How to Use the Gutenberg Editor in WordPress

How to Use the Gutenberg Editor in WordPress

The Gutenberg Editor, introduced in WordPress 5.0, revolutionized content creation by shifting from the classic text editor to a block-based experience. In this extensive guide, you will learn everything—from basic navigation to advanced workflows—so you can create rich, responsive layouts without coding.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Gutenberg
• Interface Overview
• Working with Blocks
• Common Block Types
• Reusable Blocks Patterns
• Advanced Features Tips
• Essential Keyboard Shortcuts
• Customization Extensibility
• Troubleshooting Resources

1. Introduction to Gutenberg

Gutenberg is the block editor introduced by WordPress to streamline content creation. Instead of a single text box, your page is composed of blocks—each block representing a distinct unit such as a paragraph, image, list, or widget. This modular approach improves layout control, encourages reuse, and offers a true WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) experience.

For official documentation, visit the WordPress Blocks Guide.

2. Interface Overview

When you open the Gutenberg editor, you will see:

• Top Toolbar: Includes save, preview, publish, and document settings.
• Block Inserter: The “ ” icon lets you add new blocks.
• Canvas: The central area where you compose content.
• Sidebar: Contains Block settings and Document settings (visibility, categories, featured image).

2.1 Switching Toolbars

You can choose between Top Toolbar (global controls) and Block Toolbar (inline controls) via the More tools amp options menu (three vertical dots).

3. Working with Blocks

Every element in Gutenberg is a block:

1. Click the Block Inserter icon.
2. Browse or search for a block.
3. Click to add it to your canvas.
4. Use drag-and-drop to reposition blocks.

To delete, select the block and click the More options menu in the inline toolbar, then Remove Block.

4. Common Block Types

5. Reusable Blocks Patterns

To avoid duplication, Gutenberg provides:

• Reusable Blocks: Save a custom block, then insert it across posts. Edit once updates everywhere.
• Block Patterns: Pre-designed layouts (e.g., hero sections, feature grids). Access via the Patterns tab in the inserter.

Manage reusable blocks under Manage All Reusable Blocks in the block inserter or via Tools gt Reusable Blocks.

6. Advanced Features Tips

6.1 Custom CSS Classes

Assign a custom CSS class to any block. In the sidebar under Advanced gt Additional CSS Class(es), add your class and define styles in your theme’s stylesheet for precise control.

6.2 Anchors SEO

For deep links, set an HTML anchor in Heading blocks. Combined with an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO, you can optimize anchor text and readability.

6.3 Collaborative Editing

Use the Post Status Visibility panel to switch between draft, pending review, and schedule options. Integrate with a workflow plugin (e.g., PublishPress) for editorial management.

7. Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut
Add New Block	/ (slash) at start of line
Open Block Search	Ctrl Alt M
Save Draft	Ctrl S
Undo	Ctrl Z

8. Customization Extensibility

Developers can extend Gutenberg via JavaScript and PHP:

• Register custom blocks with registerBlockType in block.json or via @wordpress/scripts.
• Enqueue block editor styles in your theme’s functions.php.
• Use the Block Editor Handbook for detailed API references.

9. Troubleshooting Resources

If you encounter issues:

• Clear your browser cache and disable conflicting plugins.
• Enable List View (toolbar icon) to identify hidden blocks.
• Review the browser console for JavaScript errors.
• Consult the WordPress Support Forums.

Further Reading

• Gutenberg Roadmap
• Developer Tutorials

By mastering the Gutenberg Editor, you can create dynamic, visually compelling content while maintaining performance and accessibility. This block-based paradigm represents the future of WordPress editing—embrace it and unlock new possibilities.