How To Remove Header And Footer From Woocommerce Store Page

How to Remove Header and Footer from WooCommerce Store Page: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

WooCommerce, the leading e-commerce plugin for WordPress, provides a robust platform for building online stores. While its default layout works well for many, sometimes you might need to customize the appearance of specific pages to create a more focused and compelling user experience. One common customization request is to remove the header and footer from the WooCommerce store page. This can be beneficial when you want to:

• Offer a distraction-free landing page to promote specific products.
• Create a minimal checkout process.
• Design a unique product presentation that deviates from the standard website layout.

This article will guide you through several methods to remove the header and footer from your WooCommerce store page, weighing the pros and cons of each approach.

Methods for Removing Header and Footer

There are multiple ways to remove the header and footer from your WooCommerce store page. We will explore several, ranked from simplest to more complex.

1. Using a Page Builder Plugin

Page builder plugins like Elementor, Beaver Builder, and Divi offer an easy way to control the layout of individual pages, including the removal of the header and footer. This method is suitable for users who prefer a visual, drag-and-drop interface.

Steps (using Elementor as an example):

1. Install and activate Elementor (or your preferred page builder).

2. Edit your WooCommerce Shop page (usually found under Pages).

3. Click the “Edit with Elementor” button.

4. Navigate to Settings (the gear icon in the bottom left corner).

5. Under the “Page Layout” option, select “Elementor Canvas.” This will remove both the header and footer.

6. Design your shop page using Elementor’s widgets.

7. Publish your changes.

Pros:

• Simple and user-friendly.
• No coding required.
• Allows for complete control over the page’s design.

Cons:

• Relies on a third-party plugin.
• Can sometimes lead to bloat if not used efficiently.
• Might require a paid version of the plugin for advanced features.

2. Using a WordPress Theme with Page-Specific Header/Footer Options

Many modern WordPress themes offer built-in options to customize the header and footer display on a per-page basis. Check your theme’s documentation or customizer settings for these options.

Steps (example):

1. Go to Appearance -> Customize.

2. Look for sections like “Header” or “Footer” settings.

3. Check for options to disable header/footer on specific pages. The wording will vary depending on your theme. For instance, you might find a checkbox labeled “Hide Header on This Page” or similar.

4. Assign this setting to your WooCommerce store page.

5. Publish your changes.

Pros:

• No extra plugins required.
• Seamless integration with your theme.

Cons:

• Availability depends on your theme’s features.
• Might not offer the same level of customization as a page builder.

3. Using a Code Snippet (functions.php or a Code Snippets Plugin)

This method involves adding a PHP code snippet to your theme’s `functions.php` file or using a code snippets plugin like “Code Snippets.” This requires a basic understanding of PHP. Always back up your website before making changes to the `functions.php` file.

Explanation:

• `is_shop()`: This WordPress function checks if the current page is the WooCommerce shop page.
• `remove_action()`: This function removes specific WordPress actions that generate the header and footer. You’ll need to find the correct action names for your theme (Inspect element using your browser developer tools and find the wrapper for the header and footer to know which action to remove).
• `add_action(‘wp’, ‘remove_header_footer_on_shop_page’)`: This hooks the `remove_header_footer_on_shop_page` function to the `wp` action, ensuring it runs on every page load.

Important: The actions you need to remove depend on your specific theme. You’ll likely need to inspect the theme’s `functions.php` file or use your browser’s developer tools to identify the correct action hooks.

Pros:

• Direct control over Discover insights on Woocommerce How To Test Order Confirmation Email header and footer removal.
• No dependency on external plugins (if using `functions.php`).

Cons:

• Requires coding knowledge.
• Can be difficult to troubleshoot if you’re not familiar with PHP.
• Changes to the `functions.php` file can break your website if not done correctly. Always back up your site before making changes.
• Using `functions.php` directly means the change is theme-dependent. Using a code snippets plugin is generally preferred for portability.

4. Creating a Custom Page Template

This is the most advanced method. It involves creating a custom page template specifically for your WooCommerce shop page, which does not include the header and footer. This offers maximum flexibility but requires significant coding knowledge.

Steps (simplified overview):

1. Create a new PHP file in your theme’s directory (e.g., `woocommerce-shop-no-header-footer.php`).

2. Add the following code at the top of the file:

 <?php /** 
Template Name: WooCommerce Shop (No Header/Footer)
 */ 

get_template_part(‘woocommerce-shop-content’); // Load your shop page content here, or copy/paste your shop page code

?>

3. Create the content file `woocommerce-shop-content.php` Or, you’ll need to manually rebuild the shop page content within this custom template, replicating the functionality of the WooCommerce shop page. This involves using WooCommerce functions to display products, categories, etc. This is the most challenging part. You may be able to get the default content by inspecting the default shop page HTML and replicating the elements.

4. Go to your WooCommerce shop page in the WordPress admin area and select your new template from the “Template” dropdown under the “Page Attributes” meta box.

Pros:

• Ultimate control over the page’s layout.
• Can create a truly unique shopping experience.

Cons:

• Requires extensive coding knowledge of PHP, HTML, and WooCommerce templating.
• Time-consuming and complex.
• Difficult to maintain and update.
• The most challenging option.

Conclusion

Removing the header and footer from your WooCommerce store page can significantly enhance the user experience, allowing you to create a more focused and tailored shopping environment. The best method for you depends on your technical skills and the level of customization you require. For beginners, using a page builder plugin or a theme with built-in options is the simplest and safest approach. For more advanced users, code snippets or custom page templates offer greater flexibility but demand a deeper understanding of web development principles. Remember to back up your website before making any significant changes to your theme files or installing new plugins. Choose the method that best suits your needs and start creating a unique and engaging online store!