A Beginner’s Guide to WordPress Gutenberg Block Editor

What is WordPress Gutenberg block editor?

The WordPress Gutenberg block editor is a modern content editor introduced in WordPress 5.0. Unlike the Classic Editor, which relied on a single text field, Gutenberg uses a block-based approach, allowing users to create and format content using individual blocks for text, images, videos, buttons, and more. This enhances flexibility, customization, and ease of use.

Why Did WordPress Introduce the Gutenberg Block Editor?

The Gutenberg Block Editor was introduced to modernize WordPress’s content creation process by offering a more intuitive, block-based approach. Since its launch in December 2018 with WordPress 5.0, user adoption has steadily increased. According to recent surveys, the percentage of users adopting Gutenberg rose from 37% in 2020 to 60% in 2023.

However, it’s important to note that while adoption has grown, user satisfaction has seen mixed responses. In 2023, a survey reports, only 45% of users agreed that WordPress meets their needs, with 29% disagreeing and 26% remaining neutral.

These insights highlight the ongoing efforts to improve the editor’s functionality and user experience.

Difference Between WordPress Gutenberg Editor (Block Editor) & Classic Editor

The Gutenberg Block Editor uses a block-based approach, offering advanced customization, media handling, and the ability to save reusable elements. Unlike the Classic Editor, which relies on a single text field and requires additional page builders for complex layouts. Gutenberg streamlines content creation without coding.

WordPress Gutenberg vs Classic Editor

How to use WordPress Gutenberg Editor effectively?

The WordPress Gutenberg Block Editor simplifies content creation through its block-based approach. Each element, whether text, image, video, or button is a separate block that can be easily added, customized, arranged, and removed. This modular approach enhances flexibility, making it beginner-friendly while also catering to advanced design needs.

Here is brief WordPress Gutenberg tutorial, for you, to get started with the WordPress Gutenberg editor, follow these steps:

Open the WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Posts > Add New (or Pages > Add New).
The editor will open with a default blank block.

How to Add New Blocks?

To start, we need to start by adding new block,

Click the + (Add Block) button at the top-left corner or within the editor.
Choose from various blocks like Paragraph, Heading, Image, Video, List, and more.
Click the selected block to add it to your content.

How to Customize Blocks?

To make your content more visually appealing and tailored to your needs, the WordPress Gutenberg Block Editor offers several customization options. Here’s how you can easily adjust your blocks:

Select a block to reveal customization options in the right sidebar
Modify text styles, font sizes, background colors, and alignment.
Use the block toolbar for quick formatting.

How to Arrange Blocks?

Keeping your content organized is super easy with the Gutenberg Editor. The main feature they highlight is their easy drag and drop character of the blocks to set layout.

Click and drag blocks using the Move Up/Down
Use the drag-and-drop feature to reposition blocks freely.

Remove Blocks

To remove blocks from the block,

Select the block you want to remove.
Click the three-dot menu (More Options) and select Remove Block.

How to Group Multiple Blocks?

Select multiple blocks by clicking and dragging the cursor over them.
Click the three-dot menu and select Group
This helps in applying uniform styling and moving blocks together.

How to Add Content Using Blocks?

Here are a few more Gutenberg editor tips to help you make the most out of the Gutenberg Editor. These handy tricks will streamline your content creation process and add more style to your posts.

Adding Headings & Text Using Blocks

Click the + button and select the Heading Block or Paragraph Block.
Type your text and customize it using the formatting toolbar.

Adding Images & Media Using Blocks

Click the + button and select the Image Block or Media & Text Block.
Upload an image or select one from the media library.
Adjust alignment, size, and captions as needed.

Adding Shortcodes Using Blocks

Click the + button and select the Shortcode Block.
Enter your shortcode and preview the result.

Adding a Button Using Blocks

Click the + button and select the Button Block.
Customize text, color, size, and link.

Saving & Reusing Blocks

Click on a block, open the three-dot menu, and select Add to Reusable Blocks.
Name the block and save it for future use across different pages and posts.

Publishing Blocks

Once your content is ready, click Publish.
Use the Preview button to check the layout before publishing.
Make updates anytime using the Block Editor.

Use Case Example: Crafting a Blog Post

Imagine you’re writing a travel blog post about your recent trip. Here’s how you can use Gutenberg to make it engaging:

Add a Title: Start with a catchy title like “Exploring the Hidden Gems of Italy”.
Introduction Paragraph: Use a Paragraph Block to introduce your trip briefly.
Image Block: Add a captivating image of Italy with a caption. You can align it to the left or center for emphasis.
Subheadings: Use the Heading Block to divide sections, like “Top Attractions” and “Local Cuisine”.
Quotes: Use the Quote Block to share a memorable statement from your experience:

“Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.”
Lists: Use the List Block to share a quick list of must-visit spots.
Call to Action: End with a Button Block encouraging readers to subscribe or read more.

Use Case Example: Designing a Checkout Page

1. Page Title: Add a Heading Block and title it “Secure Checkout” to assure customers of safety.

2. Billing Information: Use the Paragraph Block for a brief note: “Please fill in your billing details below.”

3. Form Blocks:

Use the Shortcode Block to embed a payment plugin or WooCommerce checkout form.
If building manually, add Input Blocks for Name, Email, Phone Number, and Address.

4. Shipping Details: Add a Toggle Block for customers who need separate shipping details.

5. Order Summary: Use a Group Block to display the order summary. Include:

List Block for itemized purchases.
Columns Block to show item images and prices side by side.

6. Payment Methods: Use Button Blocks for payment options like Credit Card, PayPal, and Bank Transfer.

7. Call to Action: Use a large, bold Button Block that says “Place Order”. Customize its color to stand out.

8. Trust Signals: Add a Media & Text Block for secure payment icons and a reassuring message like “Your information is protected and encrypted.”

Conclusion

The WordPress Gutenberg editor revolutionizes content creation with its user-friendly, block-based approach. Whether you’re adding text, media, buttons, or shortcodes, the flexibility of Gutenberg simplifies the process. Mastering these basics will help you create visually appealing and well-structured content effortlessly.