Sidebars & Panels
The Right Sidebar for Every Section
Create as many sidebars and panels as you need, then show a different one on any post type, category, or page. A panel with the Accordion nav makes a docs menu that stays out of the way.
Included in the free theme
The problem
One Sidebar Doesn’t Fit Every Page
The same widgets on every page means your sidebar either says too little or too much. Changing it for one section usually takes a plugin or a template edit.
Without Md
- The same widgets on every page
- A plugin just to swap a sidebar
- No place for navigation that slides out of the way
- Sidebar changes that mean editing templates
With Sidebars & Panels
- Named sidebars and panels you create
- A different sidebar by post type, category, or page
- Panels that open or stay closed by default
- Left or right placement for each
How it works
Three Steps to a Sidebar That Fits
Name your areas, fill them with widgets, then choose where they show.
Name your areas
Create custom sidebars and panels. Each one appears as a widget area.
Fill them with widgets
Add menus, search, the Accordion nav, or a Table of Contents to any area.
Choose where they show
Pick an area for a post type, category, or page, on the left or right.
Sidebars
Swap Sidebars by Section
Every site starts with a default sidebar. Add your own, then choose which one shows for a post type, category, or single page.
- A default sidebar plus any custom ones
- A different sidebar per post type, category, or page
- Show it on the left or the right
Panels
A Panel Built for Documentation
A panel is a sliding widget area. Put the Accordion nav inside and readers can browse categories and articles, with the current article highlighted and its section open.
- Made for docs menus, with the Accordion nav inside
- Opened or closed by default, on the left or right
- Any widget fits, including Table of Contents
Inheritance
Set It Once, Override Where It Counts
Choose a sidebar for a post type, then override it for a category or a single post. Everything else uses the default.
- Post type, category, and single post levels
- Archives, categories, posts, and authors
- Use the default whenever you don’t choose
At a glance
What’s Included
What you can create, assign, and swap.
Default sidebar
A ready-made widget area for your site.
Custom sidebars
Create as many named sidebars as you need.
Default panel
A ready-made sliding widget area.
Custom panels
Named panels, like a docs menu.
Placement
Show either one on the left or right.
Panel state
Opened or closed by default.
Scope
Post type, category, page, or author pages.
Documentation
Setup guides for every option. Read the docs →
Questions
Questions, Answered
The things people ask most about Sidebars & Panels. Still curious? Read the docs.
How many sidebars can I create?
As many as you need. Each custom sidebar and panel is a named widget area under Appearance → Widgets, next to the default ones.
Can one category have a different sidebar?
Yes. Choose a sidebar for a category and every post in it uses that sidebar, unless a post has its own.
What’s the difference between a sidebar and a panel?
A sidebar sits beside your content. A panel is a sliding area that you can set to open or closed by default, which makes it a good home for navigation.
Can a panel hold the Accordion nav or a table of contents?
Yes. Any widget works in a panel, including the Accordion nav and the Table of Contents.
All Design Features
More ways to shape your site’s look.
Drag-and-drop headers for every device.
Global colors, spacing, and typography.
Sidebar, full-width, or centered pages.
Widget areas per post, page, or category.
Cinematic covers for posts and pages.
Image position, text wrap, and video.
Sidebars & Panels,
Included With Every Site
The full theme is free. Pro adds every Drop-in and private support.
30-day refund guarantee
Free theme, forever
Founding pricing before MD 6.0