Memberlite includes a built-in default header and footer. Both work out of the box with no setup required. If you want more control over the layout and design, Memberlite 7.1 introduced header and footer variations where you can build custom layouts in the WordPress block editor and assign them through the Customizer.

The Default Header and Footer

Memberlite includes a built-in header and footer that have been part of the theme from the beginning. In the Customizer, these are labeled the Default header and footer. If you have not created or assigned any variations, your site is already using them.

When Variations Are the Right Choice

A variation is a better fit when:

• You want a header or footer layout that the default template cannot produce — such as a full-width header with a hero image or a multi-column footer with custom content blocks.
• You need different designs for different sections of your site. For example, a minimal header on landing pages and your full branded header everywhere else, or a different footer for your blog than for your membership pages.
• You prefer to design your header and footer using blocks rather than Customizer controls.

You can create as many variations as you need. Each variation is a separate post you design in the block editor. Publishing a variation makes it available to assign. It does not replace your current header or footer until you assign it.

How Variations Work

Header and footer variations are stored as custom post types (memberlite_header and memberlite_footer). Each variation’s content is built with blocks in the editor, just like editing a page. When a variation is assigned, Memberlite renders its block content in place of the default header or footer.

Which Header Displays

Memberlite checks for a header in this order:

1. Per-page override: A specific header assigned to an individual page (highest priority, pages only).
2. Global header: The header selected in the Customizer under Header settings.
3. Default header: The built-in Memberlite header template (fallback).

Which Footer Displays

Footers work the same way, with an extra level for location-specific assignments:

1. Per-page override: A specific footer assigned to an individual page (pages only).
2. Location-specific footer: A footer assigned to a content type (Blog & Archives, Single Posts, or Pages).
3. Global footer: The footer selected in the Customizer under Footer settings.
4. Default footer: The built-in Memberlite footer template (fallback).

If a variation post is deleted or unpublished, Memberlite automatically falls back to the default header or footer.

Creating & Editing Variations

Header and footer variations are managed from the WordPress admin. You will find them under Memberlite > Headers and Memberlite > Footers. Each variation is a post you design in the block editor.

Creating a New Variation

1. Go to Memberlite > Headers or Memberlite > Footers.
2. Click Add New Header or Add New Footer.
3. Select a starter pattern to begin from a pre-built layout, or dismiss the pattern picker to start with a blank canvas.
4. Design your header or footer using blocks.
5. Click Publish when you are ready to make the variation available to assign.

Editing an Existing Variation

1. Go to Memberlite > Headers or Memberlite > Footers.
2. Click the variation’s title to open it in the block editor.
3. Make your changes.
4. Click Update to save.

Changes take effect immediately on every page where that variation is assigned.

Seeing Where a Variation Is Used

The variation list includes a Used By column. It shows whether a variation is set as the global header or footer, assigned to a specific location (such as Pages or Archives), or used as an override on individual pages. If a variation is not assigned anywhere, the column shows a dash.

Starter Patterns

When you create a new variation, Memberlite offers starter patterns to help you get started quickly. These patterns only appear inside the header and footer variation editors — they do not show up in the block inserter on regular pages or posts.

Custom Blocks

As of version 7.1, Memberlite includes custom blocks designed for use inside Header and Footer Variations: Nav Menu and Member Info.

Making a Header Sticky

Each header variation has its own sticky setting, controlled by the Sticky Header toggle in the editor’s document settings panel. When enabled, the header stays fixed at the top of the browser window as visitors scroll.

This is a per-variation setting: one header can be sticky while another is not. It is separate from the Enable Sticky Header checkbox in the Customizer, which only applies to the default header.

Assigning Variations

After publishing a variation, you assign it through the Customizer. You can also override the Customizer assignment on individual pages.

Assigning a Header Variation

1. Go to Appearance > Customize > Header.
2. Open the Global Header dropdown.
3. Select the variation you want to use. Select “Default” to return to the built-in Memberlite header.
4. Click Publish to save.

Assigning Footer Variations

Footer variations can be assigned globally or by content type. Location-specific settings let you show a different footer on your blog and archive pages, single posts, and static pages — while using one consistent default for everything else.

1. Go to Appearance > Customize > Footer.
2. You have several settings for footers which are described in detail after this list of steps.
3. Once you have selected a variation you want to use, you can click Publish to Save.

Go to Appearance > Customize > Footer to access all footer settings.

Global Footer

The footer shown on any page that does not have a location-specific or per-page assignment. Select “Default” to use the built-in Memberlite footer with widget areas and site info.

Location-Specific Footers (Optional)

• Blog & Archives Footer: Shown on the blog index and all archive pages. Set to “Use Global Footer” to inherit from the global setting.
• Single Post Footer: Shown on individual blog posts. Set to “Use Global Footer” to inherit.
• Pages Footer: Shown on static pages. Set to “Use Global Footer” to inherit.

To assign a variation to a location, open the dropdown for that location in the Customizer, select a footer variation, and click Publish.

Overriding the Header or Footer on a Single Page

Individual pages can use a different header or footer than the rest of the site.

To override the header on a page: Open the page in the block editor, go to the Page tab in the Settings sidebar, and select a variation from the Header field. Click Update to save.

To override the footer on a page: Open the page in the block editor, go to the Page tab in the Settings sidebar, and select a variation from the Footer field. Click Update to save.

To hide the header on a page: Enable the Hide Header toggle in the same panel.

To hide the footer on a page: Enable the Hide Footer toggle in the same panel.

To remove an override and return to the Customizer assignment, set the Header or Footer field back to “Use Site Default”.