Table Of Contents
Introduction
If you’ve ever tried to create a clean, structured layout on your WordPress site – maybe for a service page, product listing, or blog grid – you’ve probably run into the issue of card sizes. Full-width cards can look bulky. Uneven columns can throw off the balance. That’s where half-size cards come in.
Half-size cards help you present information more compactly and attractively. Whether you’re displaying blog posts, product features, or testimonials, they allow you to show two items side-by-side on desktop and stack them smartly on mobile. These cards are not just about style – they also improve user experience, guide attention better, and reduce scrolling fatigue.
But how exactly do you create half-size cards in WordPress – without bloating your site with plugins or breaking your layout?
Let’s walk through it, step by step, in a way that works whether you’re using Gutenberg, Elementor, or custom code.
What Are Half-Size Cards in WordPress?
Before we learn how to make them, let’s first understand what half-size cards actually are.
A half-size card is a content block that takes up around 50% of the page width on desktop screens. On mobile devices or tablets, it automatically adjusts and stacks vertically for a better viewing experience.
These cards usually include:
- An image
- A title or heading
- A short description or summary
- A call-to-action (CTA) button like “Read More” or “Buy Now”
Half-size cards are perfect for creating sections that feel clean and balanced. They let you show two items side-by-side, which makes browsing easier and your page more attractive.
Where Are They Commonly Used?
You’ll often see half-size cards in places like:
- Blog post grids
- Product showcases
- Service lists
- Feature highlight sections
- Pricing plans
Typical Card Layout:
| Image | Title | Description | CTA Button |
This layout allows visitors to scan content quickly without too much scrolling or clutter.
1. How to Create Half-Size Cards Using Gutenberg
If you’re using the Gutenberg block editor, creating half-size cards is pretty straightforward. You don’t need any third-party plugins or extra coding.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add Columns Block
- Open your WordPress page or post in the Gutenberg editor.
- Add a Columns block.
- Choose the layout with two equal columns (50/50).
Step 2: Insert Your Content
- In each column, add a Group block.
- Inside the Group, add these elements:
- Image block
- Heading block
- Paragraph block
- Button block
Step 3: Style Your Card
- Add padding to give space inside the card.
- Set a background color to make the card stand out.
- Use border-radius if you want rounded corners.
- Add margins between the cards for spacing.
Step 4: Save as Reusable Block (Optional)
- Once your card looks good, you can save it as a reusable block.
- This helps you reuse the design without repeating all the steps again.
Why This Method Works:
- No extra plugins are needed.
- Gutenberg is fast and lightweight.
- You control the design and layout directly.
Visual Example (Concept):
[Columns Block]
[Column 1]
→ Group
→ Image
→ Title
→ Text
→ Button
[Column 2]
→ Group
→ Image
→ Title
→ Text
→ Button
2. Building Half-Size Cards with Elementor
If you use Elementor, one of the most popular page builders, you can make half-size cards easily with its drag-and-drop tools.
How to Do It
Step 1: Create a New Section
- Add a section with two columns.
Step 2: Set Column Widths
- Set both columns to 50% width each.
Step 3: Add Widgets to Each Column
- In each column, insert:
- An Image widget
- A Heading widget
- A Text Editor widget
- A Button widget
Step 4: Customize the Design
- Open the Style tab in Elementor for each widget or column.
- Add:
- Box shadows for depth
- Padding for spacing
- Border radius for rounded corners
- A background color to define each card
Step 5: Make It Mobile Responsive
- Elementor automatically stacks columns on smaller screens.
- You can adjust the mobile view in the responsive settings to make sure everything looks clean.
Bonus Tip: Save your section as a template so you can reuse it on other pages quickly.
3. Making Half-Size Cards with HTML and CSS
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, building half-size cards with custom HTML and CSS gives full design control and faster performance.
Sample HTML Code:
<div class=”card-wrapper”>
<div class=”half-card”>
<img src=”image1.jpg” alt=”Card 1″>
<h3>Card Title 1</h3>
<p>This is a short description of the first card.</p>
<a href=”#”>Read More</a>
</div>
<div class=”half-card”>
<img src=”image2.jpg” alt=”Card 2″>
<h3>Card Title 2</h3>
<p>This is a short description of the second card.</p>
<a href=”#”>Read More</a>
</div>
</div>
CSS Styling:
.card-wrapper {
display: flex;
flex-wrap: wrap;
gap: 20px;
}
.half-card {
width: 48%;
background: #f9f9f9;
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 8px;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.half-card img {
max-width: 100%;
border-radius: 5px;
}
@media screen and (max-width: 768px) {
.half-card {
width: 100%;
}
}
Why Choose This Method:
- No page builders required
- Better speed and fewer files to load
- Custom styling that fits your brand perfectly
4. Using Plugins to Create Cards Without Coding
If you’re not comfortable with HTML or CSS, you can use plugins that provide card layouts right out of the box.
Recommended Plugins:
- Kadence Blocks: Advanced block toolkit with easy card layout options.
- GenerateBlocks: Lightweight and perfect for performance-focused websites.
- Stackable: Comes with beautiful pre-designed blocks including cards.
Benefits:
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Built-in responsiveness
- Customization options for colors, fonts, spacing, and more
- Great for beginners and non-coders
5. Make Your Cards Responsive
A good design isn’t just about looks – it should also work well on every device.
Tips to Keep Cards Responsive:
- On desktops: display two cards side-by-side.
- On tablets and phones: stack cards one below the other.
- Use media queries (in CSS) or responsive controls (in Elementor or Gutenberg) to adjust layouts for different screen sizes.
Tools to Test Responsiveness:
- WordPress preview mode (switch to mobile/tablet view)
- Chrome Developer Tools (Device Toolbar)
- Free online tools like Responsinator or BrowserStack
6. Styling Tips to Improve Half-Size Cards
Here are some simple design tips to make your cards more appealing and easy to read:
- Hover effects: Add a small shadow or zoom-in effect on hover for interactivity.
- Short content: Keep titles and text brief and to the point.
- Consistent spacing: Use equal padding inside each card for neatness.
- Add icons: Visual elements like icons can highlight features or actions.
- Avoid clutter: Don’t overload cards with too much text or too many buttons.
Well-styled cards not only look good but also help visitors quickly understand what you’re offering.
Conclusion
Creating half-size cards in WordPress is not just about making things look good – it’s about improving layout structure, guiding user attention, and enhancing the reading experience.
Whether you’re building with Gutenberg blocks, Elementor, or writing your own HTML/CSS, the goal is the same: present your content in a smart, scannable, and mobile-friendly way.
Take the time to experiment with styling, responsiveness, and card content. A well-designed half-card section can elevate your site from average to engaging – no fluff, just function.
FAQs: Half-Size Cards in WordPress
How do I make half-width cards in WordPress Gutenberg?
Use the Columns block, select a 50/50 layout, and add Groups with content inside each column. This creates two evenly sized cards.
Can I create responsive half-size cards with Elementor?
Yes. Use a two-column section, place content in each, and Elementor will automatically stack them on smaller screens.
Do I need coding knowledge to create half cards in WordPress?
No, Gutenberg and page builders like Elementor allow you to build half-size cards without writing any code.
What’s the ideal card width for desktop view?
For two half-size cards, each should be set to 48–50% width with spacing in between, creating a balanced row.
How can I make cards stack on mobile devices?
Use responsive settings in your builder or media queries in CSS to set card width to 100% on smaller screens.
Are there plugins to simplify card creation?
Yes. Plugins like Kadence Blocks, Stackable, and GenerateBlocks offer ready-made card layouts with customization options.
Can I reuse the same half-card layout across multiple pages?
Yes. Save the block or section as a reusable block (Gutenberg) or template (Elementor) to use it repeatedly.
How do I add custom styles to half-cards?
Use the block or element settings in your editor or write custom CSS targeting your card classes for advanced styling.
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