In 2018, we saw the release of WordPress 5.0, and with it, a new default core editor called the Gutenberg WordPress editor. It replaced the WordPress classic editor, which was powered by the open-source TinyMCE. This release represented one of the biggest WordPress updates in years and radically changed how users created and edited images, paragraphs, lists, headings, embeds, and galleries, among others.
The release served as more than an aesthetic update since it moved towards a more user-friendly and block-based approach. Gutenberg’s “blocks” allowed users to build more complex designs, all while achieving increased functionality. What is a block? A block is an element that you use to design your site, including images, paragraphs, lists, headings, and embeds. Since its release, numerous WordPress themes have adopted the editor’s functionality, allowing users to edit the themes using Gutenberg.
The Gutenberg WordPress editor has undergone major improvements since its release, with additional functionality and flexibility when it comes to creating posts and pages. These additional functions edge the editor closer to its goal of creating a full site editing experience for all WordPress users.
Here, we will dive deep into:
- Choosing a Gutenberg-optimised theme
- Tips to improve your productivity with Gutenberg
- The advantages and drawbacks of using Gutenberg
Choosing A Theme That Is Compatible With Gutenberg WordPress Editor
What does “Gutenberg-optimised” mean? If you are keen on using the Gutenberg editor on your WordPress themes, then this is a term you should look out for. A Gutenberg-optimised theme will give you features that will help you take full advantage of the Gutenberg editor. The theme assumes that you will primarily be using the editor to customise your site.
With these themes, you will be able to edit and create wide and full-width content blocks using Gutenberg, which also allows for new layouts. Any changes that you make using the editor will reflect on the front end, including changes in fonts, colours and layouts without any hitches. Although Gutenberg is still improving, it still has a long way to go to achieve the same functionality that more established page builders have on WordPress themes.
Tips To Improve Your Productivity With Gutenberg
Once you have learnt the basics of how to use Gutenberg, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to improve your productivity while using the plugin. Start by pinning the formatting toolbar at the top of the editor. This allows you to access various formatting options without having to open it afresh every time you would like to format an element.
You can perform several common actions using keyboard shortcuts. The keyboard shortcuts will save you unnecessary mouse clicks, hence, saving you time and increasing your productivity. You can display the keyboard shortcuts by clicking on the three dots located at the top right corner of the editor. Gutenberg also allows you to copy and paste blocks along with all their settings. You can save time by using this neat feature instead of creating new blocks.
Advantages And Drawbacks Of Using Gutenberg
The Gutenberg WordPress editor has several advantages, including its intuitive approach to the creative process, which allows users, especially beginners, to pick up quickly. This goes hand in hand with the editing format that shows you how your content will look in the front end. The editor also eliminates the need for shortcodes, allowing the user to create a web page without any prior coding knowledge or experience.
However, the Gutenberg WordPress editor has its drawbacks. One of the major concerns that were raised due to the introduction of the page builder is the conflicts that may arise with existing themes and plugins. These conflicts tend to disrupt site functionality, and in some cases, cause them to break.
Frequently Asked Questions On WordPress Gutenberg
What is WordPress Gutenberg?
WordPress Gutenberg is a content editor that was launched in 2018 along with an updated version of WordPress. The editor allows users to create and edit web pages in blocks that can be used to manipulate different web elements, including images, text, links and embeds.
What is WordPress Block Editor?
The WordPress Block Editor, which is also referred to as Gutenberg WordPress editor, is an updated version of the classic WordPress editor. The new editor uses a different approach, with “blocks”, which help users create content layouts on a web page. With the “blocks”, users can create media-rich content simply by dragging and dropping the elements.
Can I use Gutenberg with all WordPress themes?
Although Gutenberg was introduced back in 2018, not all theme developers have incorporated its use into their themes. Several great themes have been optimised for Gutenberg, meaning that the theme and the editor will work seamlessly to help you achieve your desired outcome. Using the Gutenberg editor on a theme that has not been optimised for the page builder may result in website issues and may even cause the site to break.