---
tags:
  - wordpress
  - fse
  - templates
  - custom-templates
  - theme.json
title: Creating Custom Page Templates in FSE (Landing Pages)
---

# Creating Custom Page Templates in FSE (Landing Pages)

In Classic themes, you created a file named `page-landing.php` and added a comment header `/* Template Name: Landing Page */`.

In Block themes (FSE), we replace PHP with HTML and register the template in `theme.json`.

## 1. The Use Case

The most common use case is a **"Landing Page"** or **"Canvas"** template that removes the global Header and Footer, allowing you to build a completely unique layout for marketing campaigns using blocks.

## 2. Step 1: Register in theme.json

You must explicitly tell WordPress that this template exists.

Open `theme.json` and add the `customTemplates` array at the top level (same level as `settings` and `styles`).

```json
{
    "version": 3,
    "customTemplates": [
        {
            "name": "landing-page",
            "title": "Landing Page (No Header/Footer)",
            "postTypes": ["page"]
        },
        {
            "name": "sidebar-left",
            "title": "Page with Left Sidebar",
            "postTypes": ["page", "post"]
        }
    ],
    "settings": { ... }
}
```

*   **name:** The internal slug. This determines the filename.
*   **title:** The human-readable name shown in the Editor dropdown.
*   **postTypes:** Where this template is available (usually `page`, but can be `post` or custom types).

## 3. Step 2: Create the HTML File

WordPress looks for a file inside the `templates/` folder matching the **name** you defined.

*   **Registry Name:** `landing-page`
*   **File Path:** `templates/landing-page.html`

### Example: Landing Page (Clean Slate)

This template intentionally omits `<!-- wp:template-part {"slug":"header"} /-->`.

**File:** `templates/landing-page.html`

```html
<!-- wp:group {"tagName":"main","layout":{"type":"constrained"}} -->
<main class="wp-block-group">

    <!-- wp:post-content /-->

</main>
<!-- /wp:group -->
```

Now, whatever you build in the Block Editor is the *only* thing on the page.

## 4. Step 3: Selecting the Template

1.  Go to **Pages > Add New** (or edit an existing page).
2.  Open the **Settings Sidebar** (click the gear icon).
3.  Find the **Template** section (usually under "Summary" or "Page Attributes").
4.  Click the current template name (e.g., "Default template").
5.  Select **"Landing Page (No Header/Footer)"** from the dropdown list.

## 5. Troubleshooting

*   **Template not showing?** Ensure the `name` in `theme.json` matches the filename in `templates/` exactly (minus `.html`).
*   **"postTypes" missing?** If you don't define `postTypes`, it defaults to `page`. If you want it on a blog post, you must explicitly add `"post"` to the array.