Site header, footer, and menus
Build link lists under Settings → Navigation, then choose built-in header and footer layouts and assign those menus under Settings → Site layout—use nested menu items for multi-column footers, and turn on the header cart under E-commerce when you sell.
Every public page shows a header and footer. For most sites you only need:
- Settings → Navigation — create menus (the links).
- Settings → Site layout — pick a built-in header/footer layout and assign a menu to each.
Site name and logo come from Settings → General and Theme. Colors and fonts come from Theme.
If you need a fully designed header or footer (custom columns, newsletter block, hand-placed cart), use Settings → Header & Footer instead — see Custom header and footer templates. A custom template overrides the matching built-in layout when you select it as the site default.
| Task | Where |
|---|---|
| Add or reorder links | Settings → Navigation |
| Choose built-in header/footer look + attach menus | Settings → Site layout → Header / Footer |
| Design a custom header or footer | Settings → Header & Footer |
Build a menu
- Open Settings → Navigation.
- Create a menu (or open an existing one).
- Add items: published pages, portfolios, or custom URLs.
- Drag to reorder. Use indent to nest items under a parent (for footer columns — see below).
- Save.
Link only to published pages. Draft pages 404 for visitors.
You can use the same menu for both header and footer, or separate menus.
Assign menus and layouts (Site layout)
- Open Settings → Site layout.
- Open the Header section.
- Leave Custom header on Use basic layout (or clear a custom template if one is selected).
- Choose a Navigation menu (or None — see fallback below).
- Pick a basic header layout (Minimal, Centered logo, Split, Stacked, Transparent, or No header).
- Open the Footer section and do the same: basic layout + menu.
- Save site settings.
- Preview a public page.
Header layouts (built-in)
| Layout | What visitors see |
|---|---|
| Minimal | Logo left; links and account tools right |
| Centered logo | Logo in the middle; links split around it |
| Split navigation | Logo and links left; last menu item shown as a button on the right |
| Stacked | Logo above; links below |
| Transparent | Overlay style for use over a hero |
| No header | Header hidden site-wide |
Split: the last item in the assigned menu becomes that button. Put “Contact” or “Book” last if you want that as the call to action.
Footer layouts (built-in)
| Layout | What visitors see |
|---|---|
| Simple | Brand, flat links, social, then copyright / Terms |
| Multi-column | Brand column plus link columns from nested menu groups |
| Centered | Centered brand and links |
| Newsletter | Signup form plus optional link columns |
| Minimal | Copyright and Terms only |
| No footer | Footer hidden |
Copyright sits on the left of the bottom bar; Terms and Client Portal (when enabled) sit on the right.
Multi-column footers and nesting
For Multi-column, nest links under top-level items in the assigned footer menu:
Explore ← column heading
Portfolio
Blog
Studio ← column heading
About
Contact
Each top-level group becomes a column. Flat menus (no nesting) show as one untitled link list next to the brand.
When no menu is assigned
- Header: Home plus a few published pages (automatic).
- Footer: No link columns until you assign a menu (copyright and Terms still show).
Cart icon in the header
On built-in headers, the cart icon appears when:
- Your plan includes print or digital products, and
- Settings → E-commerce → Show cart in header is on.
Custom header templates still need a Cart block in the template editor — see Custom header and footer templates.
Language switcher and Sign In
When you publish more than one site language, a language control can appear in the header. Client Portal / Sign In appears when the client portal is enabled on your plan. Details: Multilingual site languages.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | What to check |
|---|---|
| Wrong links in the header | Site layout → Header → which menu is selected; order in Navigation |
| Footer has empty columns | Nest links under top-level items, or pick Simple instead of Multi-column |
| Custom design not showing | Site layout may still be on basic layout — or a custom template is selected and overrides it |
| No cart icon | Plan must allow print or digital products; turn on Show cart in header; built-in header only (custom needs a Cart block) |
| Split button shows the wrong page | That button is the last item in the header menu — reorder in Navigation |
Check your work
- Create a menu with a few published pages under Navigation.
- Under Site layout, assign it to Header and Footer and pick layouts.
- For multi-column, nest at least two groups, save, and preview.
- Open two public URLs and confirm the same header and footer.