If you were recently using WordPress after a blog hiatus and noticed a big change, it’s likely because the old content from your previous blog has been purged.
As a result of advancements in technology, WordPress released the Gutenberg block editor- a new and sleek option replacing the classic page and post editors that has been replaced with this new device.
There is a new default spam-fighting feature that has replaced the Classic Editor on WordPress.com, which makes switching even more important for users who rely on it to create content.
The upcoming changes with WordPress are likely to cause a lot of disruptions for site owners. That said, it’s important to note that the new changes won’t affect all site owners just yet. It is still worth getting acquainted with Gutenberg now, so you’re ready when the big day arrives.
To help you get the hang of things, this guide to the WordPress Gutenberg block editor will teach you:
- What the new Gutenberg block editor is
- How to use Gutenberg to add content to WordPress
- How to publish posts and pages with the Gutenberg block editor
- How to revert back to the classic WordPress editor
What Is the Gutenberg Block Editor?
The name pays homage to Johannes Gutenberg, who had a huge impact on the printing press and allowed information to spread to masses in an unprecedented way.
WordPress has a new block editor called the Gutenberg block editor. The block editor was first released in November 2018 with the WordPress 5.0 update.
How is Gutenberg different from the classic WordPress editor?
These are the main differences:
- Gutenberg is sleeker and more minimalistic than the Classic Editor.
- Blocks add a WYSIWYG component to the new editor that helps WordPress compete with Squarespace and Wix. The ability to add blocks makes creating content on WordPress less intimidating to users who aren’t very tech savvy.
Now that you’ve learned what the Gutenberg block editor is and how it works, we’ll help you get comfortable with this new content composer.
How to Add Content to WordPress with the Gutenberg Block Editor
The best way to add types of content to a page or post in WordPress is by using the Gutenberg block editor.
To add a new page or post, start by clicking on the “Add a New Page” button.
1. How to Add a Title in Gutenberg
Add the text where it says Add title to change the page title.
2. How to Add Content to the Blog Post Body in Gutenberg
If you want to add more words or a block to the body of your blog post, just start typing anywhere below the title.
Add the text where it says Add title to change the page title.
3. How to Add a Block Using the Gutenberg Block Editor
Blocks are new feature of WordPress that lets you embed content within your WordPress posts. Blocks have revolutionized how people design attractive blogs without having to know code–a skill which is quickly becoming obsolete.
Make a block by clicking the encircled plus sign found to the right of the text you’re typing, or at the top left of the editor.
The Gutenberg editor enables you to add text and images, adjust the formatting of blocks, and insert widgets. They can be used to create a wide range of content formats.
Want to make everything from your blog content to emails more effective? With this article rewriter, you can choose the ideal block for the task at hand and follow its instructions. Repeat this process to add multiple blocks!
To add a block, you can type / to bring up a list. Simply select one of the blocks and add it wherever you need it.
4. How to Arrange Gutenberg Blocks
A click on a block will cause the outline to appear. The arrows show you the way to move a block, and marks appear between the arrows that indicate how many steps there are between them. To place it somewhere else, just hold down the arrow keys and drag it to your desired location.
5. How to Format Gutenberg Blocks
You can click on a block and select the option you want to format it. This is useful when you want to add something like a hyperlink or copy its content. If a block has plugins that make use of additional functionality, this is where you can find them.
When building a custom template, you’ll have access to additional settings in the Block tab in the right sidebar.
How to Publish Pages and Posts on WordPress with the Gutenberg Block Editor
Once you’re happy with your post or page, publishing it is a great first step.
Publishing content on WordPress gives your latest updates a prominent place on your website and gains you more visibility for your content. Visibility settings allow you to restrict who can see your published content.
So what’s the difference between a post and a page on WordPress?
Post are a way to share content on your blog, like informative guides and news. They’re typically displayed in chronological order in a blog’s “posts” section. Posts are usually updated more often than pages are, but unlike regular content, posts can be pinned so people can save them for later reading.
WordPress pages are used to share evergreen content, like biography and about pages. Other common examples of WordPress pages are homepages and contact pages. While WordPress pages are updated periodically, there’s not a lot of change in the number of webpages on a website with WordPress.
Here’s how to publish a page or post using the block editor in WordPress.
1. Open the Publishing Settings Menu
To publish your website or blog post, click the Document tab in the right sidebar. You can also make it reappear if it’s disappeared by clicking the gear icon at the top right of your screen.
2. Select Your Publishing Settings
You’ll be able to select a publication date and time, post author, featured image and tags on this view.
With the ability to choose a publication date and time, you can schedule content to be published at a set time in the future. This will free you from having to manually click “publish” any time you need timely content.
With or without a feature image, pictures are still important when it comes to content. A featured image can accompany pages and posts, help them stand out and describe their contents, or even be displayed on the header of a page or post with some WordPress themes.
Tags help readers find what they’re looking for. They organize site content and help users find similar content within the WordPress website that they’re visiting.
3. Publish Your Content
You can preview new blog or page content that’s live at any time before publishing. Just press the “Save draft” button to keep your work in progress and publish when you’re ready.
How to Reinstall the Classic WordPress Editor
It’s difficult to change to a new software, even if you know it will be beneficial in the long run. Our WordPress plugin for updating your site is the Classic Editor which will allow you to stay connected with your site.
1. Go to the Plugins Directory
In the left sidebar of your WordPress dashboard, you can find plugins under Plugins. Just click Add New to start searching for plugins.
2. Find the Classic Editor
In the plugins directory, search for Classic Editor.
3. Install the Classic Editor
You may have noticed that over time, Gutenberg has been slowly creeping onto your website. If you’re not sure why or how to remove it, this guide can help! Simply activate the plugin and that should automatically deactivate Gutenberg once and for all.
The Gutenberg block editor was introduced to WordPress in 2018, which made it highly competitive with other website builders. It enables users to create beautiful content without knowing how to code because of its WYSIWYG composer.
Yoast’s free Gutenberg course is a great resource for learning about the best Gutenberg uses, such as advanced plugins, custom fields and settings.
Want to try out the Gutenberg block editor for yourself? You can start with a web host that is optimized for WordPress. Learn more about hosting with Bluehost, and see if it’s the right fit for you.
