The Porto theme provides a comprehensive Theme Options panel, designed to allow easy customization and configuration without any coding knowledge. This dedicated area in the WordPress Dashboard enables users to seamlessly adjust the design, layout, and functionality of their site.
Two Types of Theme Options Panels in Porto
Porto offers two main approaches for customizing your site: the Classic Theme Options Panel and the Live Options Panel. Each panel provides a unique experience, tailored to different user needs.
1. Classic Theme Options Panel
The Classic Theme Options Panel is accessible via Dashboard > Porto > Theme Options and is commonly used in more traditional WordPress themes. This panel operates independently of the WordPress Customizer, meaning any modifications you make won’t display in real time; instead, you’ll need to save changes and refresh the site to see updates.
Navigating the Classic Panel:
- To access the Classic Options, go to Porto > Theme Options in your admin sidebar.
- Here, you’ll find a wide range of settings categorized by tabs, covering everything from layout adjustments to styling and functionality tweaks. Moreover, each option includes a brief description to provide a quick understanding, helping you navigate and configure settings more effectively.
2. Live Options Panel
The Live Options Panel integrates directly with the WordPress Customizer, allowing real-time previews of your changes. This approach aligns with WordPress standards and further enhances usability by displaying updates immediately without requiring a page refresh.
Features of the Live Options Panel:
- Options are organized into clear, tabbed sections with descriptions for each setting, making it easy to understand their impact on the front end.
- In addition, the preview window on the right displays changes instantly, while the options panel on the left allows you to fine-tune settings in real time.
- Keep in mind, though, that changes only take effect on the live site when you click the ‘Publish’ button.
- Leveraging WordPress selective refresh, Porto minimizes page reloads to improve responsiveness during customization, allowing for a smoother experience as you make adjustments.
Note: It’s worth noting that certain advanced options, such as “Custom CSS” or “Custom JavaScript” are excluded from the Live Options Panel to ensure ample workspace for these more complex edits. For these settings, simply go to Porto > Advanced Options for easy access and usability.
Switching Between Panels
Porto makes it easy to switch between the Classic Theme Options and the Live Options Panel:
On the Porto Dashboard page, you’ll see a ‘Live Options Panel’ button in the top navigation bar. Click it to enable the Live Options mode.
To revert to the Classic Theme Options, click the ‘Old Panel’ button at the top left corner of the sidebar.
With the availability of both the Classic and Live Options Panels, Porto provides flexibility for all users, ensuring a smooth and tailored customization experience to suit diverse needs. Ultimately, exploring these tools can help you strike the perfect balance between functionality and design for your site.
