Builder overview
The builder is easier to understand as a few logical areas. The exact screen position can change with viewport size, but the jobs stay the same: choose what you are editing, preview the result, and adjust settings.
Templates
Templates are the Ghost page types you design: home, post, page, tag, author, collection, error, and similar. Switching templates changes which page type you are editing.
Layouts
Layouts are shared framing, usually header and footer. Editing a layout updates every template that uses it, so use layouts for global structure instead of repeating the same sections on every template.
Sections
Sections are the first-level pieces of a template or layout. Add, reorder, duplicate, or remove them from the structure tree. Sections usually carry layout and spacing settings because they control a major region of the page.
Blocks
Blocks live inside sections, usually on the second or third level. They are smaller pieces such as headings, buttons, rich text, cards, and media. Blocks only appear where the selected section or parent block allows them.
Preview
Preview shows the current template with demo data or connected Ghost data. Use preview size, color scheme, and preview data controls to check responsive layout, light/dark behavior, and content-driven pages before downloading or publishing.
Theme settings
Theme settings are global defaults that ship with the downloaded or published theme: color mode, typography, posts per page, containers, media behavior, and similar options.
Selected item settings
When you select a section or block, the settings panel shows controls for that item. If the panel looks empty, select a template, section, or block from the structure tree.
Where Pro appears
- Tier badges on sections, blocks, templates, layouts, or settings.
- Upgrade prompts on Pro-only actions.
- Disabled or read-only settings when your plan does not include a feature. Download ZIP or Publish may stay blocked until you upgrade or remove Pro-only content; follow the message shown in the builder.