Say hello to the New Editor. The previous WordPress Visual Editor never had much changes over the years and pretty much stayed the same but that has all changed. Let’s dive right into a high level overview.
As from 6th December 2018, WordPress has introduced a new default WordPress 5.0 content editor. Gutenberg WordPress Block Editor is the new project. It replaces the WordPress TinyMCE editor. The Gutenberg block editor is a different and new way of creating WordPress content.
The biggest difference you will encounter with the new editor is the shift from the single text box you used to write in and the style of content format. The old TinyMCE editor (see image below) was similar to Microsoft Word with formatting buttons.
For Gutenberg WordPress 5.0 editor, you will instead, have one big blank white area starting with ‘Write your story’. Then you meet the new “blocks” feature.
Inserting Blocks
The block editor introduces a content creation approach that is completely different in the form of blocks, thus the name Gutenberg WordPress Block Editor.
Gutenberg has blocks for the most common content elements. You can add more by using WordPress plugins. The blocks allow you to create more complex designs than you could achieve with the old classic TinyMCE editor.
If you’re an average blogger, you may only need 4-5 blocks which are incredibly simple to use:
- Paragraphs
- Headlines
- Quote blocks
- Images
- Embed blocks (e.g. for YouTube videos, Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, etc)
Because each of the blocks is an entity on its own, you can manipulate them individually. This generally gives you in-depth control and more flexibility.
Writing Text
Gutenberg has lots and lots of different blocks that are divided into diverse sections. When simply writing, you automatically create new blocks by typing. However, for all other functions such as headings, images, videos, etc. – you’ll need to add an entirely new block.
After inserting your Title, you can either press the enter key or use the mouse to move down and start writing. The next block by default is a paragraph block.
Creating Tables
If you want a table as part of your content, you will need to use a separate plugin for tables.
The block editor also allows the user to add Columns and Rows blocks.
Rearranging Individual Blocks
Two options are available if you want to rearrange the blocks. You can either use the Up or Down Arrow as you hover over a block and move it in the desired direction or you can opt to drag and drop the blocks themselves.
Adding An image
To add an image, you simply add the image block and then proceed to upload your image file.
You can also choose to drag and drop images directly from your computer and let the editor automatically create an image block for you.
Adding A Video
There are embed blocks that you can use to upload your YouTube videos or Vimeo.
You can, however, simply copy and paste your embed URL and the Gutenberg Editor automatically creates a block for you.
Changing Text Color, Size, And Background Color
Changing the color, size of your text or background color is incredibly easy with Gutenberg.
If you want to, it’s also possible to save these particular settings to create a custom reusable block that can be saved.
All your reusable blocks will be stored in the WordPress database. You can use the ‘manage all reusable blocks’ link to managed your reusable blocks.
How About My Old Content?
The new editor offers users a simple way of adding different types of content to pages and posts. The good news is that if you prefer using the classic WordPress TinyMCE editor, you can. It is available via “Classic Editor” WordPress plugin.
Conclusion
Advanced Gutenberg has additional features such as testimonials, WooCommerce product slider, accordions, maps, counter, tabs, and more.
Once you master the flow of how the new block editor works, it becomes fairly intuitive and painless. Gutenberg gives you more flexibility than you could ever hope to get when using the old TinyMCE WordPress Editor.
