Did you know? Over 22% of WordPress sites still use the Classic Editor, and for good reason – it’s simple, reliable, and highly compatible with older plugins and themes. Whether you’re managing a blog, running a multilingual site, or working in industries with strict compliance requirements like healthcare, the Classic Editor can be a game-changer.
Why Use the Classic Editor?
- Productivity Boost: Users see up to 40% faster content creation for text-heavy tasks.
- Compatibility: Works with 98% of pre-2018 plugins and themes.
- User-Friendly: Minimal learning curve with essential tools for formatting, media management, and HTML editing.
Key Features:
- Toolbar Tools: Format text, create lists, and insert links or media with ease.
- HTML Mode: For advanced users needing custom styling or third-party embeds.
- Post Management: Autosave, revisions, and scheduling options ensure smooth workflows.
Quick Setup:
- Install the Classic Editor plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
- Adjust settings like default editor type or user-switching preferences.
- Start creating content with tools designed for efficiency and focus.
The Classic Editor remains a go-to solution for those who value simplicity and stability. Let’s dive into how it works and why it’s still relevant today.
How to Create and Edit Post With Classic Editor in WordPress
Installing Classic Editor
The Classic Editor plugin brings back the traditional WordPress interface.
How to Install the Plugin
- Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
- In the left sidebar, click on "Plugins" and then select "Add New".
- Use the search box to type "Classic Editor".
- Click "Install Now", then hit "Activate" to enable the plugin.
Once installed, you’ll need to adjust a few settings to suit your preferences.
Adjusting Editor Settings
After activating the plugin, you can tweak the editor settings based on your needs:
| Setting | Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Default Editor | Classic/Block | Content writers, bloggers |
| Allow Users to Switch | Yes/No | Teams with multiple users |
| Default Post Type | All/Selected | Site administrators |
To make changes:
- Navigate to "Settings" > "Writing" in your WordPress Dashboard.
- Look for "Classic Editor Settings".
- Adjust the options to match your workflow.
- Click "Save Changes" to finalize your settings.
For team environments, WP Winners suggests enabling the "Allow Users to Switch" option to give everyone more flexibility.
The Classic Editor works seamlessly with most WordPress themes and older plugins, making it a reliable choice for various site configurations.
Editor Layout and Tools
The Classic Editor provides essential tools for formatting and managing posts. Let’s break down its main features and how they work.
Toolbar Functions
The Classic Editor includes a two-row toolbar packed with formatting options. Clicking the Kitchen Sink icon reveals additional advanced tools.
| Function | Purpose | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Text Formatting | Bold, Italic | Ctrl+B, Ctrl+I |
| Lists & Alignment | Create lists | – |
| Links & Media | Insert/Edit links | Ctrl+K |
| Advanced Options | Headings, Text Colors | Alt+Shift+1-6 |
You can switch between Visual mode (for a What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get editing experience) and HTML mode (for direct code editing).
The sidebar further supports post organization and content optimization.
Post Settings
The sidebar offers tools to structure and enhance your content:
Categories and Tags
Assign relevant categories and tags to organize your posts. Use the quick-add feature if you need to create new ones on the fly.
Custom Fields
Enable custom fields from Screen Options to add extra metadata like subtitles, review scores, or custom CSS classes.
Publishing Options
Control visibility by setting posts as Public (default), Password Protected, or Private. WP Winners notes that optimizing slugs for SEO can boost click-through rates by up to 40%.
For better search visibility, enable the Excerpts feature from Screen Options. This allows you to create custom meta descriptions that help your content stand out.
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Content Creation Guide
Learn how to engage readers effectively using the Classic Editor’s tools.
Text Formatting
The Classic Editor offers several formatting options to make your content clear and engaging. Use the toolbar’s dropdown menu to choose heading levels – H2 for main sections, H3 for subsections, and H4 for smaller divisions. Here are some tips:
- Keep paragraphs concise for better readability.
- Highlight key terms with bold text.
- Use italics to draw attention to specific points.
- Organize related items with bulleted lists.
- Use numbered lists for steps that need to be followed in order.
Once your text is formatted, enhance it further by adding visuals.
Adding Media Files
To include images or videos, click "Add Media" in the editor. This opens the Media Library, where you can manage your files.
-
Access Media Library
You can select existing files or upload new ones directly. -
Upload New Files
Drag files into the upload area or click "Select Files" to browse your computer. The editor supports common image and video formats. -
Customize Media Settings
After uploading, you can adjust settings like Title, Alt Text, Caption, Alignment, and Size to fit your content needs.
Need more control? Switch to HTML mode for advanced edits.
HTML Mode
HTML mode lets you fine-tune your content beyond the visual editor. This mode is perfect for:
- Adding custom HTML elements
- Modifying styles
- Embedding third-party content
- Fixing formatting issues
For instance, you can create a custom-styled quote using the following code:
<blockquote style="border-left: 4px solid #0073aa; padding-left: 20px;">
<p>Your quote text here</p>
</blockquote>
This approach ensures your content looks polished and professional.
Post Management
Effectively handle your posts by saving drafts securely and scheduling them for publication.
Draft Management
The Classic Editor offers several ways to keep your work safe as you go:
Autosave Feature
Every 60 seconds, the editor automatically saves your progress. A "Draft saved" message will briefly appear in the top-right corner, confirming your work is secure and reducing the risk of losing data.
Manual Save Options
For added control, you can:
- Click "Save Draft" to manually save your progress.
- Check the "Last edited" timestamp to monitor recent updates.
Post Revisions
The Classic Editor keeps a detailed history of your changes. To access earlier versions, click the "Browse" link under "Revisions" in the post settings panel. This lets you:
- Compare differences between saves.
- Restore an earlier version if needed.
Once your draft is ready, move on to publishing.
Publishing Posts
After managing your drafts, it’s time to finalize and publish your content. Before hitting publish, here’s a quick checklist:
1. Review Your Content
- Ensure formatting and media are properly placed.
- Verify that all links work.
- Assign the correct categories and tags.
2. Preview Your Post
- Click "Preview" to see how the post will look live.
- Test its appearance on various screen sizes.
- Make any final tweaks.
3. Choose Publishing Options
- Select "Publish immediately" to post right away.
- Click "Edit" next to "Publish immediately" to schedule for later.
- Use the calendar interface to set your desired date and time.
Scheduling Tips
When scheduling posts, keep these in mind:
- Post during times when your audience is most active.
- Double-check your timezone settings to avoid timing errors.
Once you’ve scheduled a post, the publish box will show "Scheduled", confirming it’s set to go live automatically.
Next Steps
Summary
The Classic Editor simplifies content creation with its core features:
- Easy-to-use editing tools and a flexible HTML mode
- Built-in media management and autosave functionality
- A design that’s straightforward and quick to learn
- Reliable performance with fewer plugin conflicts
These highlights align with the steps covered earlier. Take full advantage of these features with the additional resources provided by WP Winners below.
Additional Resources
WP Winners offers detailed tutorials and tools to enhance your WordPress experience.
Dive into advanced topics like:
- Managing WordPress Multisite installations
- Creating custom page templates
- Strengthening site security
- Customizing WooCommerce functionality
Find updated materials on:
- Improving site performance
- SEO best practices
- Enhancing security
- Streamlining site migration
Stay informed about WordPress updates:
- Visit WP Winners for the latest tutorials
- Browse the knowledge base for in-depth guides
- Share your feedback to help shape future content
FAQs
How can the Classic Editor help streamline your workflow compared to the Block Editor?
The WordPress Classic Editor can simplify your workflow by offering a straightforward, text-based interface that feels similar to traditional word processors. Unlike the Block Editor, which focuses on modular content blocks, the Classic Editor provides a single editing area where you can easily format text, insert media, and manage content without distractions.
For users who prefer a minimalist approach or have simpler content needs, the Classic Editor can save time by reducing the learning curve and eliminating the need to manage individual blocks. This makes it an excellent choice for quick edits, straightforward posts, or those who are more comfortable with a traditional editing experience.
What are the advantages of letting users switch between the Classic Editor and the Block Editor in WordPress?
Allowing users to switch between the Classic Editor and the Block Editor in WordPress provides flexibility and caters to different user preferences and skill levels. The Classic Editor offers a straightforward, text-based interface that’s familiar to long-time WordPress users, making it ideal for quick edits or simpler content creation. On the other hand, the Block Editor allows for more dynamic layouts and advanced design options through its drag-and-drop block system.
By enabling both options, you ensure that users can choose the editor that best suits their workflow, whether they prefer simplicity or more creative control. This adaptability can improve productivity and enhance the overall user experience.
How can I make sure my content works well with older plugins and themes when using the WordPress Classic Editor?
To ensure your content remains compatible with older plugins and themes while using the WordPress Classic Editor, focus on using standard WordPress features and avoid relying heavily on custom or third-party solutions that may not be updated regularly. The Classic Editor is designed to work seamlessly with most legacy plugins and themes, but outdated or unsupported tools can cause compatibility issues.
Additionally, keep your WordPress installation, plugins, and themes updated to their latest versions whenever possible. Regular updates improve compatibility and security, ensuring smoother performance across your site. If you encounter specific issues, check the plugin or theme documentation for guidance or consider reaching out to their support teams for assistance.