Gutenberg WordPress: How to Use It, and How It Differs From the Classic Editor

What Is WordPress Gutenberg WordPress?

WordPress Gutenberg is a block-based content editor for WordPress, introduced in version 5.0. It is named after Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, and it represents a significant shift in the way content is created and managed on the WordPress platform.

With the Gutenberg editor, users can create content by adding various types of content blocks, such as text, images, videos, galleries, and more. These blocks can be easily customized and arranged to create unique and visually appealing pages and posts.

Gutenberg replaces the classic editor in WordPress and provides a more intuitive and modern editing experience. It has been designed to make it easier for users of all skill levels to create and manage content on their WordPress websites.

Why change the WordPress Editor?

WordPress introduced the Gutenberg editor as a replacement for the classic editor to address some of the limitations of the classic editor and to offer users a more modern and flexible content creation experience. Here are some of the reasons why the change was made:

1. Flexibility: The Gutenberg editor allows users to create complex and visually appealing layouts with its block-based system. Users can easily add, rearrange, and customize different types of content blocks, such as text, images, videos, and more.
2. User Experience: The Gutenberg editor offers a more intuitive and user-friendly experience compared to the classic editor. It’s easier for beginners to use, and experienced users can use the advanced features to create more dynamic and interactive content.
3. Mobile-Friendly: The Gutenberg editor is mobile-friendly, and it makes it easier for users to create and edit content on mobile devices. This is becoming increasingly important as more people use mobile devices to access the internet.
4. Future Development: The Gutenberg editor is a fundamental part of WordPress’s future development plans. The block-based system allows for greater flexibility and customization options, which will be essential for future WordPress updates and features.

In summary, the Gutenberg editor was introduced to provide WordPress users with a more modern, flexible, and user-friendly content creation experience. The change was necessary to keep up with the evolving needs of WordPress users and to ensure that WordPress remains a competitive and relevant content management system.

Can I still use the Classic Editor?

Yes, you can still use the Classic Editor in WordPress by installing the Classic Editor plugin. The Classic Editor plugin allows you to switch back to the traditional editor that was used in previous versions of WordPress, and it is available for free in the WordPress plugin repository.

After installing and activating the plugin, you can choose to use the Classic Editor for all content, or you can switch between the Classic Editor and Gutenberg editor for individual posts or pages.

Keep in mind that the Classic Editor plugin is not being actively developed, and it may not be compatible with future versions of WordPress. Also, using the Classic Editor means you may miss out on some of the new features and improvements that Gutenberg offers.

Gutenberg Editor vs Classic Editor

The Gutenberg editor and Classic editor are two different editors used in WordPress. Here are some of the differences between them:

1. User Interface: The Gutenberg editor has a modern and intuitive user interface, while the Classic editor has a more traditional interface that resembles a basic text editor.
2. Block-Based Editing: The Gutenberg editor uses a block-based approach to editing, where each element of content is a separate block. In contrast, the Classic editor uses a single text editor for all content.
3. Content Creation: With Gutenberg, users can create visually appealing and complex layouts by simply dragging and dropping various content blocks. In contrast, the Classic editor is more suited to creating simple text-based content.
4. Compatibility: The Gutenberg editor is the default editor in WordPress since version 5.0 and is actively maintained, while the Classic editor is no longer being updated by its developers.

Overall, the Gutenberg editor is more user-friendly, modern, and powerful than the Classic editor, and it is recommended for users who want to create dynamic and visually appealing content on their WordPress websites.

How the Gutenberg Editor Works

The Gutenberg Editor in WordPress works by using a block-based system to create and edit content. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:

1. Adding Blocks: To add content to your page or post, you start by adding a block. A block can be anything from a paragraph of text to an image or a video. You can add blocks by clicking on the plus icon (+) at the top-left of the editor or by pressing the slash key (/) and typing in the name of the block you want to add.
2. Editing Blocks: Each block has its own set of options for customizing its appearance and content. You can access these options by clicking on the block and adjusting the settings in the sidebar panel on the right-hand side of the editor.
3. Rearranging Blocks: You can easily rearrange blocks by clicking and dragging them to a new location on the page. This makes it easy to change the layout of your content without having to copy and paste elements.
4. Saving and Publishing: Once you have finished creating your content, you can save it as a draft or publish it to your website. You can also preview your content to see how it will look on your website before publishing it.

Overall, the Gutenberg Editor is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for users of all skill levels to create and edit content on their WordPress website. By using a block-based system, users can create complex and visually appealing layouts with ease, and customize each block to suit their needs.

How to Use the WordPress Gutenberg Block Editor

Here are the steps to use the WordPress Gutenberg Block Editor to create content:

1. Create a new post or page in WordPress and select the “Gutenberg” editor.
2. Add blocks: Click on the “+” sign on the top left corner of the editor or type in “/ ” to see the list of available blocks. Choose the block that you want to add and it will appear in your editor.
3. Customize blocks: Each block has its own settings and options that you can customize. Click on the block to see the settings on the right-hand side of the editor.
4. Rearrange blocks: To move a block, click and drag the block to the desired location.
5. Add text: To add text, click on the “Paragraph” block or type in “/p” to add a new text block. You can then start typing your text.
6. Add images: To add images, click on the “Image” block or type in “/image” to add a new image block. You can then upload an image from your computer or choose an existing image from your media library.
7. Add other content: You can add other types of content, such as videos, galleries, buttons, tables, and more, by selecting the appropriate block.
8. Preview and publish: Once you have finished creating your content, you can preview it to see how it will look on your website. You can then publish it to make it live on your website.

The Gutenberg Block Editor is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for users of all skill levels to create content on their WordPress website. By using blocks, users can easily create complex and visually appealing layouts without needing to know any coding.

How to Use Gutenberg Keyboard Shortcuts

The Gutenberg Editor in WordPress supports a range of keyboard shortcuts that can help speed up the content creation process. Here are some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts:

1. Show/hide available keyboard shortcuts: Press “Ctrl + Alt + H” on Windows or “Option + Shift + H” on Mac to display a list of available keyboard shortcuts.
2. Add a new block: Press “Enter” or “Return” to create a new block.
3. Change block type: Press “/” followed by the block type (e.g. “/p” for paragraph, “/image” for image).
4. Move blocks up/down: Press “Ctrl + Alt + Up” on Windows or “Option + Command + Up” on Mac to move the selected block up, or “Ctrl + Alt + Down” on Windows or “Option + Command + Down” on Mac to move the selected block down.
5. Copy a block: Press “Ctrl + C” on Windows or “Command + C” on Mac to copy the selected block.
6. Paste a block: Press “Ctrl + V” on Windows or “Command + V” on Mac to paste the copied block.
7. Undo/redo changes: Press “Ctrl + Z” on Windows or “Command + Z” on Mac to undo the last action, or “Ctrl + Shift + Z” on Windows or “Command + Shift + Z” on Mac to redo the last action.
8. Save changes: Press “Ctrl + S” on Windows or “Command + S” on Mac to save your changes.

These keyboard shortcuts can help save time when creating content in the Gutenberg Editor. By learning and using them, you can work more efficiently and streamline your content creation workflow.

Is Gutenberg for WordPress Free?

Yes, Gutenberg is a free and open-source WordPress plugin that is included in the core WordPress software. It was first released in WordPress 5.0 in 2018, and since then it has become the default editor for creating and editing content in WordPress.

Being an open-source plugin, Gutenberg is constantly being updated and improved by a community of developers from around the world. This means that you can use it without any additional cost or licensing fees, and you can also modify and customize it to meet your specific needs.

Furthermore, many themes and plugins have been developed to work seamlessly with Gutenberg, which further enhances its functionality and usability. Overall, Gutenberg is a powerful and versatile editor that is available to WordPress users for free, making it accessible to users of all skill levels and budgets.

Is Gutenberg Good for SEO?

Yes, Gutenberg can be good for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) in a number of ways. Here are some of the ways in which Gutenberg can help improve your website’s SEO:

1. Content structure: Gutenberg’s block-based editor allows you to easily create content with a clear and organized structure. By using headings and subheadings, you can make your content more readable and easier for search engines to understand.
2. Internal linking: Gutenberg’s block-based editor also makes it easy to add internal links within your content. By linking to other relevant pages and posts on your website, you can help search engines understand the context and relevance of your content.
3. Image optimization: Gutenberg includes features that make it easy to optimize your images for SEO. You can add alt text and captions to your images, which helps search engines understand what your images are about.
4. Meta data: Gutenberg also includes features that allow you to easily add meta titles and descriptions to your pages and posts. These meta data elements can help improve your website’s visibility in search engine results pages.
5. Schema markup: Gutenberg also supports the use of schema markup, which provides additional information about your content to search engines. This can help improve your website’s visibility in search engine results pages and increase the chances of attracting more organic traffic.

Overall, Gutenberg can be a powerful tool for improving your website’s SEO. By using its features to optimize your content and make it more understandable and relevant to search engines, you can increase the visibility of your website and attract more organic traffic.