Common Gutenberg Editor Block Types and Their Functions Explained

Gutenberg EditorThis can be done by "lump (of earth)" (block) to create web content and layout, providing theGreater flexibility and customizability. Whether it's creating a simple blog post or designing a complex page layout, the Gutenberg editor can help users achieve their goals with ease. This article will detail how to add, use and customize various blocks in the Gutenberg editor and what types of blocks are available.

1. Adding blocks to the Gutenberg editor

In the Gutenberg editor, blocks are the basic elements for creating page and post content.Each block represents a content element, such as paragraphs, pictures,buttonsetc. Here are the steps on how to add a block in Gutenberg:

Open the post/page editor

• Log in to the WordPress backend.
• In the left menu select "card"or"web page".
• Click "Add new post"or"compiler"Existing Posts/Pages.

Adding Blocks

• Using the plus icon: In the editor interface, click on the top of the page or post content area "+" icon, this will bring up the Block Inserter panel, which allows you to browse and select different types of blocks.

• Using the Slash Command: Type a forward slash ("/"), then enter the name of the block and the editor will display a quick list of available blocks. Simply press the Enter key to quickly insert the selected block.

Selecting and inserting blocks

• Block Inserter: This can be done bybrowser blockcategory in the inserter to select the desired block, or via the topsearch termFind a specific block directly. When you click on a block, it is automatically inserted into the content area.

2. How to customize Gutenberg blocks

In the Gutenberg editor, not only can you insert blocks, but you can alsocustomizableThem. Customization settings and options vary depending on the type of block, but most blocks can adjust the following:

Block Toolbar

Each block displays a contextual toolbar upon selection. This toolbar is located above the block and provides quick access to common setup options:

• Alignment Options: Sets the alignment of the block (left-aligned, centered, right-aligned, full-width).
• Formatting: e.g., bolding, italicizing, inserting links, etc.
• Insertion Options: Other content can be inserted between blocks such asembedding,short codeetc.

Block Settings Panel

On the right side of the editor, you will find more block customization options. These options are differentiated by two main tabs:

• Blocks tab: Displays the customization options associated with the selected block. For example.Paragraph blocksYou can change the text color, background color, font, line spacing and more.

• Documentation tab: Applies to the entire document (e.g. page or post) and includes settings for categories, tags, featured images, etc.

Reusable Blocks

If you need to use the same block multiple times, you can save it as aReusable Blocks. This makes it easy to insert the same block of content in different posts or pages:

• Select the desired block and clickblocsin the toolbarthree-point menu(more options).
• Select "Add to Reusable Blocks"Options.

• Name the block and save it for future identification and use.

3. Block types in the Gutenberg editor

The Gutenberg editor providesMultiple types of blocks, which you can choose to use according to your needs. Below are the common block types and their functions:

Common Blocks

• passages: Used to add text content, supports basic text editing features such as bolding, italicizing, and adding links.
• caption: used to add a page or article title that supports themultilevel header(H1, H2, H3, etc.).
• imagery: Used to insert images and make alignment, size and caption settings.
• listings: Used to create ordered or unordered lists.
• references: Used to add a citation, usually to quote a sentence or paragraph.

formatting block

• coding: forDisplay Codesnippets, usually keeping the code formatted and applying equal-width fonts.
• preformat: forInserting Preformatted Text, keeping spaces and line breaks in the text.
• quotation: For use withstylizedway to display quotes or important content.
• forms: forCreating FormsThe number of rows and columns can be customized.

Layout elements

• buttons: Used to create linkableCustomized buttons, which is usually used to guide the user through an action (e.g., "Buy Now","Contact Us" etc.).
• columns: Used to createmulticolumn layout, you can put multiple blocks into different columns.
• organize: Used to convertMultiple Blocks Combined, easy to manage and arrange.
• intervals: used between blocksAdd Spacing, make sure there is adequate visual separation of content.

widgets

• short code: For insertionshort code, to embed dynamic content or functionality.
• archives: Displays an archive of the site's posts, which can be archived by month, year, etc.
• form: Displays a list of the site's post categories, making it easy for visitors to browse content on specific topics.
• Latest Posts: Used to display the most recent posts on the site.

embedded block

The Gutenberg editor also offers a variety of embed blocks to embed external content into posts or pages:

• YouTube: Embedding YouTube videos allows users to play them directly on the page.
• Twitter: Embedded Twitter tweets, showing the content and interaction of the tweets.
• Instagram: Embed Instagram posts to display image or video content.
• Spotify: Embed Spotify tracks or playlists for the convenience of those who listen to music.

4. Advanced customization and extensions

For users with higher customization needs, the Gutenberg editor supports additional customization features, including custom blocks, block modes, and the use of third-party plugins.

Custom Blocks

Developers can use the WordPress Blocks API Creating custom blocks. This involves creating a custom block using the JavaScript(React) to define the functionality and style of the block. Custom blocks can be packaged as plug-ins and shared with other users, further enhancing the functionality of the Gutenberg editor.

block model

Block patterns are predefined block layouts that can be quickly inserted into complex designs. You can customize these patterns and save them for reuse on other pages or posts.

Third-party plug-ins

Many third-party plugins offer new blocks and features that further extend the capabilities of the Gutenberg editor. Popular plugins include:

• Advanced Gutenberg Blocks: Added common blocks such as testimonials, pricing tables, etc.
• CoBlocks: Provides a rich set of blocks for creating highly customizable content layouts.
• Kadence Blocks: Several advanced blocks are provided to help you create complex layouts and designs with ease.

Custom CSS

For those of you familiar with CSS, the Gutenberg editor can add the following to the block settingsCustom CSS class. This allows the user to fine-tune the style of the block as needed to better fit the page design.

5. Summary

The Gutenberg editor is a powerful and flexible tool for everything from simple blog posts to complex web designs. With a variety of built-in blocks and customization options, you can easily create, tweak, and optimize web content. For developers, Gutenberg also offers the ability to create custom blocks, further extending its functionality.