Many WordPress users initially use the default theme and plugin editors provided by WordPress. While functional, these editors can be limiting for users who need more advanced customization capabilities.
Upgrading to a more robust code editor offers benefits such as enhanced security through access controls, simplified child theme creation, and easier file management.
At WPBeginner, we’ve thoroughly researched and tested various tools to find a free solution suitable for bloggers and small businesses alike, enabling them to replace the default editor effectively.
Why Replace the Default Theme and Plugin Editor in WordPress?
WordPress’s default theme editor allows direct code modifications to theme files, and similarly, the plugin editor facilitates changes to installed plugins.
However, these built-in editors lack advanced features like access control, file upload/download capabilities, and ease of managing custom code. This can make it cumbersome to maintain and customize your site.
Moreover, if unauthorized users gain access to your WordPress dashboard, they can potentially exploit these editors to inject malicious code into your site.
By replacing these editors with a plugin, you gain the ability to customize themes and plugins directly from your WordPress dashboard. This includes adding or removing code snippets, modifying CSS styles, and more, without needing FTP access.
Additionally, you can create child themes for safer customizations, control who has access to the editor for enhanced security, and upload files directly to plugins and themes.
Let’s explore how to easily replace the default theme and plugin editor in WordPress.
How to Replace the Default Theme and Plugin Editors in WordPress
To replace the default editors, follow these steps:
- Install and Activate the Theme Editor Plugin: Begin by installing and activating the Theme Editor plugin.
- Configure Theme and Plugin Editor Settings: After activation, navigate to Theme Editor » Settings from the WordPress admin sidebar.
- Enable the code editor for themes and plugins by checking the respective “Enable” boxes.
- Optionally, disable the default WordPress editors for themes and plugins.
- Choose a Code Editor Theme: Switch to the Code Editor tab and select a theme from the dropdown menu. This enhances code readability with different backgrounds and font colors.Remember to save your changes after configuring these settings.
Editing Your Theme Files Using the Theme Editor
- Access Theme Code Editor: Navigate to Theme Editor » Theme Code Editor from the WordPress dashboard.
- Select the theme you wish to edit and choose the specific file from the sidebar.
- Edit, add, or remove code directly in the theme editor interface.
Don’t forget to click Update File to save your modifications. You can also download edited files or entire themes for backup purposes.
Editing Your Plugins Using the Plugin Editor
- Access Plugin Code Editor: Go to Theme Editor » Plugin Code Editor in the admin sidebar.
- Choose the plugin you want to modify and select the file within the editor.
- Make necessary changes and click Update File to save.
Similar to theme editing, you can download modified plugin files or the entire plugin for safekeeping.
Configuring Access Control With the Theme Editor Plugin
- Enhance Security With Access Control: The Theme Editor plugin offers access control features (available in the pro version) to restrict editor access based on WordPress user roles.
- Navigate to Theme Editor » Access Control to manage permissions.
- Select roles that should have access to theme and plugin editors and save your settings.
This helps prevent unauthorized users from making potentially harmful changes to your site.
Creating a Child Theme With the Theme Editor
- Create a Safer Customization Environment: Visit Theme Editor » Child Theme to set up a child theme for safer customizations.
- Choose a parent theme, define the child theme directory and stylesheet location.
- Customize your child theme settings and click Create New Child Theme.
This allows you to safely modify themes without affecting the main theme files.
Using WPCode to Add Custom Code to Your Website
- Enhance Functionality With Custom Code: Install and activate the WPCode plugin to easily add custom code snippets to your WordPress site.
- Access Code Snippets » + Add Snippet from the admin sidebar.
- Choose pre-made snippets or create custom code snippets with options for insertion and activation.
WPCode helps extend your site’s functionality without risking errors that could affect site performance.
By following these steps, you can effectively replace the default theme and plugin editors in WordPress with more powerful tools, enhancing both security and customization capabilities on your website.
