1Work on staging with version control
Clone to staging, enable file editing via SFTP/Git, and block search engines. Take a backup snapshot before changes.
2Use child themes or block templates
For classic themes, create a child theme and override template files there. For block themes, use the Site Editor to create template parts or export them, then commit to version control.
3Prefer hooks over direct edits
Use actions/filters (e.g., wp_head, woocommerce_before_single_product) inside a child theme plugin or mu-plugin. This keeps templates lean and updates upgrade-safe.
4Handle assets and layout safely
Enqueue CSS/JS via functions.php (child) instead of hardcoding. Keep layouts responsive, test RTL if applicable, and avoid blocking scripts. Minify where safe.
5Test and deploy
Check Core Web Vitals, forms, checkout, and console errors. Commit changes, deploy to production, clear caches, and verify pages. Keep a rollback plan ready.
Safety checklist
- Changes done on staging with backup and version control.
- Child theme or exported block templates used—no core overrides.
- Hooks/filters preferred over direct template edits.
- Enqueued assets properly; no inline blocking scripts.
- Post-deploy QA: forms, checkout (if any), console, Core Web Vitals.
FAQ
Should I edit templates on production?
No. Work on staging with backups and version control, then deploy and clear caches once verified.
When do I need a child theme?
Use a child theme for classic themes when overriding templates or functions, so updates do not wipe your changes.
Is it better to use hooks than editing files?
Yes. Prefer actions/filters or mu-plugins to inject changes. Direct template edits are riskier and harder to maintain.
Final thoughts
Template changes break sites when they bypass version control, staging, or hooks. Keep edits in child themes or exported block templates, enqueue assets properly, and always run QA on checkout and forms before shipping. Pair this workflow with a clean WooCommerce install and vetted AI plugins so design updates stay compatible with performance and commerce layers.