Block Editor (Gutenberg)

The block editor, also called Gutenberg, is the default WordPress editor for writing posts and designing pages. It replaced the old editor in WordPress 5.0 and treats every piece of content as a separate block.

If you publish anything on WordPress, this is the screen where you will spend most of your time. So it pays to know it well.

Why is it called Gutenberg?

The project is named after Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the movable-type printing press. Just like his movable letters, the editor lets you arrange small pieces of content and move them around freely.

Gutenberg is also the name of a plugin. Developers use it to try new editor features before they reach WordPress core. As a regular blogger, you don't need it, because the editor is already built in.

How does the block editor work?

Every paragraph, heading, image, list or button is its own block. Each block gets a small toolbar above it, and its extra settings appear in the sidebar on the right. For example, you can select an image and change its size or alignment.

Here is how you add your first blocks:

1. First, open a new post from the Posts menu in your dashboard.
2. Now, type your title and press Enter to start writing in a paragraph block.
3. Next, click the + (block inserter) button at the top left to see all blocks.
4. Here, search for a block such as Image and click it to add it.
5. Finally, click Save draft or Publish at the top right.

Is the block editor better than the old editor?

For most people, yes. You get columns, buttons, galleries and ready-made patterns without any extra plugin. The old editor still exists through the Classic Editor plugin, but new features are added only to the block editor.

To learn each part of the screen, follow our lesson on the WordPress block editor.

In short, the block editor turns writing into stacking simple blocks. That's all for now. Do let us know in the comment box below if you get stuck anywhere.