Overview
This guide explains how to add and edit a component, and links to additional guidance. We will also be adding video walkthroughs to this guide in 2026.
For information about other parts of the WordPress editor, refer back to Using the WordPress editor.
Note about special templates: If your WordPress editor doesn't look like the images in this guide, refer to the specific guide for your page template.
What are components?
Components are the building blocks of a Dornsife website. They are professionally designed layout blocks, and you can add as many of them to a webpage as you need. When setting up a blank page, start by selecting a component. Then, begin adding text and images within the component. Continue adding components and content until your page is complete.
In the image below, the example webpage is composed of a series of components with different designs:
The Dornsife WordPress system has over 30 component types, each with its own design and layout. Some of these components are intended to display images or image galleries, while others are well-suited for displaying links or videos. There is no limit to how many components you can add to a page in the WordPress editor, or how many times you can use the same component type on a page.
Adding a component
You can use any of the following methods to add a component.
Use the + button in the content area
Click the + button. You can select one of the six most popular or recently used components, or use the search bar to find a specific component.
Add a component between two existing components
By default, the + button appears under the last component, but you can also add a component between two existing components. Hover your cursor between the two components. Then, click the + button once it appears.
Use the + block inserter in the upper left
Open the block inserter by clicking the Inserter 
icon in the upper left:
The block inserter appears on the left and shows all of the available components. You can click a component to add it to the end of the page, or drag a component to add it to a specific location on the page.
Duplicate an existing component
First, click the component. Then, in the component toolbar, click the Options 
icon and select Duplicate.
Moving, locking, or deleting a component
To select a component, click the component. A toolbar will appear with available actions, and you can now move, lock, or delete the component.
Move component
Use the Drag 
icon or Move arrows 
to move the component up or down the page. If there is only one component on the page, these icons do not appear.
Lock or unlock component
Locking a component prevents you (and other website editors) from accidentally moving or deleting the component.
Click the Options icon and select Lock. You can lock the ability to move it, delete it, or both.
Once a component is locked, its toolbar updates with a lock icon, and you can click the Options icon to unlock it.
Delete component
Click the Options icon and select Delete.
Rich Text component
Not sure where to start? We recommend using Rich Text. You can use this all-purpose component to add:
- Text such as paragraphs, lists, and headings
- Links
- Buttons (links with special formatting)
- Tables
- Images
- Video
The following guide includes a video that demonstrates how to add and edit a Rich Text component:
More help with Rich Text
Additional component guides
As you get more comfortable using the WordPress editor, you may want to try other components besides Rich Text. The following guides will help you further explore your options: