---
title: "How to Add Widgets"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/academy/how-to-add-widgets/"
description: "[wp101 video=\"widgets\"] In this video, the instructor explains how to add, edit, and manage widgets in WordPress to personalize your site—focusing on the footer…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "Academy"
topics: ["Customizing", "General WordPress", "How To", "Videos", "WordPress 101"]
date: "2023-02-22"
last_modified: "2023-02-22"
---

# How to Add Widgets

\[wp101 video=”widgets”\]

In this video, the instructor explains how to add, edit, and manage **widgets** in WordPress to personalize your site—focusing on the footer area in the Twenty Twenty theme.

---

#### **1. What Are Widgets?**

- Small blocks of content that can be added to **widget areas** defined by your theme.
- Common widget areas: 
    - **Sidebar** (often on the right-hand side of a page)
    - **Footer** (bottom of the site)
- In the demo site, there are **two widget areas in the footer**.

---

#### **2. Adding and Editing Widgets with the Customizer**

- Go to **Customize** from the top menu to open the **Live Preview**.
- Hover and click the **edit icon** next to a widget to edit it.
- Replace or edit the content, then click **Done**.
- To add a new widget: 
    - Click **Add a Widget** to see all available options.
    - Choose from widgets such as: 
        - Archives
        - Audio Player
        - Calendar of posts
        - Categories (list or dropdown)
        - Custom HTML/Code
        - Images
        - Navigation menus
        - Text blocks (most flexible option)
- **Text Widget Example:**
    - Add a title, text, and even buttons.
    - Format text (bold, italics, lists, links).
    - Switch to **HTML mode** if you want to edit code manually.
- Click **Publish** to save changes.

---

#### **3. Managing Widgets from the Dashboard**

- From the Dashboard: 
    - Go to **Appearance > Widgets**.
    - Left side: list of available widgets.
    - Right side: available widget areas for your theme.
- Drag and drop widgets into widget areas.
- Expand the widget title bar to edit its settings.
- Move unused widgets to the **Inactive Widgets** area (saves settings for later use).

---

#### **4. Theme-Specific Widget Areas**

- The Twenty Twenty theme only provides **two footer widget areas**.
- Other themes may include **more areas** (like multiple sidebars, header, or additional footer sections).

---

### **Key Takeaway:**

Widgets allow you to easily **customize and enhance your site’s footer, sidebar, and other widget-ready areas**. With options ranging from navigation menus to text, images, and custom code, widgets give you flexibility to personalize your WordPress site’s layout and functionality.

In the **next video**, you’ll likely explore additional customization options to refine your site’s design.