Adding Custom CSS in WordPress: A Simple for Beginners

Curious about how to adding Custom CSS in WordPress, what your theme offers? Whether you’re completely new to CSS or just looking for the best way to use it in WordPress, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll answer common beginner questions like: What is CSS? Can you use it in WordPress? What’s the safest way to add custom CSS? And what is CSS or Custom CSS Plugin for the website?

Let’s begin with the basics.

CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, is a language used to control the design and layout of a website from fonts and colors to spacing and alignment. It works alongside HTML, which structures your content, while CSS determines how that content looks in a browser.

Ready to take full control of your site’s design? Keep reading as we break down how to add custom CSS in WordPress step by step, even if you’re just getting started.

You can view the HTML code behind any webpage simply by right-clicking and selecting “View Page Source.”

This shows the raw HTML structure that browsers use to render the content you see.

When working on your own site, especially in WordPress, you might want to edit the HTML for custom layout changes. In the Gutenberg editor, this is simple just open a page or post, click the three-dot menu, and switch to “Code Editor” to view and modify the HTML directly.

While it’s possible to apply styling directly in HTML such as aligning headings, bolding text, or changing fonts this approach isn’t practical for long-term design. You would have to repeat the same styling code on every page where you want that effect.

That’s where adding custom CSS in WordPress becomes the smarter solution.

Instead of applying styles manually in HTML, adding custom CSS in WordPress allows you to define global design rules that apply across your entire site. Whether it’s adjusting fonts, spacing, or background colors, these styles can be written once and applied consistently throughout all pages. This is especially useful if you’re looking to build your own WordPress theme, as it gives you full control over the site’s appearance and ensures a cohesive visual experience.

This means you can easily manage the look and feel of your website, and when you decide to make changes like updating the color scheme or typography you only need to update the CSS once. No need to go into each page’s HTML and edit it manually.

With adding custom CSS in WordPress, you gain full control over your site’s appearance, improve workflow efficiency, and ensure a cohesive design without modifying the core HTML structure of every page.

What do you need to edit CSS?

You need a few of the important things to edit the CSS of your WordPress theme. These items are listed below:

• Web browser
• A text editor
• Administration access to WordPress administration panel
• Basic development knowledge
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

Methods To Add Custom CSS in WordPress Easily

Whether you’re a beginner looking for a quick way to tweak your site’s appearance or a more experienced user aiming for advanced customizations, WordPress offers several reliable methods to add custom CSS. From built-in tools to powerful plugins, you can choose the approach that best suits your workflow and technical comfort level. Below, we’ll explore the most effective ways to add custom CSS in WordPress step by step.

Method 1: Adding Custom CSS in WordPress via Theme Customizer

One of the simplest ways to add custom CSS in WordPress is by using the built-in Theme Customizer. This method is beginner-friendly, doesn’t require any plugins, and lets you see your design changes in real time.

Here’s how you can do it step by step:

cssCopyEdith1 {
  color: #333;
  font-size: 36px;
  text-align: center;
}

Why Use the Theme Customizer?

Using this method for adding custom CSS in WordPress comes with several benefits:

• No plugins or extra tools needed
• Live previews while editing
• No risk of breaking your theme files
• Easy to undo or adjust CSS at any time

Whether you’re new to coding or just want a quick way to personalize your site, the Theme Customizer offers a safe and user-friendly option for modifying your site’s appearance with custom styles.

Method 2: Adding Custom CSS in WordPress with the WPCode Plugin

If you’re looking for a more advanced yet user-friendly way of adding custom CSS in WordPress, the WPCode plugin is an excellent option. It allows you to safely manage code snippets, including CSS, without directly editing theme files or worrying about theme updates overwriting your changes.

Here’s how to add custom CSS using WPCode:

1. Install and Activate WPCode

Start by logging into your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to “Plugins” > “Add New” and search for WPCode – Insert Headers and Footers + Custom Code Snippets. Click “Install Now,” then activate the plugin.

2. Open WPCode and Create a New Snippet

Once activated, you’ll see “Code Snippets” in your WordPress admin menu. Hover over it and click “Add New” to create a new code snippet.

3. Add a Title and Choose Code Type

Give your snippet a clear name, such as “Custom CSS for Header.” Then, select “CSS Snippet” as the code type. This helps you stay organized, especially if you plan to manage multiple snippets in the future.

4. Insert Your Custom CSS Code

Now, paste your CSS code into the provided editor. For example:

.header-area {
  background-color: #f5f5f5;
  padding: 20px;
}
This code will style the header area based on your design needs.

5. Select Where the CSS Should Run

WPCode lets you control where and when the snippet runs. Under “Location,” choose “Site-Wide Header” if you want the CSS applied globally, or target specific post types or templates depending on your goals.

6. Publish and Apply the CSS

Once everything looks good, click “Publish” to activate your custom CSS. Your styles will now be live across the sections you selected.

Why Use WPCode for Adding Custom CSS in WordPress?

• Keeps your CSS safe from theme updates
• No need to touch core theme files
• Offers targeted application (e.g., specific pages or templates)
• Great for organizing multiple snippets
• Beginner-friendly interface with advanced control

This method is ideal if you want flexibility and structure while managing your custom styling. Using tools like WPCode, you can easily add and manage your WordPress custom CSS without editing core theme files. Beyond styling, WPCode also supports adding other code snippets such as JavaScript, HTML, and even PHP making it a powerful tool for customizing every aspect of your WordPress site.

Pro Tip: With WPCode, you can also explore creating custom post types and advanced layout controls using just a few snippets, all from one central interface.

Method 3: Adding Custom CSS in WordPress Using the Full Site Editor (FSE)

With the introduction of the Full Site Editor (FSE) in WordPress, users now have a more visual and intuitive way to design and customize their websites. This powerful feature enables full control over your site’s layout and style using blocks and yes, it also supports adding custom CSS in WordPress for more precise styling.

Here’s how to apply custom CSS using the Full Site Editor:

1. Open the Full Site Editor

Start by logging into your WordPress dashboard. From the left-hand menu, go to “Appearance” > “Editor” (this might also appear as “Site Editor” depending on your version). This opens the block-based Full Site Editing interface.

2. Select the Block or Section to Style

Navigate to the template or area of the site you want to modify. Click on the specific block or section where you want to apply your custom styles. This could be a header, paragraph, button, or any reusable block.

3. Expand the “Advanced” Settings

Once you’ve selected a block, look in the sidebar for the “Advanced” settings panel. This section includes fields such as “Additional CSS Class” and sometimes “Additional CSS” depending on your theme and block support.

4. Add Your Custom CSS

If the block supports it, you can directly insert your CSS code in the provided field. Alternatively, you can assign a CSS class name here, then go to the Additional CSS section in the Theme Customizer (Method 1) or use a plugin like WPCode to define styles for that class. For example:

Add class name:

custom-hero-title

Then define its style:

.custom-hero-title {
font-size: 48px;
text-transform: uppercase;
color: #1e73be;
}

5. Save and Preview Your Changes

Once your custom CSS is added, click the “Save” button in the top-right corner to apply the changes. You can preview how the styling looks on the front end of your site to ensure everything appears as expected.

Why Use the Full Site Editor for Adding Custom CSS in WordPress?

• Offers block-level customization
• Eliminates the need for external page builders
• Great for applying targeted styles to specific templates or sections
• Keeps your workflow centralized inside WordPress
• Requires minimal technical knowledge

The FSE approach is ideal for users who prefer a visual experience but still want the flexibility of custom styling. Whether you’re refining typography, modifying layouts, or creating custom sections, adding custom CSS in WordPress using FSE allows you to design with precision without diving deep into theme files.

Adding CSS to Your Theme vs. Using a Custom CSS Plugin

When it comes to adding custom CSS in WordPress, you generally have two main options: editing the CSS directly through your theme or using a custom CSS plugin. Each approach has its own advantages, and choosing the right one depends on your comfort level and customization needs.

Using a Custom CSS Plugin

Plugins like WPCode provide a dedicated environment for managing CSS code independently of your theme files. This method keeps your code organized and safe from being overwritten during theme updates. One of the biggest advantages is flexibility these plugins allow you to apply styles site-wide or target specific areas, all without touching core files. For users who frequently update themes or want to separate design customizations from theme logic, using a plugin is a smart and scalable solution.

Adding CSS Directly to Your Theme

On the other hand, if you prefer a more hands-on method, adding CSS through the Theme Customizer or Full Site Editor (FSE) is a valid choice. This approach is straightforward and convenient, especially for smaller edits or users who are already familiar with WordPress’s built-in customization tools. However, these changes are often theme-dependent, which means they can be lost if you switch or update your theme unless you use a child theme.

Conclusion

When it comes to adding custom CSS in WordPress, both plugin-based and built-in methods offer valuable benefits. Using a dedicated plugin like WPCode provides greater flexibility, making it easier to manage and organize your custom styles without touching core theme files. It also minimizes the risk of losing changes during theme updates and is ideal for users who frequently adjust or experiment with their site’s appearance.

On the other hand, directly inserting CSS through the Theme Customizer or Full Site Editor (FSE) can be a quick and effective solution especially for minor adjustments or when you want immediate visual feedback. This approach is often preferred by users looking for simplicity and convenience.

In the end, the best method depends on your specific needs, technical skills, and how extensively you plan to customize your site’s design. Whether you choose a plugin for long-term scalability or opt for built-in tools for quick edits, adding custom CSS in WordPress empowers you to personalize your website’s look and feel with precision and control. And if you’re using a WP Theme Bundle, you’ll find that these themes often support custom CSS out of the box, giving you even more flexibility to tailor your site to match your brand perfectly.