How to Make WooCommerce Pages Full Width in the Storefront Theme
Introduction:
The Storefront theme is a popular choice for WooCommerce websites due to its simplicity, flexibility, and integration with the WooCommerce platform. However, its default layout includes a sidebar, which can sometimes feel restrictive, especially on product pages or shop archives. Many users prefer a full-width layout to showcase products more prominently and create a cleaner, more modern look. This article will guide you through several methods to achieve a full-width WooCommerce layout in the Storefront theme, ranging from simple CSS adjustments to more advanced code modifications. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including the pros and cons of each approach, so you can choose the solution that best suits your needs and technical expertise.
Why Go Full Width?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s quickly touch on why you might want to make your WooCommerce pages full width:
- Improved Visual Appeal: A full-width layout can create a more visually appealing and immersive experience for your customers.
- Better Product Showcase: It allows for larger product images and more space to highlight key features and benefits.
- Increased Conversion Rates: By removing distractions (like sidebars), you can focus the user’s attention on your products, potentially leading to higher conversion rates.
- Modern Design: Full-width layouts are a common design trend, giving your store a more contemporary feel.
- `.woocommerce #content, .woocommerce-page #content`: This targets the main content area on WooCommerce pages.
- `width: 100%; max-width: 100%;`: Sets the width and maximum width of the content area to 100% of its container.
- `float: none;`: Prevents the content from floating alongside the sidebar.
- `.woocommerce #sidebar, .woocommerce-page #sidebar`: This targets the sidebar on WooCommerce pages.
- `display: none;`: Hides the sidebar completely.
- Simple and quick to implement.
- No need to edit theme files directly.
- Easy to revert changes.
- Applies the full-width layout to *all* WooCommerce pages. If you want a sidebar on some pages, this method isn’t ideal.
- Requires basic understanding of CSS.
Methods to Achieve Full-Width WooCommerce Pages
Here are a few methods you can use to make your WooCommerce pages full width in the Storefront theme:
1. Using CSS (Simple & Quick)
This is the easiest and often the recommended approach for beginners. It involves adding custom CSS to your theme to hide the sidebar and expand the content area.
Steps:
1. Access the WordPress Read more about How To Design Product Page In Woocommerce Customizer: Go to Appearance > Customize in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Additional CSS: Look for the “Additional CSS” option and click on it.
3. Add the following CSS code:
.woocommerce #content,
.woocommerce-page #content {
width: 100%;
max-width: 100%;
float: none;
}
.woocommerce #sidebar,
.woocommerce-page #sidebar {
display: none;
}
4. Publish your changes: Click the “Publish” button to save your changes.
Explanation:
Pros:
Cons:
2. Using a Child Theme and Template Modification
This method offers more control and flexibility but requires creating a child theme and modifying template files.
Steps:
1. Create a Child Theme: It’s crucial to use a child theme to avoid losing your changes when the Storefront theme is updated. You can create a child theme manually or use a plugin.
* Manual Child Theme Creation:
Create a folder in `/wp-content/themes/` called `storefront-child`.
Create two files within that folder: `style.css` and `functions.php`.
* style.css:
/*
Theme Name: Storefront Child
Template: storefront
*/
@import url(“../storefront/style.css”);
* functions.php:
Activate your child theme from Appearance > Themes in the WordPress dashboard.
2. Copy the relevant template file: In the Storefront theme, the template file responsible for the page layout is usually `woocommerce.php` or `page.php` (depending on how WooCommerce is integrated). Copy this file from the parent theme’s directory (`/wp-content/themes/storefront/`) to your child theme’s directory (`/wp-content/themes/storefront-child/`).
3. Modify the template file: Open the copied template file in your child theme and remove or comment out the code that displays the sidebar. This typically involves removing or commenting out calls to `get_sidebar();` or similar functions that load the sidebar. You’ll also need to adjust the HTML structure to ensure the content area takes up the full width. Look for HTML elements like `
* Example Modification (Illustrative): The specific code to modify will vary depending on the exact template structure. This is just an example:
<?php /**
if ( ! defined( ‘ABSPATH’ ) ) {
exit; // Read more about How To Create Coupon Woocommerce Exit if accessed directly
}
get_header( ‘shop’ ); ?>
<?php
while ( have_posts() ) :
the_post();
wc_get_template_part( ‘content’, ‘single-product’ );
endwhile; // end of the loop.
?>
In this example, the line “ is commented out to remove the sidebar. This is a simplified example and your code might look different. Carefully examine the code structure to find the correct sidebar element. Remember to use comments to mark what you changed in your code, so it’s clear where changes have been made.
4. Specific Page Templates (Optional): If you want *specific* pages full-width, create a custom page template in your child theme and assign it to those pages. This involves creating a PHP file in your child theme (e.g., `template-fullwidth.php`) with specific template header and content logic.
Pros:
- More control over which pages are full-width.
- Best practice for theme customization, ensuring updates won’t overwrite your changes.
- Highly customizable, allowing you to create unique layouts.
Cons:
- More complex and requires understanding of PHP, HTML, and WordPress template structure.
- Requires creating and maintaining a child theme.
- Higher potential for errors if not done carefully.
3. Using a Page Builder Plugin (Visual Approach)
Page builder plugins like Elementor, Beaver Builder, or Divi offer a visual way to create custom layouts, including full-width WooCommerce pages.
Steps:
1. Install and Activate a Page Builder: Choose a page builder plugin and install and activate it from the WordPress plugin repository.
2. Edit the WooCommerce Page: Open the WooCommerce page you want to modify in the page builder. (e.g., Shop page, a specific product page)
3. Configure the Layout: Most page builders have options to set a full-width layout. Look for options related to page attributes, page layout, or content width.
4. Customize the Content: Use the page builder’s drag-and-drop interface to add and arrange elements, such as product grids, product images, text, and other content.
5. Save and Publish: Save your changes and publish the page.
Pros:
- Visual editing, making it easier to create complex layouts.
- No coding required.
- Offers a wide range of customization options.
Cons:
- Can add bloat Check out this post: How To Use Two Atributes In Woocommerce to your website if the plugin is not optimized.
- May require a paid version for advanced features.
- Lock-in: Switching page builders can be a significant effort.
4. WooCommerce Layout Plugins
Several plugins are specifically designed to control the layout of WooCommerce pages, including the ability to set full-width layouts. Search for “WooCommerce Layout Plugin” on WordPress repository.
Steps:
1. Install and activate the plugin
2. Configure the plugin settings Discover insights on How To Add Usps Shipping Woocommerce in your WordPress Dashboard. Most plugins will provide settings area to configure your Shop page layout, product page layouts, category pages, etc.
Pros:
- Easy to use interface to set layout of your entire WooCommerce store
- Code-free option
- Often includes lots of other options besides full-width
Cons:
- Paid options are often expensive.
- Some plugins can be unreliable or poorly supported
Conclusion
Making WooCommerce pages full width in the Check out this post: How To Increase The Products On Page In Woocommerce Storefront theme can significantly enhance the visual appeal and user experience of your online store. The best method depends on your technical skills and the level of customization you require.
- For a quick and easy solution that applies to all WooCommerce pages, using CSS in the WordPress Customizer is a great option.
- For more control and flexibility, creating a child theme and modifying template files is the recommended approach.
- If you prefer a visual approach and want more complex layouts, a page builder plugin can be a good choice.
- Finally, a WooCommerce Layout Plugin may be your best choice if you would like an interface dedicated to configuring the store’s layout.
Regardless of the method you choose, always remember to test your changes thoroughly to ensure everything looks and functions as expected. By carefully following these steps, you can create a beautiful and effective full-width WooCommerce store that will delight your customers and boost your sales.