Block Editor (Gutenberg) Tips #2 - The Perfect Default Settings to Switch Editors as You Please

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Block Editor is not available by default for new websites. You have to enable it first. Follow these steps:

  1. Go to your WordPress Dashboard
  2. Select "Settings"
  3. Under "Settings" select "Writing"
  4. Leave the Classic Editor option as the default. (highly recommended for newbies)
  5. Change the "Allow users to switch editors" to "Yes". (This enables the Block Editor).
  6. Remember to hit the "Save Changes" button at the bottom.

The Best of Both Worlds

These settings will allow you to use both the Classic and Block Editors. When you create a new post/page it will take you to the Classic Editor (default) and from here you can switch to Block Editor.

You will see the option in your Classic Editors sidebar. Mine is just below Tags.

Block Editor for New Posts/Pages

Hitting the "Switch to block editor" button in a new post will take you to the Block Editor and you can start adding content.

Once you created a post/page in Block editor always edit it in Block editor (not in the Classic Editor). This is especially true for posts with more than just headings, content and images.

It's not impossible to edit in Classic editor but you will not see the true reflection of what your post will look like (and it may not carry over some advanced stuff you added in block editor).

Block Editor for Older Posts

You have created your older posts in Classic Editor and want to convert them to Block Editor. If you have a lot of posts I personally don't recommend that. There might be conflicts with plugins and page builders. You will need to work through every post and make sure it's still what it's supposed to be.

This is a personal choice for everyone.


What will happen to our older posts if they ever abandon the Classic Editor plugin? Hopefully Gutenberg, themes and plugins will be so advanced by then that all older posts will convert without issues. Only time will tell.

Block Editor (Gutenberg) Tips #1 - Why You Should Start Using it Sooner Than Later

It's for this reason I'm starting to use it more for my new posts/pages.


Conclusion

I highly recommend you enable the "Allow users to switch editors". This gives you more options.

Classic editor is easy to use, Block editor not so much.

I personally think all newbies and new websites should start using only the Block Editor (the Classic Editor plugin might not be around for forever).

The Block Editor has a learning curve and might be challenging for newbies and even discourage them to continue.

Do you think the training at WA (certification and bootcamp courses) should start focusing more on the Block Editor?

Thanks

Rika


Marion Black the Master of all things WordPress

Have a look at Marion's training. She's got some good WordPress tips.

Gutenberg or Classic Editor? You CAN Have Both

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Recent Comments

35

Thank you for these blog posts - I was so confused about the "block" process - just could not wrap my head around what it was all about. In the past I've built some websites but things have obviously changed. What you have written is exactly what I was looking for. Hope you're doing well with your journey.

Well, yes, I believe they should. I also seem to remember that Chrystopher said he would put a training together to use the Block Editor.
Of course, I would love a training on this. Thanks for your input, Rika.

My pleasure Joss.

I think it would be a great idea. Hope Kyle consider it during the upcoming training revamp:)

Great summary and to the point!

Thanks Nellya:)

Have a great day!

Great tip and ties in nicely with what I have been posting about lately :-)

I actually did a survey to see which editor members preferred and currently, it is 50/50, although quite a few did say, when Kyle/Core Training start using blocks, then they will as well. I also let members know that SiteContent will work with the Block Editor, as that was a major concern for some. I also created some training on how to do this Along with a method on how to convert the Classic Editor to Blocks, not just editing in the Block Editor. If the Classic Editor plugin ever ceases to exist, then it's not an issue at all, as the Block Editor comes with a Classic Block, so there is no requirement for the plugin at all. Everyone could delete the plugin today and there would be no issues.

If a member does convert from Classic to Blocks and there is an issue for whatever reason, here are two training on how to change/revert back to the previous version. Sorry about all the links, but hopefully they will help other members :-)

Speak soon,
Chrystopher

Thanks for this clear list! Nellya

You're welcome Nellya :-)

Thanks for all the helpful info Christopher, especially the SiteContent to Block Editor. I will have a look.

Can you give me a complete list of all your still relevant Gutenberg posts and training? I would like to add a Block Editor Resouces page as one of my tips. Or is your list complete?

You're welcome to let me know if you add new stuff and I will add it to the resources page.

Have a great day:)

You're welcome Rika :-)

Just edited my comment to you.

Thank you for letting me know, otherwise I wouldn't have see that :-)

I have grouped my training together here, but I do believe that the links above are all of the Block Editor related ones so far, There will of course be more on their way :-)

This is a good tip... Thanks for sharing

My pleasure Matilla:)

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