Patterns and template parts serve different purposes despite both appearing in the patterns interface. Understanding their distinctions prevents confusion and helps choose the right tool.
Patterns are static when inserted – theme patterns can’t be edited through the interface, requiring duplication for changes. Template parts are always dynamic, displaying theme files or database overrides automatically.
Template parts associate with specific areas (header, footer, general) and can be replaced through dedicated interfaces. Patterns don’t have area associations and are always inserted individually.
Template parts use slug-based references that work with both theme files and database overrides. Patterns either embed completely or reference database post IDs for synced patterns.