# How to Use the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg Tutorial)
Ah, WordPress, the beloved platform where many of us embarked on our digital journeys, creating blogs that were read by precisely three people: our mom, our best friend (under duress), and some random guy who mistook our blog for something else but left a comment anyway. But times have changed, and WordPress has evolved, especially with the introduction of the Gutenberg Block Editor in 2019. Gone are the days of the Classic Editor, where we boldly aligned text left, right, and center, feeling like the Michelangelos of blog formatting. Welcome to the era of blocks, where every element is a building block to your digital masterpiece.
## What’s the Difference Between the Block Editor (Gutenberg) and the Classic Editor?
Picture the Classic Editor as a cozy, familiar old café where everyone knows your name, but the menu never changes. It’s comfortable, but a tad limiting. On the flip side, the Gutenberg Block Editor is like stepping into a fancy, modern café where you can customize your order down to the tiniest detail. It might be overwhelming at first, with its array of options and blocks, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be crafting artisanal posts and pages that scream “I know what I’m doing.”
In technical terms, the Classic Editor was a straightforward text box with some formatting options—akin to using Microsoft Word circa 2003. Gutenberg, however, introduces us to ‘Blocks’—the cool, hip elements that you stack together to build your content. Want a paragraph? There’s a block for that. Images? Blocks. Videos, tables, and even widgets? Blocks, blocks, and more blocks.
## How Is the WordPress Block Editor Better Than the Classic Editor?
Imagine wanting to insert a table with the Classic Editor. You’d likely end up pulling your hair out or installing a plugin that’s as easy to use as a Rubik’s Cube. With Gutenberg, you simply select a Table Block, choose your dimensions, and voilà —you’re now a tabular genius. The Block Editor essentially makes adding, editing, and organizing content elements a breeze, turning you into a content wizard, minus the fancy hat.
## Using Gutenberg – The WordPress Block Editor
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of using Gutenberg without making you want to pull your hair out.
### Creating a New Blog Post or Page Using The Block Editor
Starting a new post or page is as easy as it always was—just click on “Posts” > “Add New” or “Pages” > “Add New” in your WordPress dashboard. You’ll be greeted by the Block Editor, eagerly waiting for your content-creating prowess.
### How to Add a Block in the Block Editor
The first block, by default, is your title. After that, you’re free to start typing your content in what appears to be a paragraph block, or you can summon new blocks into existence by clicking the “+” icon. Want to add something fancy? Just type “/” followed by the block type you’re after, and watch as Gutenberg magically conjures it up.
### Working With Blocks in the New Editor
Every block comes with its own set of tools, allowing you to tweak its appearance and settings to your heart’s content. Want to move a block around? Just drag it, drop it, or use the little up and down arrows. Feel like grouping blocks together? Go ahead and create a Group Block, turning your post into a well-organized masterpiece.
### Adding Some Common Blocks in the Block Editor
Let’s get practical and add some common blocks, shall we?
#### Adding an Image in the WordPress Block Editor
Adding images is a piece of cake with the Image Block. Upload your photo, and suddenly, your post is no longer a barren wasteland of text. You can adjust the image size, add a caption, and make your post visually appealing without breaking a sweat.
#### Adding a Link in the Block Editor
Got a link to share? Highlight the text you want to turn into a clickable adventure, hit the link button (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+K), and paste your URL. Congratulations, you’re now a hyperlink hero.
#### Adding a Gallery in Gutenberg
Remember when creating a gallery felt like rocket science? Those days are over. The Gallery Block lets you select multiple images and display them in a beautiful layout, proving once again that Gutenberg is all about making your life easier.
## Bonus Tips to Use Gutenberg Like a Pro
Feeling confident? Let’s turn that confidence into mastery with some pro tips:
– **Move the Block Toolbar to the Top**: If the block toolbar popping up all over the place annoys you, just pin it to the top. Your future self will thank you.
– **Use Keyboard Shortcuts**: Embrace the power of keyboard shortcuts. They’re like cheat codes for WordPress, making your workflow faster and more efficient.
– **Drag and Drop Media**: Yes, you can drag and drop media files directly into the editor. It’s like magic, but real.
And there you have it—a crash course in using the Gutenberg Block Editor without wanting to throw your computer out of the window. Remember, every great artist started as a beginner, and with Gutenberg, you’re not just creating content; you’re crafting digital art. So go forth, explore, and let your creativity run wild. Who knows, maybe your blog will be read by more than three people (no guarantees on the random commenter, though). Happy block building!