I hated the new block editor. I decided I would never want to use it before I ever even gave it a chance.
Then I learned to use it grudgingly because I’m a WordPress developer…there wasn’t really a choice if I wanted to do my job properly.
It didn’t take long at all for me to cringe when I had to go back to the classic editor and think “How did we ever use this thing?!” Pretty sure you’ll feel the same way.
(It’s called the block editor because each section you add is its own block. There are paragraph blocks, heading blocks, image blocks, etc.)
Here’s a video showing you how quick and easy it is to start using:
Why should you switch?
- Speed of writing posts.
It goes so much faster than in the Classic Editor after you’ve done it a few times! - So many more options.
The block editor offers so many more options for everyday elements you want in posts like font size, colors, backgrounds. And so many more things that we used to need plugins for are now built in. - Reusable blocks.
You can create a really simple call to action block and easily add it to any post anywhere you want.
The same for “tips” or “FAQs”. - You can largely see what your post will look like as you’re writing it, unlike the classic editor, where you would need to preview it.
- It allows you to build beautiful pages on your blog without having to code.
- Eventually things built for the Classic Editor will be abandoned and not function anymore.
Imagine trying to use an iPhone 3 indefinitely… - Sticking to the old technology will eventually limit you in keeping your site properly up-to-date and optimized for SEO and speed.
How to switch from Classic to Block:
Time needed: 1 hour.
Here’s how to get started with the block editor:
- Enable it site-wide
If you have the Classic Editor plugin installed, you’ll need to enable the block editor. Do that by going to:
Settings -> Writing
Then check the “Yes” box after “Allow users to switch editors”.
- Enable it in a practice post
Start a new blog post.
Find a box in the right sidebar (by categories, featured images, etc.) that says “Editor”.
Then click “Switch to block editor”.
- Add a title and content
The title and regular text are self-explanatory. Just start typing.
There are three options to add blocks for other types of content.
1. The plus button inside the post area
2. The plus button at the very top left area of your post
3. Typing “/” then whatever type of block you want
Example: /image - Edit a block
If you want to change the look or options for a certain block, just click on it. You’ll get a toolbar that pops up above it with classic options. And most blocks will also have additional options over on the right sidebar area as well.
Block editor FAQs:
Nope! You can start with just one post. All of your old posts will remain in “classic editor” mode and nothing at all will change with them.
Thankfully no. When you edit the post, you have 2 choices: convert it to blocks (literally with just one click) and then edit, or leave it as one “classic block” and edit it that way.
Questions or Comments?