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

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