Gutenberg is the name of a modern WordPress editor that was introduced with the release of WordPress 5.0 in December 2018. The editor is named after Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the printing press in the 15th century and revolutionized the way books were printed and distributed.

History

Before Gutenberg, WordPress users relied on a classic editor that was limited in terms of functionality and flexibility. The introduction of Gutenberg marked a major shift in how content is created and published on WordPress websites.

The new editor uses blocks to create content, which allows users to easily add various types of media (such as images, videos, and audio) as well as custom formatting options. This makes it easier for non-technical users to create visually appealing posts and pages without having to know how to code.

Features

Some key features of the Gutenberg editor include:

  • Block-based editing: Content is created using blocks, which can be customized with various formatting options.
  • Custom block creation: Developers can create custom blocks for specific needs.
  • Responsive design: Blocks are designed to work seamlessly across different devices and screen sizes.
  • Accessibility: The editor is designed with accessibility in mind, making it easier for people with disabilities to use.
  • Collaboration: Multiple users can collaborate on a single post or page using the editor’s built-in collaboration tools.

Video Overview

Reception

The introduction of Gutenberg was met with mixed reviews from WordPress users. Some praised its modern design and ease-of-use, while others criticized its lack of backward compatibility with older themes and plugins.

Despite these criticisms, however, Gutenberg has become an integral part of the WordPress ecosystem. As more developers embrace block-based editing, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of the editor in the future.

Reverting to the Classic Editor

Users who prefer the classic editor can still use it by installing the Classic Editor plugin, which restores the previous WordPress editor and disables Gutenberg. The plugin also provides an option for users to switch between editors on a per-post basis. Keep in mind that Gutenberg is constantly improving, so it may be worth exploring its features before deciding whether or not to revert to the classic editor.