Figma to Full Site Editing (FSE) : Creating a Custom Block-Based Theme

4 minutes read
Figma to Full Site Editing (FSE) | Custom Block-Based WordPress Theme

Website development has changed with the introduction of Full Site Editing (FSE) in WordPress. It allows complete control over website design using blocks, eliminating the need for custom coding. If you have a Figma to Full Site Editing project, you can turn your design into a fully functional WordPress website using block-based theme development. This guide will explain everything you need to know about converting your Figma design into an FSE-powered WordPress theme.

Understanding Figma and Full Site Editing

Figma is a design tool used for creating website layouts and UI components. It allows designers to create structured designs with clear typography, spacing, and visual elements. On the other hand, Full Site Editing (FSE) is a feature in WordPress that enables complete website customization using blocks.

Before FSE, themes relied on PHP templates and the WordPress Customizer. Now, with block-based theme development, everything from the header to the footer can be customized using WordPress blocks. This makes it easier to bring Figma designs to life without writing extensive code.

Why Choose Full Site Editing for Custom WordPress Themes?

  1. Easy Customization – Full Site Editing provides a user-friendly way to build and manage WordPress themes without depending on third-party page builders.
  2. Better Performance – Block-based themes load faster as they eliminate the need for heavy frameworks.
  3. Consistent Design – FSE ensures the design remains intact across all pages, as changes can be made globally.
  4. Future-Proof Development – WordPress is shifting towards FSE, making block-based theme development the future of WordPress.
  5. No Coding Required – Non-developers can manage and modify themes using built-in WordPress block settings.

Step-by-Step Guide : Converting Figma Design to Full Site Editing

1. Prepare Your Figma Design

  • Ensure that your Figma file includes all sections: headers, footers, content blocks, and global styles.
  • Organize elements into groups that correspond with WordPress blocks.

2. Set Up a Block-Based Theme

  • Install WordPress and enable Full Site Editing.
  • Create a theme.json file to define global styles such as colors, typography, and layouts.
  • Use a blank block-based theme as a starting point.

3. Convert Design Elements into Blocks

  • Use the Group Block for sections like the header and footer.
  • Apply Columns Block for multi-section layouts.
  • Use Cover Block for banner sections with background images.
  • Add the Navigation Block for menus.

4. Implement Global Styles

  • Define fonts, colors, and spacing inside theme.json.
  • Apply Figma’s typography settings to Heading and Paragraph blocks.
  • Match button styles, ensuring consistency across the website.

5. Save Templates and Template Parts

  • Create template parts for reusable sections like headers and footers.
  • Save page structures as templates for quick page creation.
  • Assign templates to different pages such as Home, Blog, and Contact.

6. Test and Optimize

  • Check for responsive design on different devices.
  • Improve website speed by optimizing images and reducing block clutter.
  • Use the WordPress Site Editor to adjust layouts as needed.

Best Practices for Block-Based Theme Development

  • Keep It Modular – Use blocks efficiently to ensure flexibility.
  • Use Global Styles – Define design elements in theme.json instead of applying styles individually.
  • Optimize Performance – Remove unnecessary blocks and scripts to improve loading speed.
  • Ensure Accessibility – Follow accessibility guidelines for colors, font sizes, and navigation.
  • Make It Responsive – Test on mobile devices and adjust block settings for a better experience.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

  1. Layout Differences Between Figma and WordPress
    • Some design features in Figma may not have direct WordPress block equivalents. Adjust layouts using custom CSS or additional blocks.
  2. Typography and Spacing Issues
    • Define styles in theme.json to match Figma settings accurately.
  3. Responsive Design Adjustments
    • Test on multiple screen sizes and use block settings to refine responsiveness.
  4. Learning Curve for FSE
    • Start with simple projects to understand how Full Site Editing works before working on complex themes.

Final Thoughts

Converting Figma to Full Site Editing is a smart approach to modern WordPress development. With block-based theme development, websites are easier to customize, maintain, and scale. By following this guide, you can turn your Figma designs into fully functional WordPress themes that are flexible, fast, and future-ready.

Need professional help with Figma to Full Site Editing? Our team specializes in block-based theme development, ensuring that your website is visually appealing and technically sound. Get in touch today!

Open chat
Hello 👋
Can we help you?