obvious changes, but you can take things further. For example, you can change the layout width and spacing. Plus, every block included with WordPress can be customized. Add margins, padding, borders, or custom CSS.

We covered the basics in our variation, including:

• Created a custom color palette;
• Installed new fonts from Google Fonts;
• Added custom spacing for the Group and Paragraph blocks;
• Changed the look of the Button block;

The result is an earthy look that aims for simplicity. But you can do as much or as little as you like. Just remember to save your changes when done.

Step 3: Save Your Style Variation

Our next task involves saving our custom style variation. This functionality is part of the Create Block Theme plugin.

The feature is located within the Site Editor. Here’s how to find it:

1. While in the Site Editor, click on the right panel, highlighted in green below:

2. Click the wrench icon on the upper right of the screen and select Create Theme Variation:

3. Name the variation and ensure the Save Fonts box is checked. We’ll call ours “Beautiful Earth.”

4. Click the Create Theme Variation button to save the settings.

Once saved, the new variation is added to the list in the Browse Styles area of the theme editor. Hovering over the variation reveals its name.

How to Use Your Style Variation on Another Site

Style variations are portable and can be used on multiple websites. The process involves copying the generated JSON file and adding it to the desired site.

1. Locate the style variation’s JSON file in /wp-content/your-theme/styles/
   Replace your-theme with the name of the theme you’re using (ours is twentytwentyfive).

   For reference, our JSON file is called beautiful-earth.json

2. Copy your style variation’s JSON file.
3. On your new website, paste the file into /wp-content/your-theme/styles/ – you may need to upload the file via SFTP or your web host’s file manager.
4. You’ll now be able to choose the style variation within the Site Editor.

About Custom Fonts

Earlier, we mentioned the ability to add custom fonts to a style variation. It requires a few extra steps to work when moving your variation to a new site.

1. Locate the custom fonts you added at /wp-content/themes/your-theme/assets/fonts/
2. Copy each font’s respective folder.
3. Paste the font folders into the same directory on your new site. Once again, you may need to upload them.

Give Your Block Theme a Custom Look

Style variations are a convenient way to add personality to your block theme. You can build them to suit your project requirements.

They also act as a starting point for designers. You can continue to add custom styles after applying a variation. The changes you make will be saved in the site’s database.

There’s also an option to reset the styles to the variation’s defaults. That makes it easy to experiment without losing the key elements of your design.

The best part is that style variations don’t require coding expertise. That puts custom design within everyone’s reach.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Learn How to Build a WordPress Block Theme Style Variation appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

That’s what makes WordPress a great platform. The content management system (CMS) can power virtually any website. Its flexibility is a boon to freelancers and agencies.

Still, starting each site from scratch is a pain. You’ll find yourself repeating the same processes. That’s a lot of wasted time that could be spent elsewhere. Thankfully, there’s a better way to go.

A starter (or barebones) theme provides a solid foundation for your WordPress projects. Think of them as a blank canvas in terms of design. They are unopinionated and allow you to build a fully custom look.

These themes also come packed with features to speed up site building. For example, you may find several header and footer layouts. Custom block patterns or design components are there to save you from reinventing the wheel.

The result is building high-quality websites faster. That benefits web professionals and clients alike.

Keep reading to discover what starter themes can do for you!

Blockbase is the ultimate blank canvas block theme. It allows you plenty of room to build a custom design and layout. You also get plenty of block patterns for the site’s header and footer. Four style variations also give you a head start on color and typography. There’s nothing fancy here – but that’s the point.

GeneratePress – Block Editor WordPress Theme

GeneratePress is a WordPress starter theme that straddles the line between the Classic and Block editors. It takes a block-based approach to site building but still uses the Customizer to tweak settings.

The free version includes multiple layouts, widget areas, custom colors, and typography. A pro version adds a block-based element builder for further customization.

Sage – Tailwind CSS & Laravel Blade Theme

Sage adds a modern workflow to WordPress theme development. It works with Tailwind.css out of the box and will build a theme.json file based on your configuration.

The theme also integrates Laravel Blade templating for advanced features. It’s a developer-focused option that has been actively maintained for over a decade.

Byvex WooCommerce Starter Theme

Fans of Bootstrap will want to check out Byvex. It’s light on settings but can be customized to your heart’s content via classic theme templates. Bootstrap integration means you can tweak your WooCommerce store’s styles in a familiar environment. It’s a tool for those wanting to build from the ground up.

Air – WordPress Starter Theme

The Underscores (_s) starter theme hasn’t been updated in years. Air is based on the iconic theme and is still in active development. It boasts WCAG 2.0 and AAA-level accessibility compliance and is super lightweight (under 20KB).

You’ll also find lots of love for Gutenberg via a selection of custom blocks you can install. The goal is a theme with no excess code, providing a great starting point for any website project.

WDS BT WordPress Block Theme

Here’s a starter block theme built for flexibility and customization. It offers command-line tools for running accessibility tests, custom block creation, code linting, updating theme dependencies, etc.

There’s also a path for overriding third-party block styles to ensure a consistent design. A variety of custom block patterns are included to speed up page building.

Flynt – Developer-Friendly WordPress Starter Theme

Flynt offers a modular and component-based architecture for hands-on development. It uses the Timber framework to build theme templates faster. Support for Advanced Custom Fields PRO assists with reusing components.

The available Figma design kit allows you to customize your style. A pro version includes additional components.

Tips for Choosing the Best Starter Theme

The right starter theme will supercharge your workflow, and you’ll use it repeatedly. It’s a long-term commitment. As such, you’ll want to make the best possible choice.

With that in mind, here are a few things to consider when looking for a starter theme:

• It’s Still Actively Maintained: Frequent updates aren’t always necessary. However, a starter theme should keep up with changes to WordPress and related technologies. Avoid themes that haven’t been updated in years.
• Blocks or Classic: Classic themes still dominate the market, while block themes keep growing. Choose a starter theme that fits your preference.
• Features That Make Life Easier: The best starter themes offer features that speed up site building. A comprehensive settings panel (classic themes) or a selection of block patterns (block themes) are prime examples. Look for a theme that does some of the hard work for you.
• It Stays Out of Your Way: There are plenty of themes with opinionated design. A starter theme should be the opposite. It should provide just enough to get started without ripping templates apart.
• Works With Your Preferred Editor or Page Builder: Ensure the theme is compatible with your workflow. It should work with your page builder (Bricks, Divi, Elementor, etc.) or the WordPress Block Editor. Experiment with a local WordPress install and test it out.

The tips above can help you choose a starter theme that serves you now and well into the future.

A Great Start to Your WordPress Project

Starter themes are great for those wanting to build fully custom websites. You won’t be stuck with an over-the-top design or bloated features. Instead, you’ll have a tool for doing things your way – and more efficiently.

The themes in this collection all offer power and convenience. There are options for developers looking for a modern codebase. But you’ll also find packages catering to the Site Editor’s visual approach to design. There’s something for everyone.

Are you tired of ripping apart commercial themes or building from scratch? Try a starter theme and see how it can improve your workflow.

Top

The post 7 Top Starter & Barebone Themes for WordPress Development appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

Fortunately, there are many free portfolio WordPress themes available that offer customizable templates, elegant typography, and beautiful galleries, all designed to showcase your work in the best possible light. These themes also offer features like mobile responsiveness and search engine optimization, ensuring your website looks great and is easy to find on any device.

In this roundup, we’ve compiled the best free portfolio WordPress themes for creatives. Whether you’re looking for a minimalistic design or a bold and colorful aesthetic, there’s a theme out there that can suit your needs. These themes are perfect for showcasing your unique style and vision. Check out our selection and start building your professional portfolio website today!

You might also like our collections of personal portfolio PSD templates, or these personal portfolio HTML templates.

Free to Download

FolioPress is a minimal and flexible portfolio theme that displays your creative work in a grid layout on the homepage. You will also find plenty of customization options, custom social profiles, and it is fully responsive.

The Remake theme is suitable for both personal and agency portfolios, and it has multiple layout options and a filterable portfolio. On top of that, it comes with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop page builder.

Free to Download

The Optics is a clean theme suitable for anyone looking for a minimal portfolio. The theme is easy to customize and is also translation and accessibility-ready. A standout feature is the integration with WooCommerce, so you can quickly sell your work.

Free to Download

The Portfolio Web is a simple, modern, and responsive WordPress theme built with designers and creatives in mind. It comes with a built-in Live customizer and a huge range of widgets that make this theme easy to use.

Free to Download

The Perfect Portfolio theme focuses on typography paired with stunning featured images. The theme has a wide range of customizable features, including sections on the front page, cross-browser compatibility, mobile-friendly design, and responsive features.

Free to Download

StanleyWP is based on the Bootstrap framework, which means it’s responsive out of the box. It’s also minimal and easy to customize and features several different page templates that will make it easy to get your site up and running as fast as possible.

Free to Download

Sketch is a responsive portfolio theme, perfect for showcasing your creative talent. The theme features a clean, lightweight design that puts focus on your projects. It’s also easy to customize and supports a custom social links menu.

Free to Download

The Illustratr theme features elegant typography and displays your creative works in an elegant grid fashion. It makes use of the WordPress portfolio feature, and it also includes support for a custom social links menu.

The Birru theme is fully responsive and has a modern and highly customizable design. You will also find a powerful theme options panel and comes with over fifteen ready-to-use pages and templates.

Free to Download

The MalcolmY theme is easy to customize because it uses a drag-and-drop page builder and has an extensive theme options panel, so you can make this theme your own without any coding knowledge. The theme has multiple portfolio layout possibilities and is fully responsive.

Free to Download

The Espied theme has a minimal design which puts your creative projects in the spotlight. With support for Gutenberg and classic layout, custom social links menu, and a responsive design, this theme is easy to use and makes it easy to share your creativity with the world.

Free to Download

Try the Gridby theme if you love parallax design. In addition to beautiful parallax animation, this theme uses a grid layout and is easy to customize thanks to the extensive theme options panel.

Free to Download

The Pure theme has a dedicated portfolio option and a well-designed blog section so you can easily share plenty of details about your creative process. The theme is easy to customize with a drag-and-drop page builder.

Free to Download

The Krea theme uses bold typography paired with a well-organized grid layout to make your creative works stand out. It comes with detailed documentation and is translation-ready.

Free to Download

Consider the Miyazaki theme if you’re looking for an elegant and stylish portfolio theme. It uses contrast-heavy design, bold typography, and masonry layout to ensure your creative works draws the attention they deserve.

Free to Download

The Hamilton theme is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a simple and clean theme. It has a built-in dark and light mode, infinite scroll, and Gutenberg and classic editor support.

Free to Download

The Hitchcock theme has a unique design with a full-screen featured image. The theme is fully responsive and retina-ready and includes infinite scroll as well as support for the new post editor, Gutenberg.

The Ostentus theme has a unique homepage that uses a grid layout of featured images that link to individual blog posts where you can share more details about the project and the creative process.

Conclusion

Getting your portfolio site up and running is not difficult when you have tools like WordPress at your disposal. However, you will still need a portfolio theme, so use our roundup as a starting point to find the best WordPress theme for your site.

The post 20+ Best Free Personal Portfolio WordPress Themes for Creatives in 2025 appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.