Why Did Magento Remove the Custom Layout Textarea?

Before Magento 2.3.4, users could directly enter XML code in the admin panel for layout updates. However, this method introduced several security risks and operational challenges. Below is an enhanced overview with additional details and data.

Security Risks Associated with the Custom Layout Textarea

Magento’s New Approach: XML File-Based Layout Updates

To improve security and maintain stability, Magento now requires layout updates to be managed via XML files placed within the theme or module directories. This approach offers several advantages:

Additional Insights:

• Developer Perspective:
  Developers now have better control over layout changes by working with XML files that can be reviewed, versioned, and tested before deployment. This aligns with modern development practices and enhances collaboration within teams.
• Performance & Stability:
  By shifting to XML files, Magento reduces the overhead of parsing and validating dynamic admin panel entries, leading to improved performance and system stability.
• Maintenance and Upgrades:
  Structured XML files simplify maintenance and future upgrades. Changes are more predictable and can be safely managed in a version control system.

Understanding Magento’s Custom Layout Handles

Magento allows store owners and developers to modify page structures dynamically using custom layout handles. Before Magento 2.3.4, layout updates could be directly added through the admin panel’s "Custom Layout Update" field. However, this posed security risks, leading Magento to enforce the use of XML files instead.

Custom layout handles help in overriding default layouts, adding blocks, and modifying page structures efficiently. By following a structured approach, you can ensure a scalable and maintainable customization process.

Step 1: Creating a Custom Layout Handle for a CMS Page

Magento allows you to create custom layout handles for CMS pages, enabling structured and reusable layout modifications without altering core files. This approach ensures better maintainability and security, as changes are controlled within the theme or module files.

A layout handle is a uniquely identifiable XML file that Magento recognizes to apply specific layout updates to a CMS page. These layout updates can include adding, removing, or modifying blocks and containers.

Syntax for the Layout Handle

<PAGEIDENTIFIER> → The CMS page identifier (e.g., about-us).

<CUSTOMNAME> → A custom, unique name for the layout handle (e.g., AboutPage).

Important:

• The custom name should be one word (no spaces, dashes, or underscores).
• Keep names meaningful to maintain readability and organization.
• Layout files should be placed under:

app/design/frontend/<Vendor>/<Theme>/Magento_Theme/layout/

About Us Page

Step 2: Creating the XML Layout File

Magento requires custom layout updates to be added via XML files, ensuring structured customization and security. These layout updates define how content appears on CMS pages, allowing you to add custom blocks, modify containers, or extend functionalities.

Where to Place the Layout File?

You can place the custom layout XML file in either a theme or a module, depending on your preference.

Option 1: Adding in a Theme

If you want to apply the layout update at the theme level, use the following file path:

< File Path:

This method is useful when modifying layouts for a specific theme without affecting other themes.

Option 2: Adding in a Module

File Path (Module Level)

This method is recommended when you want the layout update to be reusable across different themes.

Sample XML Code

Below is an example XML file that defines a 1-column layout and adds a custom CMS static block inside the content container.

What This XML Does:

• Defines a 1-column layout
• Adds a CMS static block inside the content container
• Uses a block ID (custom_block) that must exist in Content > Blocks

Step 3: Assigning the Custom Layout in Magento Admin

Once the XML file is created and placed in the correct directory, you need to assign it to the desired CMS page through the Magento Admin Panel. This step ensures that your layout customization is applied correctly to the selected page.

Magento Admin Panel Steps

Follow these steps to assign the custom layout update to a CMS page:

Login to Magento Admin

• Open your Magento Admin Panel (https://yourstore.com/admin).

Navigate to CMS Pages

• In the Admin Sidebar, go to: Content → Elements → Pages

Select the CMS Page

• Find and click on the page you want to modify (e.g., "About Us").

Open the Design Tab

• In the CMS Page Editor, go to the Design tab.

Assign the Custom Layout

• Locate the Custom Layout Update dropdown.
• Select the custom layout handle you created (e.g., AboutPage).

Save the Page

• Click the "Save Page" button in the top-right corner.

Flush Cache

• To ensure changes take effect, clear Magento's cache by running:
• php bin/magento cache:flush

Alternatively, you can go to System → Cache Management → Flush Magento Cache.

Verifying the Custom Layout

After assigning the layout, verify that it works as expected:

• Open the frontend of your store and visit the assigned CMS page.
• Check if the new layout and custom blocks appear correctly.
• If changes are not visible, try the following:

Steps to Fix Visibility Issues

• Hard refresh the page (Ctrl + Shift + R> on Windows/Linux, Cmd + Shift + R on Mac).
• Run the following command to flush the cache:

php bin/magento cache:flush

• Reindex data using the command below:

php bin/magento indexer:reindex

Step 4: Verify the Custom Layout on the Storefront

Go to the Frontend: Visit the About Us page and check for your layout changes.

Troubleshooting

Additional Enhancements You Can Add

Here are some useful layout modifications you can include in your XML file:

Add a Custom Banner

Add a Custom CSS File

File Location:

Add a Contact Form

Final Recap & Best Practices

• Magento 2.4.7 no longer allows inline XML layout updates for security reasons.
• You must create an XML file in your theme or module with a specific naming convention.
• Custom layout updates can be assigned in the Magento Admin panel under the Design tab of a CMS page.
• Always clear cache after making changes to apply the layout update.
• Test your changes to ensure they appear correctly on the frontend.

Now you’re all set to customize CMS pages with Magento 2.4.7 layouts in 2025!

Common Issues & Fixes and Best Practices for Custom Layout Updates

Best Practices for Custom Layout Updates in Magento 2.4.7

• Use Clear Naming Conventions – Follow the cms_page_view_selectable_<PAGEIDENTIFIER>_<CUSTOMNAME>.xml format. Ensure the <CUSTOMNAME> is unique, contains no spaces, and is easy to identify.
• Keep XML Structure Clean – Avoid unnecessary elements and ensure proper indentation to maintain readability. Validate the XML structure before applying changes.
• Test Layout Changes Thoroughly – Verify the layout works across different screen sizes, browsers, and Magento store views. Test on both desktop and mobile devices.
• Always Clear Cache – Run php bin/magento cache:flush after making changes. If updates don’t reflect immediately, restart your development environment (if applicable).
• Use a Child Theme – Never modify core Magento files directly. Implement custom layout updates within a child theme to ensure compatibility with future Magento updates.
• Enable Developer Mode in Testing – Use php bin/magento deploy:mode:set developer during development to get real-time error messages and avoid caching issues.
• Check File Permissions – Ensure your XML files have the correct read and write permissions. Recommended: chmod 644 for files and chmod 755 for directories.
• Utilize Magento Logs – If the layout update doesn’t work as expected, check logs using:

  tail -f var/log/system.log
  tail -f var/log/exception.log
              

• Use Version Control – If you're working in a team, use Git to track changes in your layout files to prevent accidental overwrites.

With these best practices, you're now fully equipped to customize CMS pages effectively in Magento 2.4.7 (2025).

Conclusion

Magento 2.4.7 has reinforced security by removing inline XML layout updates, making it essential to use predefined XML files for CMS page custom layouts. By following the correct naming conventions, creating XML files in your theme or module, and assigning them through the Magento admin panel, you can seamlessly customize your CMS pages.

To ensure a smooth implementation, always verify your XML structure, clear the cache, and test your changes on the frontend. Following best practices—such as using clear naming conventions, keeping layouts organized, and working within a child theme—will help maintain a structured and efficient workflow.

With these steps, you can confidently manage CMS page layouts in Magento 2.4.7, ensuring a secure, flexible, and optimized storefront in 2025.

        <?xml version="1.0"?>
        <page xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" layout="1column"
              xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="urn:magento:framework:View/Layout/etc/page_configuration.xsd">
            <body>
                <!-- Custom layout updates go here -->
            </body>
        </page>