Customizing the 404 Page
This guide explains how to customize the 404 page on LT themes using the Site Editor. The 404 page is not an ordinary page you edit from Pages → All Pages; it is controlled by the 404 template.
What you can change without custom code
Most copy and layout changes to the 404 page can be made visually in the Site Editor, with no code required.
- The text shown on the 404 page.
- The button label and where it links to.
- The layout of the blocks inside the 404 template.
- The header and footer, if those come from shared template parts.
Editing the 404 template in the Site Editor
Changes to the 404 page happen inside the 404 template in the Site Editor. If you only want to update the message or the button text, these steps are usually enough.
- In the WordPress admin, go to Appearance → Editor.
- Open the list of templates and find the 404 template.
- Edit the blocks inside that template and click Save.
Changes that are not always simple
Some 404 customizations go beyond what the Site Editor handles on its own and usually require custom code, a child theme, or developer help.
- Completely custom logic for different error types.
- Advanced redirects or custom search behavior on the 404 page.
- Template conditions outside the standard Site Editor flow.
- Deep structural changes when a plugin or custom code has taken over error handling.
Handling a missing 404 template
Some setups inherit more of their structure from broader templates, so a dedicated 404 template may not appear in the list. Look for it first in Appearance → Editor → Templates; if it is missing, duplicate or customize the relevant fallback template and save it as the 404.
Setting realistic expectations
Simple content and layout changes to the 404 page are fully supported through the Site Editor. Larger functional changes are where the no-code path usually stops and custom development takes over.