WordPress Edit an Existing Page

Here are the instructions for creating a new page in WordPress.

This article will teach you how to edit existing WordPress pages . 

 

Accessibility Requirements

Geneseo follows WCAG 2.2 accessibility standards.

Every time you edit, quickly check these four things:

  • Headings: Use Heading Blocks (H2 for main sections, H3 for sub-sections) instead of just making text bold. Do not skip levels (don't go from H1 to H3).

  • Images: Every image needs Alt Text describing what is in the photo. If the image is just a decoration (like a line or a swirl), leave it blank.

  • Lists: Never type dashes (-) manually. Always use the official List Block so screen readers can count the items for the user.

  • Color: Avoid light-colored text on light backgrounds. Stick to dark text on white backgrounds for high contrast.

For a complete list of requirements and resources, please consult the Knowledge Base Accessibility section.

For questions or assistance, please request an accessibility consultation.

Steps to Edit a Page

  1. Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.

  2. Go to Pages: In the black menu on the left side of your screen, click Pages.

    • Image of left side menu highlighting Pages link

  3. Select Your Page: You will see a list of all your pages (Home, About, etc.).

  4. Enter the Editor: Hover your mouse over the title of the page you want to change. Click the Edit link that appears. image of CIT page in the dashboard with edit, quick view, view and trash in red

Understanding WordPress Blocks

image of monitor with the word blocks, it is a link to the blocks training video

In WordPress, every piece of content—a paragraph, a photo, or a heading—is its own separate Block. Think of them like LEGO® bricks that you can move, change, or stack.

  • Paragraph Block: For standard text.

  • Heading Block: For titles and section headers (H2, H3).

  • Image Block: For photos and graphics.

  • List Block: For bulleted or numbered items.

Block Settings Sidebar

The Block Settings Sidebar is the right-hand panel that displays customization options for whichever specific block you currently have selected.

When you click on any element (like a paragraph, image, or button), this tab updates to show settings specific to only that element.

Below is an example of the paragraph block settings sidebar.

The “Page” tab - Global Settingsimage of page settings window

Status

Published Date and Author

The Slug (Permalink URL)

Parent

Subsite

 

image of block specific settingsThe "Block" Tab - Specific Settings           

 

Color: Change the text, background, and link colors for that specific block.

Typography: Fine-tune the font size, line height, letter spacing, and font weight.

Dimensions: Adjust the padding (space inside the block) and margin (space outside the block).

Styles: Some blocks have preset styles (e.g., a "rounded" vs. "squared" image).

 
Summary: Toolbar vs. Sidebar for Paragraphs

For your training, it is helpful to distinguish between these two:                                    image of when to use the toolbar vs using the block sidebar

How to Make Common Edits

Editing Text

Click directly on any text to start typing. A Floating Toolbar will appear above the block.

image of wordpress floating toolbar

  • Change Formatting: Highlight text and click B for Bold or I for Italics.

  • Add a Link: Highlight the text, click the Link icon (🔗), paste your URL, and press Enter.

    • Accessibility Rule: Never use "Click Here." The link text should describe the destination (e.g., [View the 2024 Course Catalog]).

  • Click the three dots for more options.

Add New Content

To add a new block, click the (+) icon in the top-left corner of the editor or press Return at the end of a paragraph to start a new block.

Replace or Resize Images

  1. Click once on the image you want to change.

  2. To Replace: In the floating toolbar, click Replace to pick a new photo from your Media Library.

  3. To Resize: Click and drag the blue dots on the edges of the photo.

  4. Add Alt Text (Required): With the image selected, look at the Settings Sidebar on the right. In the "Alternative Text" box, type a short description of the image (e.g., "Students sitting on the college green").

Click for More Image Options

Add and move images

Resize and edit images

Add links and text

Delete a Block

Using the Block Toolbar (three dots menu)

This method works for all types of blocks. 

  1. Click on the block you want to remove. A toolbar will appear directly above or below it.

  2. Click the three vertical dots (⋮) icon at the end of the toolbar.

  3. Select "Delete" option from the dropdown menu (usually near the bottom). 

Using the Keyboard

This is the fastest method once the block is selected. 

  1. Click on the block you want to remove (you'll see a blue outline when selected).

  2. Press the Delete or Backspace key on your keyboard. 

Preview Before You Publish

Before Saving your changes, which will make the page live for the world to see:

  • Click the page tab in the page right toolbar.

  • Then click on the "Published" text to open a drop down menu.

    • Select "Save as draft" instead of Published.            image of status button and draft in the dropdown

  • Now click the blue Save button in the upper right to save as a draft.

    • After you click save the Save button becomes a Publish button.                                 image of the blue save button

  • To Preview the draft, click on the three dots of the page toolbar and select view. 

image of page settings windows highlighting page, the ... and view

Save and Fix Mistakes

Save Your Work

  • Save Draft: Use this if you aren't finished yet. It saves your work but doesn't change the live website.

  • Update: Click this blue button when you are ready for your changes to go live.

How to Fix a Mistake

  • Undo: Use the Back Arrow in the top-left toolbar (or press Ctrl + Z on Windows / Cmd + Z on Mac).

     

An arrow pointing to the number of revisions of a page on the Page Settings sidebar.

 

Revisions: If you accidentally saved a mistake, look at the Settings Sidebar on the right.

Open the page editor.

In the page settings sidebar, find the Revisions section.

Click on the revision count, which is usually displayed like “3 Revisions” or something similar.

If you do not see the revisions button then there are no previously saved versions of the page.

Use the slider or the Next and Previous buttons to view earlier versions.

Select a version and click Restore This Revision.

 

 

 

 

Trash: If you accidentally delete a whole page, you can find it under Pages → Trashed and click Restore

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still Need Help?

Ask CIT! 📞 (585) 245-5588 | 📧 Email | 💬 Chat | 📝 Submit a Request and we'll be happy to assist you.

 

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