Building a WordPress Theme with No Code - A Unique Block Editor Project
Over the years, I have developed hundreds of custom WordPress themes, each with its own balance of design, functionality, and code. Typically, custom themes involve plenty of PHP templates, custom CSS and JavaScript, and specialized functions to bring a client’s vision to life.
But recently, I tackled a project that was completely different. The requirement was clear: use only the WordPress Block Editor, and avoid custom code as much as possible. The result was both refreshing and challenging, and it showed me just how far WordPress has come as a platform.
One of the best examples of this approach is Ultra Rare, a theme I built entirely around the Block Editor, with minimal code and maximum flexibility.
Why This Project Was Unique
This was not just another custom theme request. The client wanted:
- Maximum client control: the ability to edit, rearrange, and expand content themselves without developer intervention.
- Minimal code overhead: avoiding technical debt, custom templates, or bespoke PHP.
- Full reliance on the Block Editor: leaning into Gutenberg’s modern capabilities for patterns, reusable blocks, and global styles.
For someone like me, who is used to writing code-heavy themes, it was a rare opportunity to push the Block Editor to its limits and prove it could stand on its own.
How I Approached It
1. Minimal Templates
The theme itself had very light PHP scaffolding. Just enough to render the_content(), header, and footer. Nothing more.
2. Block Patterns as Building Blocks
I created curated block patterns such as hero sections, cards, grids, and galleries that aligned with the site’s design system. This gave the client flexible, pre-styled sections they could insert anywhere.
3. Global Styles via theme.json
Typography, color palettes, and spacing rules were all defined globally. This ensured visual consistency even as content evolved.
4. Custom Block Variations
For special cases like featured highlights or banners, I provided block variations and styles. These expanded the creative options without requiring extra code.
Why Clients Love This
- They own the content experience. Clients can build and edit layouts without touching code.
- The theme stays lean. No unnecessary templates or bloated frameworks.
- Consistency is built in. Thanks to patterns and global styles, the site always looks polished.
- Future proof. With fewer custom parts, updates and WordPress core changes pose less risk.
Ultra Rare is a live showcase of this philosophy. It looks polished, but the client can evolve it entirely on their own.
My Takeaway
Having built 100+ custom themes, I can say this: the Block Editor only approach is not for every project. Complex interactions, advanced features, or highly dynamic designs may still require code.
But for the right project, where the client values flexibility and simplicity, it is a game changer. Less code. Less maintenance. More freedom.
