WordPress Block Editor: The Ultimate Gutenberg Guide (2019)

WordPress Block Editor: The Ultimate Gutenberg Guide (2024)

by Adelina Tuca

on

Here’s the deal:

If you’re new to the WordPress block editor, or if you’re looking for an easy-to-read resource you can reference as needed, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, we’re going to walk you through the ins and outs of the block editor (aka “Gutenberg”) — what it is, how it differs from the classic editor, and how to use it.

Let’s jump in.

WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg) Overview

What is the Gutenberg Editor?

When WordPress 5.0 was released in December 2018, the world was introduced to the Gutenberg editor — now known as the WordPress block editor.

Gone was the classic, TinyMCE WordPress editor. In its place was a modern, drag-and-drop block editor (like Elementor) offering an entirely new content creation experience (affiliate link).

Learn More: To learn more about Elementor, check out Smart Blogger’s in-depth Elementor review.
wordpress block editor drag and drop
Drag and drop in action

In short, Gutenberg is a total revamp of the WordPress editor.

Using “blocks”, users of all experience levels can build custom posts and pages — without having to use third-party tools and plugins, and without having to know how to code.

What is a Content Block in WordPress?

Blocks are the vessels for your content.

With blocks, you can insert, rearrange, and style content in WordPress. What types of content? Here’s a small sampling (we’ll go over all of them later):

  • Tables
  • Images
  • Videos
  • Paragraphs
  • Quotes
  • Shortcodes
  • Social media (YouTube, Facebook, etc.) embeds
  • Widgets

Basically, anything you can reasonably imagine adding to a blog post or article can be added using blocks.

And you can add them faster and easier.

How is the WordPress Block Editor Different than the Classic Editor?

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison.

First, the classic TinyMCE content editor:

001 wordpress block editor classic editor

Next, the new “Gutenberg” block editor:

002 wordpress block editor gutenberg editor

The classic editor is reminiscent of Microsoft Word. There’s a place to write your text, and there’s a formatting toolbar to style your content (bold, italics, etc.).

The new editor uses a block system for content creation. Besides looking more polished and modern, the WordPress block editor allows you to:

  • Add tables (again, without knowing code or having to install plugins);
  • Arrange, rearrange, and mingle text and media by simply dragging and dropping elements from here to there;
  • Create content columns with ease;
  • Change the background colors and font sizes in each block;
  • Reuse blocks you use over and over (to save yourself time).

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

In other words, the two editors are different.

Very different.

How do I Use the Block Editor in WordPress?

With the background information out of the way, it’s time to walk you through the new block editor.

We’ll start with how to navigate it:

Block Navigation

003 wordpress block editor block navigation
  1. Add a new block
  2. Undo and Redo buttons
  3. Content structure (word count, headings, paragraphs, blocks)
  4. Block navigation (a drop-down displaying all the block types used in the post)

Sidebar Navigation

004 wordpress block editor sidebar navigation
  1. Preview and Publish the post
  2. This is the classic WordPress sidebar: categories, tags, permalink, and publishing options
  3. Block settings: when you click on a block in the editor, you get its unique set of options in the sidebar
  4. Hide sidebar
  5. More editor settings

How to Add a Block

In your WordPress dashboard, create a new post as you would normally. (Or, open an existing post so you can edit it.)

Click on the plus (+) sign in the top-left corner of the editor.

Select the category and the type of block you want to insert:

005 wordpress block editor add block

Each block can be edited, deleted, saved as reusable, and moved up or down with drag-and-drop options.

Once you’re done with a block, you can insert more blocks. You can also duplicate a block or edit it in HTML:

006 wordpress block editor edit block

Types of WordPress Blocks (and How to Use Them)

Here are each of the types of blocks (broken down by category) offered by Gutenberg:

Common Blocks

This category of blocks contains the basic (“common”) elements people typically use in their blog posts. Most bloggers and writers will use these blocks more than others.

Paragraph Block

The Paragraph Block is simply a box for writing your text.

It comes with the standard formatting options — text alignment, font size, background and text color, drop cap, and more.

007 wordpress block editor paragraph block

Image Block

With an Image Block, you can easily insert an image by uploading it from your computer, picking it from WordPress media library, or copying its URL.

The standard WordPress options for images are included: you can add a caption, adjust the image size, add alt text, and more.

008 wordpress block editor image block

List Block

With a List Block, you can create a list of items ordered by bullets (unordered list) or numbers (numbered list).

You can also add sub-items for each main item in the list, insert anchor links, and format the text.

009 wordpress block editor list block

Quote Block

The Quote Block lets you add your favorite quotes in a beautiful, elegant style.

Write the text and its author, then format it just as you would in a Paragraph Block. You can use the default font size or a larger size.

010 wordpress block editor quote block

Heading Block

With a Heading Block, you can start a new section inside your post.

You can choose from six heading sizes. The first three are available inside the block, while the smaller ones can be found in the sidebar to the right of the editor.

011 wordpress block editor heading block
Editor’s Note: Even though it’s available in the sidebar, don’t use the H1 heading. It’s (typically) reserved for the headline of your post. Instead, start with H2.

If you’d like to learn more about them, here’s a post we wrote about common subhead blunders.

File Block

With File Blocks, you can add all sorts of files for your visitors to download: images, archives, docs, PDFs… you name it.

From the sidebar, you can choose to display a download button, open the file in a new tab, and link to either a media file or an attachment.

012 wordpress block editor file block

Gallery Block

A Gallery Block is for when you want to add more than one image. It has the same features as the Image Block, but you can upload multiple images within the same block.

The gallery displays a nice grid layout. In the right sidebar, you can choose the number of columns in the gallery and each image’s destination page.

Captions are also allowed.

013 wordpress block editor gallery block

Audio Block

Planning to feature music or a podcast interview on your site? You can use the Audio Block to upload and play audio files.

The block will display a minimalist audio player. You can choose to play it automatically and/or in a loop.

014 wordpress block editor audio block

Video Block

Using the Video Block, you are able to upload videos.

You have the option to autoplay and/or mute them. An awesome feature is you can upload a poster image for the thumbnail (in case you don’t want to display the featured capture it fetches by default).

015 wordpress block editor video block

Cover Block

Using a Cover Block, you can create an image or video with text overlay. You can use it as a featured image for a post or as a header.

You can also adjust the background color and opacity.

016 wordpress block editor cover block

Formatting Blocks

This category groups blocks that focus on formatting content, such as pull quotes, tables, and verses.

Let’s go over each of them:

Code Block

Use the Code Block if you want to show your readers examples of code snippets.

The code won’t be executed; instead, it will display in a distinct style so it stands out to your readers.

017 wordpress block editor code block

Classic Block

With a Classic Block, you can add a block resembling the classic editor and its classic formatting options. It’s a miniature TinyMCE editor inside a block.

018 wordpress block editor classic block

Table Block

A Table Block lets you easily insert a table in WordPress without plugins or having to know HTML code.

Write the number of rows and columns you need, pick the layout (default or stripes), and you’re set. Afterward, you can add rows and columns at the beginning or end of the table with one click.

019 wordpress block editor table block

Verse Block

With Verse Blocks, you can add song lyrics or poetry verses.

When you press enter, you won’t be directed to a new block like in the Paragraph Block; instead, it will jump to a new row. You can write as many verses as you wish while remaining in the same block.

020 wordpress block editor verse block

Custom HTML Block

With Custom HTML Blocks, you’re able to write HTML code and quickly preview the changes.

You enter your code in HTML mode:

021 wordpress block editor custom html block

And you preview it in Preview mode:

022 wordpress block editor custom html preview

Pull Quote Block

When you want to emphasize an excerpt of your article, you can turn it into its own block with a Pull Quote Block.

What distinguishes a Pull Quote Block from a Quote Block is its formatting. A Pull Quote Block has colored borders.

023 wordpress block editor pull quote

Preformatted Block

Similar to the preformatted text option in the classic TinyMCE editor, a Preformatted Block lets you display the text on the front-end exactly as you type it.

The preformatted text uses a monospaced font, which means all characters have the same width.

024 wordpress block editor preformatted

Here’s a preview of the preformatted text:

025 wordpress block editor preformatted preview

Layout Elements

Blocks in this category help you beautify and arrange your post in a way that’s pleasing to the eye.

This includes blocks for adding colorful buttons, smart columns, media elements, and more.

Button Block

A Button Block lets you add a button to your post. You can customize its style (round, square, etc.), color, and the action to take place once it’s clicked.

026 wordpress block editor button block

Columns Block

If you need to present your text in columns (“newspaper” style) rather than in full width, the Columns Block lets you do it quickly and easily.

027 wordpress block editor columns block

Media & Text Block

In the classic editor, placing images and text side by side required some developer skills. With the Media & Text Block, you can do it in just a few clicks.

028 wordpress block editor media text

Lines and Separators Block

A Lines and Separators Block, as its name implies, allows you to add spacers between one piece of content and another.

This includes page breaks, line separators, and more.

029 wordpress block editor lines separators

Embeds

The Embeds category lets you add content from social media sites, platforms, or any site from which you want to share posts or files.

You can choose to add blocks for Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, Flickr, and more.

030 wordpress block editor embeds

If you choose “Facebook” from the above list of blocks and paste a Facebook URL…

031 wordpress block editor embeds facebook example 1

…you’ll be able to embed the Facebook post directly inside your post:

032 wordpress block editor embeds facebook example 2

In the classic editor, this was significantly more difficult to do.

Widgets

With the Widgets category, your existing WordPress widgets (which were usually restricted to your blog’s sidebar or footer) can be easily added inside the body of your posts as blocks.

033 wordpress block editor widgets

Want to display a search bar or the latest comments on your blog right inside your post? You can by using the applicable widget block.

Need More Blocks? Try These Gutenberg Plugins for WordPress

As you can see from the list above, Gutenberg comes with a large selection of blocks right out of the box.

But if you need more, there are several WordPress plugins to give you even more functionality.

Otter Blocks Plugin

Otter Blocks is a free WordPress plugin providing 12 additional blocks, including Font Awesome Icons and Testimonials.

Once you’ve installed and activated the plugin, these new blocks will appear under the “Otter” category:

034 wordpress block editor otter blocks plugin

Atomic Blocks Plugin

Atomic Blocks is another freebie offering (as of this writing) 14 new blocks focused on product owners. These blocks will appear inside the “Atomic Blocks” once you’ve installed the plugin.

035 wordpress block editor atomic blocks plugin

Stackable

Stackable provides 22 free blocks, some of which are already available in Gutenberg. However, they come with a different design.

If you work a lot with images, this plugin gives a few interesting layout solutions to blend text and visuals in an interesting way.

036 wordpress block editor stackable plugin 1
037 wordpress block editor stackable plugin 2

Common WordPress Block Editor Questions

Before we wrap up, let’s look at a few common questions related to Gutenberg. This is a living section and will be updated as time goes on, so if you have a question be sure to leave it in the comments section below.

How do I Rearrange Blocks?

Once you’ve created a block, you can drag and drop them as you please.

Hover over the block you want to reposition, then click and hold the dots icon to move it. Or, you can click the arrows above and below the dots to move the block up or down one position at a time:

038 wordpress block editor rearrange blocks

How do I Create Reusable Block Templates?

If you want to use a block more than once, click on the ellipsis (3 dots) and choose the “Add to Reusable Blocks” option:

039 wordpress block editor reusable blocks 1

The block will be saved as a reusable block.

Once you saved at least one reusable block, the “Reusable” category will appear among the other block categories:

040 wordpress block editor reusable blocks 2

How do I Disable the New Editor in WordPress? (Or, How do I Revert to the Classic Editor in WordPress?)

If you install the Classic Editor plugin, the previous (“classic”) editor will be restored.

The WordPress core team has committed to supporting Classic Editor plugin until “at least 2022” or “as long as is necessary.”

So, if you’ve upgraded to WordPress 5.0 or later, and you find you’re not yet ready to make the switch to the new block editor, this official plugin from WordPress will allow you to use the classic TinyMCE text editor you know and love.

Can I Give Access to Gutenberg to Only a Few Users on my Site?

Absolutely.

If you have a bunch of different users and user roles on a single WordPress site, you can allow/restrict access to the block editor only to certain profiles/roles.

Is it Called Gutenberg, the Gutenberg Block Editor, the Block Editor, or Something Else?

“Gutenberg” was the project’s name when it was in development. As such, many still call it the “Gutenberg editor” or, simply, “Gutenberg.”

After the release of WordPress 5.0, it became known as the “WordPress Block Editor” or, simply, “block editor.”

But whatever you choose to call it, it’s all the same.

Is Gutenberg a Page Builder?

Not in its current state.

However, the block editor is merely the first of three planned stages.

Stage three, full site customization, would turn Gutenberg into a full-fledged page builder.

How do I Know if a WordPress Theme or Plugin is Compatible with the Block Editor?

Once Gutenberg was officially merged into the core of WordPress in release 5.0, theme and plugin authors/developers needed to update their products to ensure they were compatible.

Most themes and plugins, especially popular ones, are now compatible with Gutenberg. However, you should always make sure themes and plugins are compatible before you install and activate them on your website.

With plugins on WordPress.org, look for the “Tested with” label:

041 wordpress block editor plugin compatibility

For themes, check if Gutenberg compatibility is mentioned on WordPress.org or its homepage:

042 wordpress block editor theme compatibility

What Happens to my Old Posts After I Switch to Gutenberg?

Don’t worry — your old content won’t disappear.

When you update your site to WordPress 5.0 or later, each of your old posts will be converted into a “classic” block, which is similar to the classic TinyMCE content editor.

You can choose to keep your old posts “classic,” or you can convert them into blocks.

How to Convert Old Posts into Blocks?

Click the ellipsis (3 dots) and choose the “Convert to Blocks” option:

043 wordpress block editor convert classic to blocks

This will convert your post into a series of blocks, which you can edit, delete, and rearrange as you would normally.

Gutenberg isn’t so Scary

Though it differs greatly from the classic TinyMCE editor, you shouldn’t fear the new WordPress block editor.

It’s fairly intuitive, it’s powerful, and it eliminates much of the clutter keeping you from what truly matters: creating great content.

You now have a simple, easy-to-follow guide to help you navigate the new Gutenberg editor.

We hope you found it helpful.

If there’s anything you would like to see us add, or any questions you have about the new WordPress block editor, let us know in a comment below.

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Adelina Tuca

Adelina Tuca is a writer and WordPress blogger at ThemeIsle and CodeinWP. When she does not create content, she manages their partnerships with other publications and makes sure JustFreeThemes is performing well. She loves tennis, books, hiking, and metal concerts.

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Written by Adelina Tuca

Adelina Tuca is a writer and WordPress blogger at ThemeIsle and CodeinWP. When she does not create content, she manages their partnerships with other publications and makes sure JustFreeThemes is performing well. She loves tennis, books, hiking, and metal concerts.

17 thoughts on “WordPress Block Editor: The Ultimate Gutenberg Guide (2024)”

  1. Funny – Gutenberg feels like a stripped down version of Thrive Architect, yet somehow harder to use.

    I respect the need to let go of the past, and I understand this is version 1.0… but it doesn’t do anything much better than the original Wordpress editor.

    Reply
  2. Awesome content. Thank you for sharing these tips. Gutenberg is the future of WordPress and a lot of people are scared of using it cos they don’t get it. I even have a colleague that went back to an earlier version of WordPress because she was scared of it. This article is a must read

    Reply
    • Hey Adeniyi,

      Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, change can be scary. Makes sense why some people are hesitant to upgrade. The classic editor has been around, in various versions, for a LONG time. For me, it’s like saying goodbye to an old friend. 🙂

      How are you enjoying it? Any favorite features?

      Reply
  3. Hey Adelina,

    Thanks for writing the detailed and informative post. The problem with Gutenberg editor is that everything is a block and shortcuts only works within the blocks. Moreover, shortcuts function only inside the block and shortcuts for headings and paragraphs don’t work!

    If you look at HTML code it is pretty much messed up or maybe I just got messed-up with the over-hyped Gutenberg.

    Reply
  4. I am a reguler blogger on WordPress.and block editor has made very easy navigation to place ant data . Even i take the first preference for WordPress instead of blogger.

    Reply
  5. Great article.
    I love the new Gutenberg editor – I have used a website with the old editor on and it feels ancient and dated.

    I can’t wait for the 3rd stage full-fledged Gutenberg page builder, that is going to be even better.

    Reply
  6. There’s a classic block?? I tried Gutenberg and did not like the whole block thing, so I have been hating on ever since. Oddly enough, I could not get my page to look the way I wanted!

    I read over and over how everyone raves about it, and that makes me suffer from FOMO. So, thanks to this detailed post I am going to give it a shot. Hopefully I can get rid of some plugins in the process.

    Reply
  7. Hi, Adelina! Thank you for such a detailed review of Gutenberg and its plugins. Can’t agree, that Gutenberg is a new era for WordPress. I had experience with Otto Blocks, it’s a good one, but I would also like to mention another one that is worth of attention- it is called Getwid, I am sure you heard about it as well, and what I can say is that it is a multipurpose blocks for Gutenberg and at the same time a good template library. It keeps the site visually consistent, but fast loading at the same time. it’s free, so may be checked out easily without any expenses.

    Reply

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