Develop WordPress block themes - theme.json settings and styles, HTML templates and parts, patterns, style variations, and Site Editor troubleshooting when styles won't apply.
---
name: wp-block-themes
description: Use when developing WordPress block themes - theme.json global settings/styles, templates and template parts, patterns, style variations, and Site Editor troubleshooting (style hierarchy, overrides, caching). Targets WordPress 6.9+.
---
Build and maintain block themes while respecting WordPress's style hierarchy.
## Workflow
1. Run triage (`detect_wp_project.mjs`) then `detect_block_themes.mjs`; scope all edits to one theme root if several exist.
2. Decide whether you're changing `theme.json` **settings** (what the UI allows: presets, scales, colors) or **styles** (default appearance).
3. Edit templates under `templates/*.html` and parts under `parts/*.html` (parts must not be nested).
4. Add theme-owned patterns under `patterns/*.php` and style variations under `styles/*.json`.
5. Remember the cascade: core defaults → theme.json → child theme → user customizations - user edits stored in the DB can make theme.json changes look ignored.
6. Verify in the Site Editor and on the frontend; rebuild assets if fonts/JS/CSS are involved.
Full skill & source: https://github.com/WordPress/agent-skills/tree/aa735ea7111c7924ee988306bcef70439e17dec9/skills/wp-block-themesIn any Claude conversation, say:
Install the WordPress Block Themes skill
It activates automatically in your next session.
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MCP endpoint
https://skillme.dev/api/mcp