The block editor, also called Gutenberg, is the modern way to build content in WordPress. Instead of one big text box, everything is a “block” you can add, move, and style. It is powerful once it clicks, and this guide gives you a friendly tour.
What a block is #
A block is a single piece of content: a paragraph, a heading, an image, a list, a button, and so on. You stack and arrange blocks to build a page or post. Because each block is independent, you can rearrange your layout easily by moving blocks up or down.
Adding blocks #
- Click the + button in the editor or at the top left.
- Search for or choose the block type you want.
- The block is inserted where your cursor is.
Tip: type / followed by a block name (for example /image) to insert a block quickly.
Common blocks you will use #
- Paragraph: standard text.
- Heading: H2 and H3 for structure.
- Image and Gallery: for visuals.
- List: bullet or numbered.
- Button: for calls to action.
- Columns: to place content side by side.
Editing and styling blocks #
Select a block to see its toolbar and the settings panel on the right. There you can change alignment, colours, typography, and spacing, depending on the block. Many themes add their own block styles too.
Moving and organising blocks #
- Use the up and down arrows to move a block.
- Drag blocks with the six-dot handle.
- Use List View to see and reorder all blocks.
- Group related blocks to move them together.
Reusable and synced blocks #
If you use the same content in several places, such as a call-to-action, save it as a reusable (synced) block and update it everywhere at once.
Troubleshooting #
- Block looks odd on the live site: your theme styles it differently; preview to check.
- Accidentally deleted a block: use undo (Ctrl/Cmd+Z).
- Prefer the old editor: a Classic Editor plugin is available.
Need help? #
If the block editor feels confusing, our support team can help you get comfortable over live chat.
