The Block Editor (aka Gutenberg)
Time to Make the Switch!
You don't need to continue to struggle with the Classic Editor plugin. WordPress introduced the block editor, initially as a plugin named "Gutenberg" almost three years ago but kept the old way of writing posts as the Classic Editor plugin. The block editor is now the standard editor and most people find it much easier to use than its clunky forebears.
But some people still use the Classic Editor plugin. It's even installed, by default, with every new website built at Wealthy Affiliate.
As always, WordPress is going to be constantly updated and improved every few months. Or more often if needed to fix bugs and security issues. So stop living in the past and make the switch. You'll be glad you did.
Back in 2017/2018 I created a few videos and tutorials to help my Wealthy Affiliate friends to get used to and embrace the block editor. Here's a partial list:
Classic Editor Plugin for That Old Familiar Interface
Gutenberg or Classic Editor? You CAN Have Both
WordPress Gutenberg: Create a New Post using WordPress 5.0 Gutenberg
Integrate Site Content with Gutenberg
Edit Existing Post or Page Using WordPress 5 (Gutenberg)
WordPress Gutenberg: Add Images to Your Post using WordPress 5 Gutenberg
WordPress Gutenberg: Add Links to Your Text and Images
Add Headings to Your Post using WordPress 5 Gutenberg
Available Blocks in WordPress 5 Gutenberg
WordPress Gutenberg: Other Common Blocks
Adding Images WordPress 5
So what are you waiting for?
If you're still using the Classic Editor plugin what are you waiting for? It may not be supported for much longer so the sooner you make the switch the easier it will be.
Start by changing the Settings > Writing
Choose "Block editor" as the Default editor for all users and "Yes" to Allow users to switch editors.
Don't worry. You'll be able to switch back and forth if you need to while you're getting used to using blocks. When you go to Posts > All Posts and hover your mouse over one of your posts you'll see all your editing options.
So your posts will now have the option to edit using the block editor or the classic editor as well as all the other options you may have depending on your site's setup.
If you find my tutorials and videos helpful, please give them a "Like" and leave a comment under each video. I really appreciate your feedback.
Stay safe,
Recent Comments
49
Hi Marion, thanks for your article. I would be happy to use the Gutenberg Block Editor.
I assume it’s installed because I have the most current version of WordPress 5.5, but it appears that I’m working in the classic editor when I edit my posts. See my screenshot below.
I don’t have the Settings > Writing options like you show in your article. Can you please help me apply the Gutenberg Block Editor. Do I actually need to install the plugin for Gutenberg?
Thank you for your help.
The way sites are set up at Wealthy Affiliate is not the way they are set up elsewhere. The Classic Editor is installed and activated on all new sites because some of the training is a bit antiquated and doesn't take into account the way WordPress has been using the block editor for almost 3 years.
To fix this go to Settings > Writing and make the changes as shown in the image above.
The Gutenberg plugin is not required as the block editor is an integral part of WordPress now.
Marion, my Settings/Writing does not have the same settings as yours. Please see screenshot. What should I do?
Thanks in advance.
It looks like you don't have the Classic Editor plugin installed and activated. Your site is set up for using the built-in block editor but what you're showing me in the image above is a post that was originally created with the Classic Editor or it's an old post created prior to WordPress version 5.
To edit an old post you'll want to convert the Classic Block to blocks. Follow the steps in this video Edit Existing Post or Page Using WordPress 5 (Gutenberg)
Thanks Marion, your posts are always informative and helpful.
I waas wondering why I could not see the option to switch between editors in my writing settings like you displayed, and went into one of your earlier trainings to see if I could find the reason.
It turns out I had not installed the Classic Editor plugin, so there was no choice to make. I assumed that the classic editor would be built into my site. Poor assumption on my part.
However, if others are also wondering why they cannot seem to make the choice - this is most likely the reason why.
Alex
I use both at this time, one site that is newer I use the block editor and like it. Old site I have used classic for over six years and never had a problem.
I will try the block on the old site and see if it makes me any faster writting, as this site gets more word content, the new site gets more video content. Block makes it faster to move videos around and add pieces of content around them.
John
Oh dearie me, I think the weight of evidence supporting the need to change is overwhelming, I am such a slow learner that I am dreading the change......lol .....
I have a day off Friday, maybe it’s time to sit down, study your tutorials, stop pansying about and make the flaming change.....
Thank you Marion as always
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Hi Marion, this is very helpful. Yet I see I've lost some useful plug ins and I don't know how to get them back. I use TinyMCEditor for a useful tool bar - and another to make all images with the "P" for Pinterest, so readers can pin the images. Is it now impossible to have these?
Good questions, Dianne. I think that TinyMCE works when you add a Classic Block and I don't see how the Pinterest thingy would stop working. The best place to ask specific questions like this would be at https://wordpress.org/support/forums/
Thank you Marion. There are a few things to sort out!