Are you looking to enhance the visual appeal and layout flexibility of your WordPress website? One effective way to achieve this is by converting from a container-based layout to a column-based one.

By using columns, you can divide your content into visually appealing sections, making it easier for your readers to navigate and digest information.

In this article, we’ll explore the concept of containers and columns, discuss the reasons for changing from a container to a column layout, and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make the conversion in WordPress.

Understanding Containers and Columns

Before we delve into converting from a container to a column layout, let’s first understand the difference between these two elements.

Containers and columns are two essential elements of WordPress design. Containers are used to group content blocks together, while columns divide content into multiple vertical sections.

A container is a wrapping element that holds your website’s content. It is typically represented by a rectangular box that encapsulates various sections of your website, such as the header, navigation menu, sidebar, and footer. Containers provide structure and help organize the overall layout of your website.

On the other hand, columns allow you to divide your content vertically, creating visually distinct sections within a container. Using columns, you can arrange your content side by side, making it easier for readers to scan and comprehend information. Columns provide a more dynamic and visually appealing layout.

How to Make Columns in WordPress?

WordPress offers built-in functionality to create columns without the need for complex coding or plugins, thanks to the built-in block editor, also known as the Gutenberg editor. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make columns in WordPress:

1. Open Your Post or Page: Log in to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the post or page where you want to create columns and open it for editing.
2. Add a Block: Click the (+) button to add a new block. Search for “Columns” or simply type it in the search bar.
3. Adjust the column layout: Once you’ve added the column block, you can edit its settings. You can specify the number of columns you want, adjust the width of each column, and add content to each column individually.
4. Add Content: Now, you can start adding content to each column. Click within each column block and insert your text, images, or other elements.
5. Customize as Needed: WordPress offers various customization options for columns, allowing you to adjust the column width, add background colors, or apply custom styles to achieve the desired look.
6. Preview and Publish: Don’t forget to preview your post or page to see how your newly created columns appear. Once you’re satisfied, hit the “Publish” button to make your changes live.

Why Change Container to Column in WordPress?

Now that you know how to create columns in WordPress, let’s explore the reasons why you might want to convert from a container-based layout to a column-based one:

1. Enhanced readability: Columns allow you to present your content in a more structured and organized manner, making it easier for visitors to read and understand.
2. Improved aesthetics: Columns can enhance the visual appeal of your website. By dividing your content into distinct sections, you can create a more engaging and visually appealing layout.
3. Flexible content arrangement: Columns offer greater flexibility in arranging your content. You can mix and match different types of content, such as text, images, and videos, within each column, creating a visually dynamic experience for your readers.
4. Responsive design: With the increasing popularity of mobile devices, responsive design has become crucial. Columns help your content adapt to different screen sizes, ensuring optimal viewing experiences across devices.

How to Convert from Container to Column in WordPress

Converting from a container-based layout to a column-based one in WordPress is straightforward. Follow these steps to make the transition:

1. Backup Your Website: Before making any changes, it’s a good practice to backup your website.
2. Choose a Page to Convert: Select the page where you want to convert the container to columns. It could be an existing page or a new one.
3. Access the Gutenberg Editor: Navigate to the Pages section in your WordPress dashboard and locate the page you want to edit. Click on the “Edit” option to access the Gutenberg editor.
4. Identify the Container: In the Gutenberg editor, locate the container you want to convert to columns. This container could be a single block or a group of blocks you want to reorganize.
5. Convert to Columns: Click on the container block to select it. Then, click on the “Transform” icon in the block toolbar. From the available options, choose “Columns.” The container will be converted into a column block.
6. Adjust Column Settings: Once the container is converted to columns, you can customize the column settings. Specify the number of columns you want, adjust the width of each column, and customize other visual aspects such as background colors or borders.
7. Move Content to Columns: After configuring the column settings, you can start moving the content from the original container to the columns. Click inside each column and add the desired content. You can copy and paste the content from the container or create new content specifically for the columns.
8. Preview and Publish: Before making the changes live, preview the page to ensure the columns appear as intended. Check for any issues with the layout or content placement. Click the “Publish” button to make the converted page live on your website.

How to Resize a Container in WordPress

Resizing a container in WordPress can be done through different methods. Here are a couple of common approaches:

1. Theme Settings or Customizer: Some WordPress themes offer built-in options to adjust container sizes through the theme settings or customizer. These options may allow you to specify container widths or choose from predefined layout configurations. To resize a container using theme settings, navigate to the Appearance section in your WordPress dashboard and look for theme customization options related to layout or containers.
2. CSS Modifications: Another way to resize a container is to modify the CSS code of your theme. This method requires a basic understanding of CSS. You can access the theme’s CSS file through the WordPress editor or by using a dedicated plugin. Look for the CSS selector associated with the container you want to resize and adjust its width property. Save the changes, and the container size will be updated accordingly.

Related: How to Flip an Image in CSS

It’s important to note that CSS modifications may have unintended consequences if not executed correctly. Therefore, it’s advisable to create a child theme or use a custom CSS plugin to make these modifications, ensuring that your changes are not overwritten during theme updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: How to Convert from Container to Column in WordPress

By following the steps above, you can easily convert a container to a column layout in WordPress and resize containers according to your design preferences. Experiment with different column configurations and container sizes to find the perfect balance for your content. With a little creativity and exploration, you can give your WordPress website a captivating and engaging appearance.