The Gutenberg editor is WordPress’s block-based editor, introduced in WordPress 5.0, and it revolutionized how content is created and managed on WordPress. Instead of working in a single text box, Gutenberg uses blocks to add content, which allows for more flexible, precise, and intuitive editing.
If you’re looking to get started with Gutenberg for content writing, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you use it effectively.
What is the Gutenberg Editor?
Gutenberg is a block-based editor that allows users to create content in blocks, which are individual components like paragraphs, images, headings, lists, buttons, quotes, and more. These blocks can be moved, customized, and styled independently, providing greater control over the layout and structure of your content.
How to Access Gutenberg in WordPress
- Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard.
- Go to Posts > Add New (for a new post) or Pages > Add New (for a new page).
- By default, WordPress will open the Gutenberg editor when you create or edit a post or page. You’ll see a blank page where you can start adding content.
Basic Features of the Gutenberg Editor
1. Blocks in Gutenberg
Every piece of content in the editor is a “block.” The Gutenberg editor provides a variety of block types to use in your content. Some of the most common blocks include:
- Paragraph Block: For writing normal text.
- Heading Block: For titles or subheadings.
- Image Block: To add images from your media library.
- List Block: For ordered or unordered lists.
- Quote Block: To insert a quote.
- Button Block: For adding buttons to your content.
- Video Block: To embed videos.
- Audio Block: For embedding audio files.
- Embed Block: To add external content like YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram posts.
- Custom HTML Block: For adding custom code.
2. Adding a Block
To add a block, follow these simple steps:
- Click the “+” (plus) button located at the top left corner or between blocks where you want to insert new content.
- A menu with different blocks will appear. You can either scroll through the options or search for the block you need.
- Once you find the desired block (e.g., Paragraph, Image, Heading), click on it to insert it into your post.
3. Moving Blocks
One of the biggest advantages of the Gutenberg editor is the ability to easily move blocks around:
- Hover over the block you want to move.
- You’ll see up and down arrows on the left side of the block.
- Click the arrows to move the block up or down within the content.
- Alternatively, you can also click and drag the block to the desired location.
4. Customizing Blocks
Each block in Gutenberg comes with its own set of customization options. For example:
- Text Formatting: In the Paragraph block, you can change the text style (bold, italics, underline) using the formatting toolbar that appears when you highlight the text.
- Block Settings: When a block is selected, you’ll see specific options for that block in the right-hand sidebar (like alignment, color settings, and other customization options).
- Reusable Blocks: If you have a block you use frequently (such as a call-to-action button), you can save it as a Reusable Block. Click the block options (three dots in the block toolbar) and choose Add to Reusable Blocks.
Using Advanced Gutenberg Features for Content Writing
Gutenberg is highly customizable and allows you to create intricate layouts with minimal effort. Here are some advanced features you can use for content writing:
1. Columns Block
The Columns block allows you to create multi-column layouts. This is especially useful for articles, landing pages, or even product pages.
- Click the “+” button and search for Columns.
- Select the number of columns you want (e.g., two or three).
- You can now add different blocks inside each column, such as images, text, buttons, etc.
2. Group Block
The Group block allows you to group multiple blocks together. This is helpful for managing complex layouts where you want to move several blocks at once.
- Click the “+” button and search for Group.
- Add the blocks inside the group.
- Use the move option to shift the entire group.
3. Cover Block
The Cover block lets you add background images or videos to your posts and overlay text or buttons. It’s a great way to make your posts visually appealing.
- Click the “+” button and search for Cover.
- Choose a background image or video.
- You can add text, buttons, or any other block on top of the background.
4. Embedding External Content
The Gutenberg editor allows you to embed external content from platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter, and more:
- Click the “+” button and search for the Embed block.
- Paste the URL of the content you want to embed (e.g., YouTube video link).
- Gutenberg will automatically embed the content, like a video or tweet, into your post.
5. Adding Tables
Gutenberg also supports adding tables to your posts:
- Click the “+” button and search for the Table block.
- Specify the number of rows and columns for your table.
- Add content inside the table cells.
Writing Tips for Using Gutenberg
While the Gutenberg editor is powerful, here are some tips for using it more effectively for content writing:
1. Organize Your Post with Headings
Use the Heading block to structure your content. Create sections with headings (H1, H2, H3) to make it easier for readers to navigate your article and for search engines to understand the content hierarchy.
2. Use Lists for Readability
When presenting information in steps, such as instructions, or for creating easy-to-scan content, use the List block. Lists enhance readability and allow your content to be more skimmable.
3. Optimize for SEO
Don’t forget to add SEO elements to your content. Use a Text Block for keyword optimization, add Image Alt Text in the Image Block, and make sure your headings include relevant keywords for SEO.
4. Preview Your Post
Before publishing, it’s essential to preview your post to see how it looks:
- Click on the Preview button at the top-right corner of the editor.
- This allows you to view your post as it will appear on your website.
Conclusion
The Gutenberg editor provides a flexible and user-friendly way to create rich, visually appealing content. With the power of blocks, you can easily add text, images, videos, and other elements, customize their appearance, and manage your content with precision. Whether you’re writing a simple blog post or a more complex page with multiple sections, Gutenberg gives you full control over the content and layout.
By getting familiar with the features and tools in Gutenberg, you’ll be able to create content faster, organize your ideas more effectively, and offer a better user experience for your audience.
