How to create a custom page template in WordPress (3 ways)

Creating custom page templates manually in theme files

If your theme isn’t block-based—or if you need deeper control—you can manually create a PHP file for your custom template.

Step 1: Create the template file

In your theme folder (or preferably a child theme), create a new file. Name it something like page-custom.php.

At the top, add a special comment so WordPress recognizes it as a template:

<?php
/*
Template Name: Custom Landing Page
*/

This template name will appear in the editor dropdown.

Step 2: Add your layout structure

You can start by copying your theme’s page.php or index.php file, then modify it. Or you can start fresh:

<?php
/* Template Name: Custom Landing Page */
get_header(); ?>

<div class=”custom-container”>
<main id=”main”>
    <?php
    while (have_posts()) : the_post();
      the_content();
    Endwhile;
    ?>
  </main>
</div>
<?php get_footer(); ?>

Customize this template however you want—remove sidebars, add custom sections, change HTML structure, or enqueue specific styles.

Step 3: Assign the template

In the WordPress dashboard:

1. Edit any page.
2. In the right-hand panel, find the Template dropdown.
3. Select “Custom Landing Page” (or whatever you named it).

That page will now use your custom layout.