WordPress Gutenberg Editor: What Is It and How It Can Boost CMS Web Development?

If you're a tech lead or developer, you probably remember the days of the Classic WordPress Editor. It was reliable but not exactly exciting. However, Gutenberg arrived with version 5.0 in 2018, like an upgrade from a flip phone to a smartphone

It’s more intuitive, customizable, and perfect for crafting content with ease. Let’s see why Gutenberg WordPress editor is a real game-changer for any developer or web development company.

What Is WordPress Gutenberg Editor?

Gutenberg is a default block-based content editor for WordPress that lets users create and design posts and pages using customizable blocks for text, images, and other elements, making content creation more flexible and visual compared to the Classic Editor.

Gutenberg is the shiny, new tool that WordPress introduced with version 5.0 back in November 2018. For those who have been in the game for a while, you’ll know that WordPress's Classic Editor was the go-to for years. It’s a solid but somewhat rigid choice.

Now, with the WordPress Gutenberg editor, we’re discussing a more flexible, block-based system that feels like putting together a digital Lego set. Each piece of content is a block, and you can arrange these blocks however you like. It’s a game-changer for both new users and seasoned developers looking for more intuitive control.

Key Features of Gutenberg in CMS Web Development

Here are the key features of the Gutenberg editor that make CMS web development easy for any developer or web development company:

Block-based Content Creation

With the Gutenberg editor in WordPress, content is created using blocks. There are blocks for everything: text, images, videos, lists, buttons, and even widgets. It’s like having a toolbox full of gadgets ready to be pulled out whenever you need them.

Customizable Blocks

These aren’t just static pieces. Blocks in the WordPress Gutenberg plugin come with various customization options. You can change colors, adjust fonts, and add padding. It’s about making every block fit your style without fiddling with custom code (unless you want to, of course).

Pre-designed Block Patterns

Sometimes, you want to get things done quickly. That’s where block patterns come in. These are pre-made layouts that you can insert and customize. Want a fancy gallery or a call-to-action section? Just drop in a block pattern and tweak it to your liking.

Reusable Blocks

We all love a good shortcut. The Gutenberg WordPress editor lets you save customized blocks as reusable components. This is perfect for developers who build custom calls-to-action or layout snippets that need to appear on multiple pages. Create it once and reuse it everywhere. Efficiency at its best.

The Pros and Cons of Gutenberg

Let’s check out both the bright side and the downside of Gutenberg editor;

Pros

It is intuitive for beginners. The block-based system of the WordPress Gutenberg plugin is pretty straightforward, making it easier for newcomers to get started.

What you see in the Gutenberg WordPress editor is pretty much what you’ll get on the front end. No more endless switching between the editor and preview modes.

No need to clutter your content with shortcodes. Most content creation services eliminate that with the variety of built-in block options.

The array of blocks and settings makes it easy to create unique pages without external plugins.

Cons

If you’re coming from the Classic Editor, you might find Gutenberg in WordPress a little complex at first. It’s got more bells and whistles, which can be a double-edged sword.

When switching from the Classic Editor to the Gutenberg Editor WordPress, you may find that older content doesn’t quite translate perfectly. This means some posts might need a little love and reformatting.

Making the switch to Gutenberg WordPress without testing could lead to some wonky pages, especially if your site has lots of custom formatting or uses certain plugins.

How to Try Out Gutenberg for Yourself

If you’ve just installed WordPress, congrats! The WordPress Gutenberg editor is already enabled, and you’re good to go. Click “Add New” under Posts or Pages, and voilà! You’re in the Gutenberg WordPress editor.

Both editors will be available for those upgrading from the Classic Editor until you officially leap. I always recommend testing things on a local setup or a staging site first. This way, you won’t unintentionally turn your live site into a block-filled mess. Pro tip: The official Gutenberg WordPress demo page is a great playground for familiarizing yourself with different blocks and layouts.

How Gutenberg Works

Here’s the basic rundown. Each block is like a modular piece of content.

• Need a headline? Add a Header block.
• Want to break up the text with an image? Drop in an Image block. Just click on the plus icon, choose the block you want, and watch it appear in your editor.
• Customizing a block is simple. Once you’ve added one, click on it and use the settings toolbar above or the sidebar on the right.
• Now, whether you want to change the text color, adjust the font, or add a background color, it’s all there.
• One of my favorite features is that blocks can be moved around freely. Just grab the block and drag it to where you need it. This makes reorganizing content a breeze.

Advanced Functionalities of Gutenberg Editor

Here are the advanced features of the WordPress Gutenberg editor:

Block Patterns and Templates

The Gutenberg editor WordPress includes block patterns for complex layouts. It’s like having pre-assembled kits for different sections of a webpage.

Reusable Blocks

Say you’ve created a perfect testimonial block that you want on multiple pages. Save it as a reusable block, and drop it into any post or page with a couple of clicks. It’s efficient and ensures consistency across your site.

Interactive Elements

You’re not just limited to text and images. The WordPress Gutenberg editor includes interactive elements like buttons, forms, and galleries.

Enjoy the Future of CMS Web Development with Gutenberg

Gutenberg has truly transformed CMS web development by making content creation more flexible and intuitive. Whether you're a developer or part of a web development company, embracing the Gutenberg WordPress editor can open up a world of creative possibilities.