HOW TO EDIT A FOOTER IN WORDPRESS

Editing the footer in WordPress is a common task for anyone looking to customise their website’s layout and branding. The footer is the section located at the bottom of every page and typically includes elements such as copyright notices, navigation links, contact information and social media icons. By default, the footer reflects your chosen theme’s design, but with a little knowledge, it can be customised to better suit your business or creative goals.

A well-designed footer can improve usability, enhance your brand’s credibility and offer an additional way for visitors to engage with your content. Whether you are looking to remove unwanted credits, add custom links or redesign the layout entirely, understanding how the WordPress footer works is key to gaining full control over your site’s appearance.

Where the Footer Content Comes From

In WordPress, the footer is controlled by your active theme. Most themes include a footer.php file, which dictates the layout and content of the footer area. However, many modern themes also include widget-ready areas within the footer, allowing you to manage content using the WordPress Customiser or the Widgets panel in the dashboard.

Depending on the theme you are using, the footer may also be divided into multiple columns, which can each be edited individually. For example, one column might include a navigation menu, while another might display recent posts or a newsletter signup form. Knowing how your theme handles these areas is the first step to making effective edits.

Using the WordPress Customiser to Edit the Footer

For most users, the easiest way to edit the footer is through the WordPress Customiser. This built-in tool allows you to see your changes in real time without affecting the live site until you are ready to publish. Navigate to Appearance, then select Customise. From there, look for a section labelled Footer, Widgets or Layout, depending on your theme.

If your footer includes widget areas, you can add, remove or rearrange widgets directly within the Customiser or the Widgets area under Appearance in the dashboard. Common widgets used in footers include text, menus, images and custom HTML blocks. This method requires no coding and provides a user-friendly interface for adjusting content.

Editing Footer Credits or Powered By Text

One of the most common footer edits is removing or changing the default credits that come with many themes. This usually appears as “Proudly powered by WordPress” or a theme developer’s name. To remove or change this, you may need to access the theme files directly.

From your dashboard, go to Appearance and select Theme File Editor. Then open the footer.php file. Locate the line of code that displays the credits and replace or remove it as needed. Be cautious when editing theme files, as incorrect changes can break your site. Always make a backup before making direct edits and consider using a child theme to prevent changes from being overwritten during future updates.

If you are using a theme that supports footer credits in the Customiser, you can often remove or modify this text without touching any code. Premium themes and some page builders also offer dedicated controls for footer text and structure, giving you more flexibility.

Using Page Builders and Theme Builders

If your site uses a page builder such as Elementor, WPBakery or Beaver Builder, you may be able to design a completely custom footer layout. Elementor Pro, for example, includes a theme builder that allows you to create a new footer template and assign it site-wide. This is especially useful for designers and developers looking to build unique layouts beyond the constraints of the theme.

These tools give you full creative control over the footer, letting you insert columns, forms, logos and dynamic content using a visual editor. You can also apply conditions to show different footers on specific pages, which is useful for landing pages or multilingual sites.

Final Thoughts on Editing the Footer in WordPress

Customising your WordPress footer is a straightforward way to enhance the design and usability of your website. Whether you are adding essential business information, improving navigation or simply removing default text, the footer plays a key role in rounding off the user experience. With options ranging from widget-based edits to full custom templates, WordPress gives you the flexibility to shape the footer according to your brand and audience.

For UK-based businesses, creatives and content managers, taking control of the footer adds polish and professionalism to your online presence. With a thoughtful layout and useful links, your footer can support your wider goals and encourage users to stay connected with your content.