How to Use the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg Basics)

The WordPress Block Editor, known as Gutenberg, is a powerful tool for creating and customizing content. Each piece of content—whether a paragraph, image, or button—is managed through blocks, making it easy to design dynamic pages without coding. This guide will introduce the basics of using the Block Editor.

Step 1: Access the Block Editor

1. Create or Edit a Page or Post

   • Go to Pages > Add New or Posts > Add New in your Dashboard to open a new page or post in the Block Editor.

2. Navigating the Interface

   • The Block Editor has a clean, minimal interface with a few key sections:
     • Content Area: The main area where you add blocks.
     • Block Toolbar: Appears above each block and provides editing options.
     • Sidebar: Displays settings for the current block or page.

Step 2: Adding and Customizing Blocks

1. Add a Block

   • Click the + (Add Block) icon in the top left or within the content area to open the block library.
   • Choose a block type, such as Paragraph, Image, Heading, or Button.

2. Customize Block Settings

   • After adding a block, customize it using the options in the Block Toolbar (above the block) and Sidebar (right side).
   • For example, you can change text alignment, add colors, or adjust block-specific settings like font size.

3. Moving Blocks

   • To rearrange blocks, use the up and down arrows in the Block Toolbar or drag and drop blocks within the content area.

Tip: Use the List View icon at the top of the editor to view and navigate through all blocks on the page.

Step 3: Commonly Used Blocks and Their Functions

1. Paragraph Block

   • The default block type for text. Use it for paragraphs, and adjust settings like font size, color, and alignment.

2. Heading Block

   • Use heading blocks to add section headings. Choose between H2, H3, H4, etc., for a well-structured page hierarchy.

3. Image Block

   • Insert images directly into your content. You can upload new images, select from the media library, or insert a URL.
   • Customize the image’s alignment, size, and style.

4. Button Block

   • Create clickable buttons for calls-to-action. Customize the button’s text, link, color, and alignment.

5. Column Block

   • Use columns to organize content in side-by-side layouts. After selecting the Columns block, add blocks (text, images, etc.) within each column.

Step 4: Using Patterns and Reusable Blocks

1. Block Patterns

   • Patterns are pre-designed block layouts, such as image galleries or call-to-action sections, that you can add with one click.
   • Click the + (Add Block) icon, select Patterns, and browse available designs. Choose a pattern to insert it directly into your page.

2. Reusable Blocks

   • If you have a block or group of blocks you want to use on multiple pages, save them as a Reusable Block.
   • Select a block, click the three dots in the Block Toolbar, and choose Add to Reusable Blocks. Name the block and save it for future use.

Tip: Reusable blocks are ideal for content you may need to edit later, as changes to a reusable block update it across all instances.

Step 5: Page and Document Settings

The right-hand Sidebar has settings for the entire page or post.

1. Document Settings

   • In the Document tab, set options like Visibility (Public, Private), Publish Date, and Categories for posts.
   • Use Featured Image to set a thumbnail image for your post or page.

2. Page Attributes

   • For pages, set the Parent Page and Order in the Page Attributes section to organize page hierarchy.

Step 6: Publishing or Saving Your Content

1. Save or Publish

   • Use the Save Draft button to save your work without publishing it live.
   • Click Preview to see how the content will look before publishing.

2. Publish or Schedule

   • When ready, click Publish to make the content live. If you prefer to publish at a later date, select Schedule and choose your preferred date and time.

Additional Tips for Using the Block Editor

• Experiment with Layout: The Block Editor’s flexibility lets you try different layouts easily. Experiment with columns, images, and background colors to enhance design.
• Explore Additional Blocks: WordPress has various default blocks, and many plugins offer specialized blocks, such as testimonial or portfolio blocks.
• Switch to Code Editor (Advanced): For custom HTML or styling, switch to the Code Editor by clicking the three dots in the upper right corner and selecting Code Editor.

By following these steps, you can confidently use the Block Editor to create visually engaging pages and posts. For further customization or assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team.