Platform Migration

Migrate PHP Themes to Block Themes Automatically

Upload your project and get production-ready migrated code in minutes.

What changes between Classic PHP Theme and WordPress Block Theme?

  • PHP template files (header.php, footer.php, single.php) converted to HTML block templates
  • theme.json created with design tokens: colors, typography, spacing, and layout settings
  • CSS styles mapped to theme.json global styles and block-level custom CSS
  • Template parts extracted: header, footer, sidebar become reusable template parts
  • Custom widgets converted to block widget equivalents or block patterns
  • functions.php slimmed: many enqueues and supports replaced by theme.json declarations
  • Customizer settings migrated to Global Styles interface and theme.json options
  • Custom page templates converted to block template files in templates/ directory

How Nivo migrates Classic PHP Theme to WordPress Block Theme

01

Connect your project

Paste a GitHub URL or upload a ZIP file of your Classic PHP Theme project.

02

Nivo detects your Classic PHP Theme project

The engine scans your codebase to identify Classic PHP Theme patterns, APIs, and configuration that need updating.

03

AI applies all WordPress Block Theme migration transforms

Hybrid AST + AI engine applies deterministic transforms for configuration and dependencies, and AI-powered transforms for complex code changes. Every change gets a confidence score.

04

Download migrated codebase + review report

Get a ZIP with your fully migrated code, a complete migration report, and a checklist of items flagged for manual review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a block theme and why should I migrate?

Block themes use WordPress Full Site Editing, allowing content creators to customize headers, footers, and templates visually using the block editor. This eliminates the need for PHP template modifications and gives non-developers design control.

Will my existing content display correctly?

Yes. Block themes render existing posts and pages using the same content. The change is in the template layer—how the page wrapper (header, footer, sidebar) is structured. Nivo ensures visual fidelity by mapping CSS styles to theme.json equivalents.

How long does the conversion take?

Most themes convert in 10 to 20 minutes. The time depends on the number of PHP template files and custom CSS rules. Complex themes with many custom widgets and page templates take longer.

Do my custom PHP functions still work?

functions.php remains active. However, many functions become unnecessary because theme.json handles theme support declarations, font loading, and style enqueuing. Nivo identifies which functions to keep and which to remove.

Can I still use classic editor plugins?

Yes. Block themes are compatible with classic editor content. However, the Site Editor replaces the Customizer for theme-level changes. Nivo flags Customizer-dependent code that needs attention.

Start your Classic PHP Theme to WordPress Block Theme migration

Free tier available — no credit card required