The Classic Greyd.Suite is the legacy theme of the Suite. Originally, it also acted as the installer for the Suite. When activated, it automatically started the installation process and launched the old setup wizard.
This theme is a “hybrid theme”, supporting both the Block Editor and the legacy WPBakery Page Builder. It was developed to work alongside at least the Greyd Plugin, forming what is referred to as the “Classic Suite”.
Since the launch of the new Full Site Editing (FSE) theme, the Greyd Theme, in early 2024, the Classic Theme is no longer the default for the Suite. It continues to receive maintenance, occasional security updates, and small bug fixes, but it is no longer actively developed.
Features and components
The Classic Theme includes a range of elements that were standard before the shift to FSE.
It contains predefined templates such as headers and footers, as well as design settings in the WordPress Customizer. A built-in processor converts theme modifications into CSS.
The theme also integrates the installation of required plugins (via TGM Plugin Activation), such as Global Content and Blocks. Navigation options include a header, off-canvas menus, dropdown menus, secondary headers, secondary off-canvas menus, and a vertical navigation bar.
WooCommerce integration is provided with custom styling, additional Customizer settings, hook-based adjustments, performance optimizations, and an Ajax-powered cart button.
On the front end, the theme offers JavaScript-based features such as custom select elements, image and video lazy loading, and enhanced query options.
Smaller modules include an announcement bar and browser compatibility messages.
For compatibility reasons, the theme still contains several modules specifically for WPBakery (Visual Composer).
Context and architecture
The Suite’s code base has evolved over time, shaped by the architecture of a theme paired with at least one required plugin (Greyd Hub). This setup enabled features like deep integration between Dynamic Templates and post types.
However, the introduction of Full Site Editing changed the landscape. Many capabilities previously handled by themes — such as global styling and template adjustments for single, archive, and search pages — are now part of WordPress core.
With this shift, parts of the Classic Theme fall into what is considered “plugin territory” (e.g., pop-ups, dynamic templates). As the Suite moves towards a plugin-centric approach, the theme’s role is increasingly minimal.
Another factor driving this transition is the need for a consistent code style and architecture. Historically, features were implemented “on the fly” to maintain speed, but as the team and external development efforts have grown, this approach has reached its limits. Feedback on poor code quality has underlined the necessity of setting and enforcing clear standards.
Switching to the new theme
If you are still using the Classic Greyd.Suite Theme, a notification will appear in the backend (unless dismissed):
Hello ✌
Did you already know? The new Greyd.Suite Full Site Editing Theme is here. Switch now and benefit from numerous new functions!
Once switched, you can migrate most of your assets using the Classic Theme Converter.
The Classic Theme Converter helps you transition your site from the legacy Greyd.Suite theme setup to the new Full Site Editing (FSE) features introduced with the Greyd Theme.
This feature only becomes available if your site previously used the Classic Greyd.Suite Theme and was later switched to the new “Greyd Theme”. In that case, you can find the converter under Appearance → FSE Converter.