Custom Render PHP

Custom Render PHP allows complete control over block output. Use this when you need custom PHP logic that Twig templates can’t handle.

When to Use Custom Render PHP

Use custom render.php when you need:

• Complex PHP logic
• WordPress function integration
• Custom database queries
• External API calls
• Performance-critical rendering

Enabling Custom Render Mode

1. In block editor, go to Settings (wbs section)
2. Enable Custom Render Mode

render.php is only used when Custom Render Mode is enabled. Otherwise, blocks use Twig templates.

Creating render.php

<?php
/**
 * Custom render template for testimonial block
 * $attributes contains all block attribute values
 */

$quote = isset($attributes['quote']) ? $attributes['quote'] : '';
$author = isset($attributes['author']) ? $attributes['author'] : '';
$style = isset($attributes['textColor']) ? 'color: ' . esc_attr($attributes['textColor']) : '';
?>

<div class="testimonial-block" style="<?php echo esc_attr($style); ?>">
    <?php if ($quote) : ?>
        <blockquote><?php echo wp_kses_post($quote); ?></blockquote>
    <?php endif; ?>

    <?php if ($author) : ?>
        <cite><?php echo esc_html($author); ?></cite>
    <?php endif; ?>
</div>

Available Variables

Variable	Description
$attributes	All block attribute values
$context	Additional context data
$block	Block data array

Security Considerations

• Always escape output with esc_html(), esc_attr(), wp_kses_post()
• Sanitize inputs before using in queries
• Use WordPress functions for data access

Example: Dynamic Content

<?php
/**
 * Block with dynamic post content
 */

$post_id = isset($attributes['postId']) ? intval($attributes['postId']) : 0;
$post = get_post($post_id);

if ($post) :
    setup_postdata($post);
    ?>
    <article class="featured-post">
        <h2><?php the_title(); ?></h2>
        <div class="content"><?php the_content(); ?></div>
    </article>
    <?php
    wp_reset_postdata();
endif;

Pro Feature

The Custom Render PHP is only available in WPBits Block Studio Pro. See Pro Features for more information.

Next Steps

• Twig Templates — Default template system
• Export Templates — Deploy templates with your blocks