How to insert and customize patterns
Patterns are pre-built layouts of blocks that help you design your pages faster. Instead of building a section like a gallery or a "Contact Us" area from scratch, you can drop in a pattern and swap the placeholder content for your own. This ensures your store looks consistent and professional without requiring a design degree.
How to insert a pattern
- Open the page or post where you want to add a design section.
- Click the + (Plus) button in the top left corner of the editor to open the block inserter.
- Select the Patterns tab.
- Browse the categories (like "Featured," "About," or "Gallery"). Since your store uses Kadence, you can also click the Kadence Design Library button at the top of the editor for even more options specific to your theme.
- Click on a pattern to insert it into your page. It will appear wherever your cursor was last placed.
Customizing your pattern
Once the pattern is on your page, you can treat every part of it as an individual block.
- Change Text: Click directly on any text to start typing your own headlines or descriptions.
- Swap Images: Click on an image within the pattern, then select Replace in the toolbar to upload your own photo or choose one from your Media Library.
- Adjust Colors: Select the main container of the pattern (usually a "Row" or "Group" block). In the right-hand sidebar settings, you can change the background color or overlay to match your brand.
- Rearrange: Use the Move Up or Move Down arrows in the block toolbar to shift the pattern’s position on the page.
Practical scenarios
- Promoting a Sale: Insert a "Call to Action" pattern on your homepage. Change the background to a bright color, add your sale headline, and link the button directly to your Shop page.
- Building an About Page: Use a "Text and Image" pattern to introduce yourself. It keeps the text neatly aligned next to your photo without you having to mess with column settings.
- Highlighting Services: If you run a restaurant or service-based shop, use a "Grid" pattern to list your top three offerings with small icons and short descriptions.
Troubleshooting common issues
The pattern doesn’t look like the preview
Patterns often inherit the global colors and fonts you’ve set in your Customizer. If the colors look different, check your site’s global styling. If the layout feels cramped, make sure the block isn’t accidentally nested inside a narrow column.
I can’t find the Patterns tab
If you don’t see the Patterns tab after clicking the + button, make sure you are clicking the blue icon in the top toolbar, not the small black icon that appears between blocks.
The images are the wrong size
When you replace a placeholder image, the new image might have different dimensions. You can fix this by clicking the image and using the "Aspect Ratio" tool in the sidebar to crop it to a square or rectangle that matches the original design.
Summary
Patterns save time by providing a professional foundation for your pages. Once inserted, every element is fully editable, allowing you to maintain your brand’s look while adding content quickly.
Next steps:
- [How to set global brand colors]
- [Using the Kadence Design Library]
- [Editing your homepage layout]
