Welcome to Etch
Etch is the first and only Unified Visual Development Environment for WordPress. It empowers users to build WordPress websites efficiently in a scalable, maintainable way with full code access. It's all the benefits of a traditional page builder with none of the downsides.
What Makes Etch Different
Unlike traditional page builders that generate bloated code, block code access, and lock you into proprietary systems, Etch provides a transparent visual interface that directly manipulates real HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript. You get the speed and convenience of visual development without sacrificing code quality, control, or web standards.
Key Principles:
- Total Transparency – Every element is accessible and editabl via GUI or code. No hidden wrappers or mysterious containers.
- Auto Block Authoring – Everything you build is authored to Gutenberg blocks instantly and automatically for data liberation and easy client editing.
- Crystal Clean Output – Professional-grade code that you'd be proud to write by hand.
- Web Standards – Work with Semantic HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript as they were designed to work.
- Full Empowerment – Complete control over your code without limitations.
- Hyper-Efficiency – Etch turns traditionally complex tasks like building loops, components, dynamic templates, conditional elements, and custom blocks into easy money.
Who Etch Is For
Etch is built for freelancers, agencies, and developers who want to:
- Build WordPress sites faster without compromising code quality
- Maintain full control over their markup and styling
- Scale projects with reusable components and systematic workflows
- Deliver clean, maintainable code to clients with a simple client editing interface
Etch also happens to be the best tool for beginners who are learning the craft of web development because it respects web development fundamentals and best practices, doesn't box you into learning a proprietary system, and also happens to have the highest quality free education in the WordPress space along with a robust community of users willing to help you learn.
Getting Started
Ready to dive in? Start with these essential guides:
- Installation – Get Etch installed and running
- Etch Theme – Understand the required companion theme
- Things to Know – Important concepts before you begin
- Core Principles – The philosophy behind Etch's design
Need Help?
This documentation covers everything from basic concepts to advanced workflows. Use the search function or browse the sidebar to find specific topics.
If you encounter issues, check the Known Issues section for common problems and solutions.