The pattern management interface in the site editor organizes all available patterns – both theme-provided and user-created. “All Patterns” shows everything, while “My Patterns” displays database-stored patterns created through the interface.
Pattern categories organize content functionally, and you can create custom categories through the interface. Theme patterns appear with lock icons since they can’t be edited directly – you must duplicate them to make changes.
The interface distinguishes between theme patterns (files in the theme) and user patterns (stored in database). Understanding this distinction helps with workflow planning and deployment strategies.
This central management location provides quick access to pattern editing and organization, streamlining the pattern-based development workflow that’s central to modern WordPress theming.