Back to: WordPress 101
WordPress 5.5 brought a long list of exciting new features for the block editor, including an all-new block directory, and the introduction of block patterns, which make it easy to create complex, beautiful layouts, using pre-built combinations of text and media blocks that you can mix and match to create pages and posts even more quickly.
The block editor, enables you to insert, rearrange, and style all kinds of content without having to learn how to code. Simply add a new block to your page or post, and then focus on creating your content.
Out of the box, WordPress includes over a dozen different blocks, representing the types of content you’ll likely need the most. But there are also hundreds more blocks being created by third-party developers every day. By default, you’ll get text blocks like paragraphs, headings, subheadings, and quotes. And you can add multimedia, like images, photo galleries, large, full-width cover images, and video or audio files. But you can also create custom layouts using multiple columns, add code snippets, bulleted or numbered lists, buttons, and more.
In the next several videos, you’ll become familiar with the Block Editor, and each of the Blocks. But simply put, this new block-based editor opens up all kinds of possibilities that simply weren’t available like this before.
What if I don’t like the new Editor?
If you don’t like the Block Editor, or you prefer a more familiar interface, no sweat! Just install the Classic Editor plugin.
The Classic Editor plugin restores the previous version of the WordPress editor and the Edit Post screen. This lets you continue using the more familiar editor, as well as third-party plugins that extend the editor, or make use of older meta boxes. WordPress has promised to continue supporting the Classic Editor plugin through 2022.
Take the Block Editor for a test drive!
We encourage you to try out the new Gutenberg Block Editor for yourself. You can take it for a test drive at: WordPress.org/gutenberg
This live demo site allows you to experiment with the various types of blocks for yourself… without risking your own site or content.
Then, when you’re ready to start using Gutenberg on your own site, simply disable the Classic Editor plugin, and you’ll be set!
