Gutenberg editor: A guide to WordPress's new page builder and content tool

What is Gutenberg?

Gutenberg is a block-based editor that treats each piece of content as a separate block, allowing for easy creation and rearrangement of layouts.

Imagine a canvas where you can freely add text, images, videos, buttons, and other elements, building your content piece by piece.

The Gutenberg editor is the new block-based editor that was introduced in WordPress Version 5.0.

It is a more modern and flexible editor than the classic editor.

It is the future of WordPress editing, and it is a powerful tool for creating and editing content on WordPress websites.

The Gutenberg editor uses blocks to create and edit content.

Blocks are individual pieces of content, such as paragraphs, headings, images, and videos. Blocks can be dragged and dropped to rearrange them on the page.

Benefits of the Gutenberg Editor

1. Flexibility: Create complex layouts and designs with ease. Move, resize, and rearrange blocks with a drag-and-drop interface.
2. Intuitive interface: The clean interface makes it easy for beginners to learn and use, while also offering advanced features for experienced users.
3. Responsive content: Gutenberg-built content adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes, ensuring an optimal user experience across devices.
4. Rich content creation: Utilize a vast array of available blocks to incorporate various media formats and interactive elements.
5. Improved workflow: Save time and effort by using reusable blocks and templates.

Gutenberg vs. Classic Editor

1. Gutenberg has a more modern and user-friendly interface than the classic editor. It is also easier to use for beginners.
2. Gutenberg Editor allows users to create more complex and visually appealing content than the classic editor.
3. It is more extensible, as there are several third-party blocks available that can be used to add additional functionality to the Gutenberg Editor.

For users accustomed to the classic editor, the transition to Gutenberg might require some adjustment.

However, with a little exploration and practice, you can master the new editor and unlock its full potential for creating engaging and impactful content on your WordPress website.

Remember, the Gutenberg editor is constantly evolving, so stay updated with the latest features and improvements to enhance your editing experience.

Notable features of the Gutenberg Editor

The Gutenberg Editor can be used as a page builder to create custom layouts for your WordPress pages and posts.

It does this by using blocks to create and arrange content on the page.

Blocks can be dragged and dropped to rearrange them, and they can be customized to create different layouts.

Gutenberg offers a plethora of advanced features that can empower experienced users to build truly unique and interactive content.

1. Different types of content

The Gutenberg Editor includes a variety of blocks that can be used to create different types of content, such as paragraphs, headings, images, videos, columns, buttons, and more.

You have access to all of the basic editing tools of the older Classic editor.

2. Block Library

This is a collection of blocks available on your site that you can access for use on your web pages.

Choose from a wide range of pre-built blocks, including headings, paragraphs, images, videos, buttons, and more.

3. Custom Blocks

Create your own custom blocks tailored to your specific needs.

Many blocks offer customization options like colors, fonts, and spacing.

4. Third-Party Block Plugins

Extend the editor’s functionality with various plugins that offer additional block types.

There are several third-party blocks available that can be used to add additional functionality.

Integrate various services and tools directly into your content using plugins and APIs.

For example, some blocks allow you to create contact forms, social media feeds, and more.

5. Reusable blocks

Take advantage of reusable blocks to streamline your workflow.

If you create a specific layout or design that you plan to use frequently, save it as a reusable block.

6. Embedding multimedia

Gutenberg simplifies the process of embedding multimedia content.

Whether it’s YouTube videos, tweets, or Instagram posts, use the respective blocks to seamlessly integrate multimedia into your posts and pages.

7. Layout flexibility with columns

Achieve versatile page layouts by utilizing the Columns block.

This feature allows you to create multi-column structures effortlessly, enhancing the visual appeal and organization of your content.

8. Cover and image blocks

The Cover block offers an elegant way to showcase images with overlaid text, while the Image block provides options for image alignment, captions, and link settings.

Leverage these blocks to enhance the visual impact of your content.

9. Custom layouts

Blocks can be dragged and dropped to rearrange them on the page, and they can be customized to create different layouts.

Experiment with different block layouts to achieve your desired visual style.

For example, you can create a two-column layout by adding two-column blocks, or you can create a full-width image layout by adding an image block and setting it to full-width.

10. Drag-and-Drop Functionality

Easily rearrange blocks by dragging and dropping them to your desired location on the webpage.

The clean design and drag-and-drop functionality enhance the overall user experience.

11. Inline Editing

Edit text directly within the block without entering a separate editing mode.

You can swiftly switch from editing text to managing multimedia elements.

12. Dynamic Content

Make your content adapt to different user contexts and preferences using dynamic blocks.

Gutenberg as a page builder

Gutenberg’s versatility extends far beyond creating blog posts.

You can use it to create:

1. Landing pages: Design captivating landing pages with custom layouts and targeted calls to action.
2. E-commerce product pages: Enhance your product pages with detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and interactive features.
3. Portfolios: Showcase your work effectively with a visually appealing portfolio built using Gutenberg blocks.
4. Etc.

Getting started using the Gutenberg Editor

1. Learn the basics

Familiarize yourself with the block types and editing options.

Utilize tutorials and documentation to understand the functionalities.

2. Understand blocks

Blocks are the building blocks of the Gutenberg Editor. Use them to create different types of content on your page.

You can drag and drop blocks to rearrange them on your page. This gives you more control over the layout of your content.

3. Explore the block library

Familiarize yourself with the available blocks in the library and their functionalities.

The library provides you with default blocks to try and experiment with.

4. Start with a template

Templates are ready-made sets of blocks.

They are useful in creating new content quickly and easily.

5. Utilize third-party plugins

Expand your editor’s capabilities with relevant plugins for specific needs.

There is a wide range of plugins that offer additional blocks for specific needs, enhancing your content creation capabilities.

6. Experiment with layouts

Try different block combinations and arrangements to find what works best for your content.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts and block combinations to find what works best for your content.

7. Keyboard shortcuts

Speed up your editing process by mastering Gutenberg’s keyboard shortcuts.

From block navigation to text formatting, keyboard shortcuts provide a convenient way to navigate the editor efficiently.

8. Discover tutorials and resources

Utilize the online tutorials and documentation provided by WordPress and the community.