To customize date archives in WordPress, first check whether your active theme is a classic theme with widget areas or a block theme. In a classic theme, use Appearance > Widgets (or Appearance > Customize > Widgets, if available) to add or configure the Archives widget. In a block theme, use Appearance > Editor to change the relevant template or template part instead; block themes do not use the traditional Widgets screen.
Choose the right editor for your theme
The location of sidebar controls depends on the active theme. Classic themes may provide one or more widget areas, while block themes use Site Editor templates and template parts. Some themes use different names for widget areas, and some do not provide a traditional sidebar at all.
- Classic theme: Open Appearance > Widgets. If your theme offers it, you can instead open Appearance > Customize > Widgets for a live preview. See WordPress’s Widgets screen guide and guide to managing widgets.
- Block theme: Open Appearance > Editor, then locate the template or template part that controls the layout you want to change. The exact structure varies by theme. WordPress explains that block themes use the Site Editor rather than traditional widget areas in its block-based Widgets Editor documentation.
Customize archives in a classic theme
- In the Dashboard, go to Appearance > Widgets. If the Customizer offers a Widgets panel, you can open Appearance > Customize > Widgets instead.
- Select the widget area that controls the desired sidebar. The available areas and their names are set by the theme; check the theme’s documentation if the destination is unclear.
- Add an Archives widget. In a block-based Widgets editor, add an Archives block to the theme-provided widget area instead.
- Set the title and choose whether to display archives as a dropdown or show post counts, using the options available in your editor.
- Move the Archives item to the desired position in the widget area, then preview the site to check the result.
For a classic Archives widget, the documented options include a title, dropdown display, and post counts. The Widgets screen documentation describes adding and arranging items in a selected theme area.
Customize archives in a block theme
- Go to Appearance > Editor.
- Open the template or template part that controls the page layout where the archive links should appear. The relevant location depends on the theme.
- Add or select an Archives block in the sidebar-like area, then configure its settings.
- Preview the affected layout and save the changes when it looks right.
The Archives block displays date-based post archives. Its controls can include a dropdown and label, post counts, and grouping by year, month, week, or day. Styling panels include color, typography, dimensions, and border controls; alignment choices may depend on theme support. See the Archives block documentation.
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Choose a display that fits the sidebar
| Choice | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| List or dropdown | A list shows archive periods vertically; a dropdown condenses them into a select control. | Use a dropdown when a long list would take too much sidebar space. The Archives Widget guide notes this space-saving use. |
| Post counts on or off | Shows or hides the number of posts in each archive period. | Show counts when they help readers judge the archive; omit them for a simpler display. |
| Grouping: year, month, week, or day | Sets the time interval used by the Archives block. | Choose the level of detail readers need and that suits the archive’s length. |
Use a different block for hand-picked links
The Archives widget or block generates chronological links to date archives. If you want to choose and order links yourself, use a Navigation block instead; WordPress’s Navigation block guide covers editing and reordering menu links. A Page List block displays published pages, not date archives; see the Page List block documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot missing or unchanged archives
“Appearance > Widgets” is missing
Check whether the active theme is a block theme. If it is, use Appearance > Editor to edit the relevant template or template part.
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There is no obvious sidebar destination
The theme may not provide a classic widget area, or it may call the area something other than “Sidebar.” Check the areas available in the editor and consult the theme’s documentation. The WordPress widget management guide describes working with theme-provided widget areas.
The old archive list remains visible
Inspect the active widget area in a classic theme. In a block theme, inspect the relevant template or template part in the Site Editor. Without knowing the theme and site layout, it is not possible to tell whether a particular list comes from a widget, a template block, or theme code.
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