Gutenberg is WordPress‘s block-based editor that simplifies content creation. It allows you to organize text, images, and media into blocks, providing more control over layout and design compared to the Classic Editor. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Highlights:
- Blocks: Everything (text, images, videos) is a block, making editing flexible.
- Text Formatting: Style paragraphs, headings, lists, and quotes with ease.
- Media: Add images, videos, and galleries with customization options.
- Advanced Features: Use columns, groups, reusable blocks, and custom HTML for complex layouts.
Quick Comparison: Gutenberg vs Classic Editor
| Feature | Gutenberg Editor | Classic Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Content Structure | Block-based, modular | Single text field |
| Layout Control | Columns, groups, nested layouts | Basic HTML and shortcodes |
| Media Integration | Dedicated blocks for images, videos | Limited options |
| Learning Curve | Moderate, visual interface | Simple, less flexible |
| Formatting Options | Advanced tools in each block | Basic toolbar |
Gutenberg makes WordPress content creation more flexible and visually appealing. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced user, it streamlines formatting and layout design without needing to code.
Basic Block Functions
Opening the Editor
To get started with Gutenberg, head to your WordPress dashboard and select Posts > Add New or Pages > Add New. The editor will open with a blank workspace, a default paragraph block, a + icon in the top-left corner, and floating buttons for adding blocks.
The editor is divided into three main sections:
- Left Sidebar: Document settings and block navigation.
- Center Area: The main workspace where you create and edit content.
- Right Sidebar: Block-specific settings and advanced options.
Now, let’s dive into how blocks work and how they fit into your content.
Blocks Explained
In Gutenberg, every piece of content – whether it’s text, images, or media – lives inside its own block. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main block categories:
| Block Category | Examples | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Text | Paragraph, Heading, List | Writing and formatting content |
| Media | Image, Video, Audio | Adding rich media elements |
| Design | Columns, Group, Cover | Structuring content and layouts |
| Widgets | Latest Posts, Calendar | Displaying dynamic content |
| Embeds | YouTube, Twitter, Spotify | Integrating external content |
Block Management
Once you understand the types of blocks, managing them becomes straightforward. Here’s how to handle blocks effectively:
-
Adding Blocks:
Click the + icon in the toolbar or between existing blocks. Alternatively, type / on a new line to open the block inserter. -
Moving Blocks:
Use the six-dot handle to drag blocks or click the up and down arrows in the block toolbar to reposition them. -
Removing Blocks:
Select the block you want to delete, open the three-dot menu, and choose Remove Block.
Every block has a toolbar that appears when you select it, giving you quick access to formatting tools and block-specific options. The right sidebar offers even more customization based on the type of block you’re using.
Text Formatting
Paragraphs and Headings
Press Enter to start a new paragraph. For headings, add a heading block and select a level (H1–H6) from the options.
The block toolbar includes handy formatting shortcuts:
| Format Option | Keyboard Shortcut | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | Ctrl/Cmd + B | Highlight key points |
| Italic | Ctrl/Cmd + I | Emphasize terms or phrases |
| Link | Ctrl/Cmd + K | Insert hyperlinks |
| ~Strikethrough~ | Shift + Alt + D | Indicate removed or outdated content |
To tweak heading styles, use the Typography panel in the right sidebar. Here, you can adjust:
- Font size
- Line height
- Letter spacing
- Text transform (uppercase, lowercase, capitalize)
Lists and Quotes
To create lists:
- Click the + icon in the editor.
- Choose Bulleted List or Numbered List.
- Type your list items.
- Press Enter twice to exit the list block.
For quotes, use the Quote block. Customize its appearance in the right sidebar with options like:
- Citation text
- Quote style (default or large)
- Text and background color options
Text Style Options
Gutenberg’s text alignment tools let you control how content appears. Access these through the block toolbar:
| Alignment | Ideal Use Case |
|---|---|
| Left | Standard paragraphs |
| Center | Headlines or short sections |
| Right | Special emphasis or visual callouts |
| Justify | Long-form content for a clean layout |
For more advanced styling, the right sidebar offers:
- Custom text and background colors
- Drop cap settings
- Custom CSS class options
To keep your formatting consistent, save commonly used text styles as Reusable Blocks. You can create these by clicking the three-dot menu in the block toolbar and selecting Add to Reusable Blocks. These tools integrate smoothly with Gutenberg’s block editor, making formatting easier and more efficient.
Adding Media
Image Blocks
To add images, use the Image block by clicking the + icon and selecting Image. You can upload images in three ways:
| Upload Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| Upload | Adding new images from your device |
| Media Library | Using images you’ve already uploaded |
| URL | Linking to images hosted online |
Once you’ve inserted an image, the toolbar lets you:
- Align the image (left, center, or right)
- Add alt text to improve accessibility
- Adjust the image size (thumbnail, medium, large, or full)
- Create clickable image links
In the right sidebar, you’ll find more customization options:
- Dimensions: Set specific width and height
- Border radius: Round the corners for a softer appearance
- Duotone: Apply color filters
- CSS classes: Add custom styles
Next, consider adding videos and audio to further engage your audience.
Video and Audio
Gutenberg makes it easy to include both self-hosted and embedded videos in your content.
1. Self-Hosted Videos
Upload videos directly using the Video block (up to 64MB). Stick to MP4 format, compress large files, and enable lazy loading for better performance.
2. Embedded Videos
Simply paste a URL from platforms like YouTube or Vimeo into a block. Gutenberg will automatically convert it into an embedded player. You can tweak settings to:
- Adjust player dimensions
- Turn autoplay on or off
- Show or hide player controls
- Enable or disable fullscreen mode
By combining videos with images, you can create a richer, more engaging experience for your readers. For an even more dynamic visual display, try organizing your images into a gallery.
Image Galleries
Use the Gallery block to create visually appealing galleries. Here’s how to set one up:
- Choose the Gallery block.
- Upload or select images from your library.
- Drag and drop images to arrange them.
- Customize the layout with these options:
| Setting | Function |
|---|---|
| Columns | Define the number of columns (2-8) |
| Crop Images | Ensure all images are the same size |
| Link To | Decide what happens when an image is clicked (e.g., open media file or attachment page) |
| Size | Choose the thumbnail dimensions |
For more advanced customization:
- Add lightbox effects within the block settings
- Enable captions to display image descriptions
- Adjust spacing between images
- Pick a gallery style like grid, masonry, or carousel
These features help you create visually engaging content that keeps your audience interested.
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How To Format Texts In WordPress Blocks Editor
Advanced Features
Once you’re comfortable with basic blocks, advanced features open up new possibilities for creating intricate layouts and adding custom code. These tools provide greater control and flexibility for your designs.
Columns and Groups
Want to create multi-column layouts? Click the + icon and select Columns. Here’s how to make them work for you:
- Adjust column widths using the slider for precise control.
- Add various block types inside each column for diverse content.
- Keep spacing consistent for a polished look.
- Use background colors to visually distinguish sections.
The Group block is perfect for organizing related content. Select multiple blocks, click the three-dot menu, and choose "Group." This creates a container that:
- Lets you move selected blocks together, making management easier.
- Applies shared styling options to all grouped blocks.
- Keeps spacing uniform across your design.
Saving Block Templates
Save time by turning frequently used block groups into Reusable Blocks. These templates preserve both layout and design, making content creation faster and more efficient.
Here’s how to create one:
1. Select your content
Choose the block or group of blocks you want to save.
2. Save as reusable
Click the three-dot menu in the block toolbar and select "Add to Reusable blocks." Give it a clear and descriptive name.
3. Access and edit
You can find and manage your saved templates by:
- Using the block inserter.
- Searching for the template by name.
- Browsing the Reusable blocks category.
HTML and Shortcodes
For advanced customization, Gutenberg includes Custom HTML and Shortcode blocks. These are ideal for embedding scripts, adding third-party widgets, or integrating plugin features.
| Block Type | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Custom HTML | Embedding scripts, custom styles, widgets |
| Shortcode | Plugin features, dynamic content, special formatting |
Tips for HTML blocks:
- Always test your code in preview mode before publishing.
- Keep your code clean and well-organized.
- Ensure layouts are mobile-friendly.
- Add comments to explain complex sections of code.
Tips for shortcodes:
- Verify that your plugins support the shortcode you’re using.
- Follow the plugin’s documentation for correct syntax.
- Test functionality thoroughly before going live.
- Keep an eye on performance to avoid slowdowns.
Next Steps
Quick Tips Summary
Get the most out of Gutenberg with these handy tips:
- Use keyboard shortcuts like ⌘/Ctrl + Shift + D to duplicate blocks quickly.
- Save time by creating block templates for reusable layouts.
- Organize your design by using nested blocks within columns.
- Always test your layouts in preview mode to ensure they look as expected.
- Keep HTML blocks neat by adding comments for better organization.
| Task | Best Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Text Hierarchy | Use H2-H4 tags correctly | Improves SEO and readability |
| Media Files | Optimize before uploading | Enhances page loading speed |
| Layout Structure | Group related content | Simplifies content management |
| Code Testing | Preview before publishing | Helps avoid potential errors |
For more detailed tutorials and tips, check out the resources below.
WP Winners Resources
Take your Gutenberg expertise to the next level with WP Winners. Their platform offers:
- AI-driven content tailored to the latest features.
- Guides for improving site performance.
- Tutorials focused on secure formatting practices.
- Step-by-step instructions for custom layouts.
Sign up for the WP Winners newsletter to stay updated on:
- New Gutenberg features.
- Ready-to-use block templates.
- Tips for boosting site performance.
- Best practices for WordPress formatting.
WP Winners ensures their tutorials align with the latest WordPress updates, helping you create well-structured, high-performing websites with ease.