In case you don’t know, Gutenberg is the code name for the new block-based editor introduced in WordPress.
The Gutenberg Block Editor is the new web-building experience for WordPress users that replaces the Classic Editor. It is more advanced than the classic editor, bringing a ton of features that will make creating web pages and blogs a breeze. But you are not alone if you have questions about what the Gutenberg Block Editor is all about. We will introduce you to the Gutenberg editor.
In this regard, we will dive into the features and advantages of the Gutenberg Block Editor and how it can help you create amazing websites.
What is the Gutenberg WordPress Editor?
Gutenberg was released in November 2018. Gutenberg is a page builder included in WordPress 5.0+ that replaces the previous WordPress Classic Editor. Gutenberg is now the default editor for WordPress installations.
In comparison to the Classic Editor, Gutenberg is a far more complex project. Gutenberg still utilizes TinyMCE to edit rich texts. On top of that, there is a classic block that is based on the TinyMCE UI.
It makes it easier for users to create content as individual blocks instead of within one larger content area. There are many new WordPress blocks, such as paragraphs, headings, lists, images, galleries, embeds, etc. This new page builder helps users create amazing layouts with ease and can even be used to add dynamic content.
A Few Notes on Gutenberg WordPress Editor
Now that you have some ideas about the Gutenberg block editor, here are some notes that you would like to see at a glance –
- Gutenberg was rolled into WordPress 5.0 as the default content editor. It replaced the classic editor that was previously in use.
- Initially, Gutenberg was a standalone plugin, and it continues to be actively developed.
- WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg is strongly in favor of Gutenberg, commonly known as the WordPress Block Editor.
- Gutenberg eliminates the need for shortcodes in WordPress, making it easier for users to create complex pages with just a few clicks.
- It also continues to evolve and improve with each version. For instance, new block patterns are emerging that will make full-page building much simpler.
- There is also a third-party block directory available for those who want to add more advanced blocks to their websites.
Overall, Gutenberg has had a major impact on the WordPress experience, offering users an easier and more intuitive way to build their web pages.
The Purpose of Gutenberg
Gutenberg is the new WordPress block editor that has replaced the Classic Editor. The primary goal of the Gutenberg editor is to help users create posts and pages with more flexibility. Eventually, this will allow WordPress to compete more directly with other page-building website platforms.
As quoted from the Gutenberg plugin description on the official website of WordPress,
“The goal of the block editor is to make adding rich content to WordPress simple and enjoyable.”
Gutenberg is an important step forward for WordPress. According to Zack Katz, speaking at WordCamp Denver 2017,
“Gutenberg enables WordPress to build content layouts, not just write articles.”
It is one of the many transitions happening in WordPress toward a more simplified user experience. In reality, this is something the visual editor has been lacking for years. With Gutenberg, WordPress hopes to offer an interface that is more intuitive for new users, similar to what’s offered by Wix and Squarespace.
How to Install Gutenberg Block Editor on a WordPress Website?
Installing the Gutenberg Block Editor on your WordPress website is an easy process. Just follow these steps below, and you will install Gutenberg on your WordPress site in no time.
We have divided the whole process into two parts. This first part will show how to find Gutenberg, and the second part will show how to install it on your WordPress site. So, let’s begin.
How to find the Gutenberg block editor
- First, you will need to log in as the WordPress administrator. After logging in, select Plugins from the left menu.
- On the Plugins page, click on “Add New.”
- In the field labeled “Search plugins,” type in “Gutenberg” and hit enter.
- This will bring up the plugin page for the Gutenberg Block Editor.
How to install the Gutenberg block editor
- To install it, click on the “Install Now” button.
- After installation, you will see a prompt that reads “Activate Gutenberg.”
- Click on “Activate” to complete the installation and turn on the Gutenberg plugin. The Gutenberg plugin will be shown in the list of plugins when it is activated.
- Once activated, you can begin using the Gutenberg editor to create posts and pages.
So now you have successfully installed the Gutenberg Block Editor on your WordPress website. It offers an intuitive and user-friendly way to create content and design webpages. With its drag-and-drop feature and custom blocks, you can easily customize your site to meet your needs.
How Does the Gutenberg Block Editor Work?
The Gutenberg Block Editor offers a revolutionary way to create content for WordPress websites. This editor allows users to build pages and posts with individual blocks. The blocks can be arranged and rearranged on the page to create whatever layout you choose.
There are a variety of blocks available to choose from, including the paragraph, image, list, gallery, table, cover, and more. Blocks have settings that you can customize in the toolbar and right-hand sidebar. For example, with the paragraph block, you can set text alignment and choose a font size.
Gutenberg also offers pre-designed block patterns, which are collections of blocks already arranged in a certain style. It is a great way to quickly create content without having to design everything from scratch. Moreover, you can save customized elements as reusable blocks that can be used for future projects.
If you are new to Gutenberg, we recommend playing around with it to get a feel for how it works. There is a lot of potential to make content creation faster and easier.
Hopefully, the following video will come in handy to teach you how to use this amazing block editor on your WordPress site, especially when you are totally new to it.
Gutenberg WordPress Tutorial – Beginners Guide
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Gutenberg Block Editor
Gutenberg Block Editor is a powerful alternative to the Classic Editor that has been around for years. This is an exciting development that promises to make content creation easier and more intuitive for WordPress users.
There are several advantages to using Gutenberg. However, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be considered. Let’s start with the advantages.
The Pros of Using the Gutenberg Block Editor:
- Makes the content creation process more intuitive and easier for beginners to pick up.
- Helps you see your content in a format closer to how it will look on the front end.
- Unifies the content creation experience by eliminating the need for separate shortcodes.
- Provides more options for customizing your content through a variety of discrete elements.
- Eliminates the need to install a separate page builder plugin.
The Cons of Using the Gutenberg Block Editor:
- May be harder to learn than the Classic Editor due to its wide range of options and settings.
- May break your site if switching from the Classic to the Block editor.
- WordPress team discontinued support for the Classic Editor in 2022.
Overall, the advantages of using the Gutenberg Block Editor outweigh the disadvantages. If you are still using the old editor, now is the time to switch to Gutenberg and take advantage of all of its features.
FAQ
While people usually find answers to their questions on Gutenberg by searching online or in various forums, we have tried to answer a few that are very important to know. Let’s see the answers to those questions.
Q: Does Gutenberg have a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor?
A: No, the WYSIWYG editor is not yet available in Gutenberg. It does offer a block type called “Classic Editor,” which imitates the appearance of the present interface. The project’s current roadmap does not include this.
Q: How does Gutenberg compare to Elementor?
A: Compared to Elementor, Gutenberg is simpler to use and is already included with the WordPress core files. As a result, it works better with WordPress-compatible themes and plugins. It is excellent for a beginner despite having limited customizability.
Q: Is it possible to use the original text editor instead of Gutenberg?
A: When WordPress gets updated to the latest version by default, the Gutenberg editor will appear on your site automatically. However, you can still use the classic editor. To switch from the Gutenberg editor to the classic editor, go to the settings of the specific page from your WordPress dashboard. An option named “Classic editor settings” will be there. Just click on it to start editing with the WordPress classic editor.
Bottom Line
Gutenberg is a powerful and versatile block editor that has revolutionized the WordPress web-building experience. It offers users a new level of creative freedom. At the same time, it makes building and maintaining a website much easier.
The user interface is intuitive and easy to use. Additionally, there are plenty of custom blocks available for added functionality. For any WordPress user, Gutenberg is an essential tool for creating beautiful, unique websites.
