How to Create 404 Page Template in WordPress for Free?

Key Takeaways

  • Nexter Extension (Free) plugin is required to create a custom 404 page template.
  • Nexter Theme Builder allows users to create a 404 page template without any coding knowledge.
  • Users can hide the header and footer for the 404 template by enabling toggles individually.
Table of Contents

Creating a custom 404 page template for your WordPress website is important for providing a better user experience to your visitors when they encounter a page not found error. Rather than displaying a generic error message, you can provide your visitors with helpful information or interesting 404 designs to keep them engaged.

Requirement  – This is a feature of Nexter Extension (Free) plugin, make sure its installed & activated to enjoy all its powers.

Creating a custom 404 page template for your WordPress website doesn’t have to be a challenging process. With Nexter Theme Builder, you can easily create a visually appealing and user-friendly 404 page template without any coding knowledge. 

To create a 404 page template using the Nexter Theme Builder, follow the steps –

1. From the Dashboard, go to Nexter Extension > Theme Builder > Add New Template.

2. In the popup, select 404 Page from the Select Template dropdown.

3. Then, in the Name of Template field, add the template name.

4. Then, click on the Next button.

5. On the next screen, you can hide the header and footer for this template separately by enabling the toggles individually. Once done, then click on the Create button.

6. Then it will open the WordPress editor, where you can use the WordPress blocks or Elementor to create the actual layout and content of the template.

To enhance your design process, you can use Nexter Blocks for the WordPress block editor or The Plus Addons for Elementor widgets for Elementor.

7. Once done, publish the template.

Now your 404 template will be created.

Also, check How to Create an Archive Template in WordPress for Free.

About the Author

Photo of Aditya Sharma CMO of NexterWP
CMO at POSIMYTH Innovations · NexterWP · 7 years experience

He has spent years in the WordPress ecosystem building, breaking, and optimizing sites until they actually perform. He works at the intersection of speed, growth, and usability, helping creators ship websites that load fast and convert. An active WordPress community contributor sharing through tools, tutorials, and direct collaboration. Tested practice, not theory.

WordpressThemesElementorn8nAIClaudeAutomationServer

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Related Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my custom 404 page isn't displaying?

If your custom 404 page isn't showing up, ensure that the Nexter Extension is installed and activated, as this feature relies on it. Also, double-check that you've published the template after creating it. If the template is unpublished, it won't be visible to visitors encountering a 404 error.

What is the best way to customize the layout of my 404 page?

The best way to customize your 404 page layout is by using the WordPress editor after selecting the 404 Page template in the Nexter Theme Builder. This gives you the flexibility to add elements that guide users back to relevant content, which can help reduce bounce rates.

Does creating a custom 404 page improve user experience?

Creating a custom 404 page significantly improves user experience by providing helpful information or engaging designs instead of a generic error message. This can keep visitors on your site longer and encourage them to explore other content.

Last reviewed: April 15, 2026

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