🚀 Executive Summary
TL;DR: Many IT professionals struggle with the WordPress Gutenberg editor due to its steep learning curve, ‘block soup,’ and perceived lack of control. Solutions involve mastering its block philosophy through custom block development (native or ACF), enhancing it with powerful block library plugins, or considering alternatives like the Classic Editor or traditional page builders.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Custom block development using
block.jsonand React/JavaScript provides granular control over markup and editor experience, leading to highly optimized and reusable components. - ACF Pro offers a PHP-centric approach to creating custom Gutenberg blocks, leveraging familiar ACF UI and PHP templates to bridge the gap for developers without deep React expertise.
- Block library plugins such as Kadence Blocks, GenerateBlocks, or Spectra significantly extend core Gutenberg’s capabilities with advanced design controls, dynamic content, and pre-built patterns, offering a robust middle ground before full custom development.
Struggling with the Gutenberg editor? This deep dive for IT professionals addresses common pain points and provides actionable solutions, from leveraging its full power with custom blocks to enhancing it with powerful plugins or opting for alternative editors.
Symptoms: The Gutenberg Conundrum
The transition to the WordPress Gutenberg editor, officially known as the Block Editor, has been a significant shift for many IT professionals and developers. While lauded for its modern approach to content creation, many still express deep frustration, echoing the sentiment of “I’m seriously struggling with the Gutenberg editor. How are people using this???”. Common pain points include:
- Steep Learning Curve: For those accustomed to the classic WYSIWYG editor or traditional page builders, Gutenberg’s block-based paradigm can feel unintuitive and restrictive initially.
- “Block Soup” and Overwhelm: A proliferation of blocks, especially when using third-party plugins, can lead to a cluttered editing experience, making it hard to find the right block or maintain design consistency.
- Perceived Lack of Control: Developers often feel Gutenberg limits their ability to implement pixel-perfect designs without resorting to complex custom block development or excessive CSS overrides.
- Client Training Challenges: Educating end-users (content editors) on the nuances of Gutenberg, especially when custom blocks or complex layouts are involved, can be time-consuming.
- Performance Concerns: While core Gutenberg is lightweight, adding numerous block plugins or poorly optimized custom blocks can impact front-end performance.
These symptoms often manifest as increased development time, frustration during content creation, and a general reluctance to fully adopt the editor.
Solution 1: Mastering Gutenberg – Embracing the Block Editor Philosophy
The first and often most effective solution is to fundamentally understand and embrace the core philosophy of the Block Editor: content is composed of discrete, reusable blocks. For IT professionals, this means leveraging Gutenberg’s developer capabilities to provide controlled, performant, and user-friendly editing experiences.
Custom Block Development for Precision and Reusability
For scenarios requiring specific design patterns, unique functionalities, or tight brand adherence, custom block development is the ultimate solution. This approach gives developers granular control over markup, styling, and editor experience, leading to highly optimized and reusable components.
Example: A Simple Static Custom Block
Let’s consider creating a custom "Highlight Box" block. You’d typically start by defining your block using block.json, which centralizes block metadata.
// my-plugin/blocks/highlight-box/block.json
{
"apiVersion": 2,
"name": "my-plugin/highlight-box",
"title": "Highlight Box",
"description": "A box to highlight important content.",
"category": "common",
"icon": "star-filled",
"keywords": ["highlight", "box", "important"],
"supports": {
"html": false,
"color": {
"background": true,
"text": true
},
"typography": {
"fontSize": true
}
},
"attributes": {
"content": {
"type": "string",
"source": "html",
"selector": "p"
},
"backgroundColor": {
"type": "string"
},
"textColor": {
"type": "string"
}
},
"editorScript": "file:./index.js",
"editorStyle": "file:./index.css",
"style": "file:./style-index.css"
}
Then, you’d register this block in your functions.php or plugin’s main file:
// my-plugin/my-plugin.php or theme's functions.php
add_action( 'init', 'my_plugin_register_highlight_box_block' );
function my_plugin_register_highlight_box_block() {
register_block_type( __DIR__ . '/blocks/highlight-box' );
}
The actual React/JavaScript logic for the editor (edit.js) and the saved output (save.js) would reside in index.js:
// my-plugin/blocks/highlight-box/index.js (simplified concept)
import { registerBlockType } from '@wordpress/blocks';
import { useBlockProps, RichText, ColorPalette } from '@wordpress/block-editor';
import { InspectorControls } from '@wordpress/components';
registerBlockType( 'my-plugin/highlight-box', {
edit: ({ attributes, setAttributes }) => {
const blockProps = useBlockProps({
style: {
backgroundColor: attributes.backgroundColor,
color: attributes.textColor,
padding: '1em'
}
});
return (
<div { ...blockProps }>
<InspectorControls>
<ColorPalette
value={ attributes.backgroundColor }
onChange={ ( value ) => setAttributes({ backgroundColor: value }) }
label="Background Color"
/>
<ColorPalette
value={ attributes.textColor }
onChange={ ( value ) => setAttributes({ textColor: value }) }
label="Text Color"
/>
</InspectorControls>
<RichText
tagName="p"
value={ attributes.content }
onChange={ ( content ) => setAttributes({ content }) }
placeholder="Enter highlight text here..."
/>
</div>
);
},
save: ({ attributes }) => {
const blockProps = useBlockProps.save({
style: {
backgroundColor: attributes.backgroundColor,
color: attributes.textColor,
padding: '1em'
}
});
return (
<div { ...blockProps }>
<RichText.Content tagName="p" value={ attributes.content } />
</div>
);
},
});
This approach offers maximum flexibility but requires JavaScript/React expertise and a build process (e.g., Webpack/Gulp).
Block Patterns for Content Editor Efficiency
For common multi-block layouts that don’t require dynamic functionality, Block Patterns are invaluable. They allow developers to pre-design intricate block arrangements that content editors can insert with a single click, ensuring consistency without overwhelming them with individual block choices.
Example: Registering a Custom Block Pattern
// my-theme/functions.php
add_action( 'init', 'my_theme_register_content_patterns' );
function my_theme_register_content_patterns() {
register_block_pattern(
'my-theme/two-column-cta',
array(
'title' => __( 'Two Column Call-to-Action', 'my-theme' ),
'description' => __( 'A two-column layout with text on one side and a call-to-action button on the other.', 'my-theme' ),
'categories' => array( 'columns' ),
'content' => '
<!-- wp:columns {"verticalAlignment":"center"} -->
<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex aligncenter">
<!-- wp:column {"verticalAlignment":"center","width":"66.66%"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center" style="flex-basis:66.66%">
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Need a Custom Software Solution?</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Our team of experts can help you build bespoke applications.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
</div>
<!-- /wp:column -->
<!-- wp:column {"verticalAlignment":"center","width":"33.33%"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center" style="flex-basis:33.33%">
<!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} -->
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"primary","textColor":"white","style":{"border":{"radius":"5px"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-button">
<a class="wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button" style="border-radius:5px">Contact Us</a>
</div>
<!-- /wp:button -->
</div>
<!-- /wp:buttons -->
</div>
<!-- /wp:column -->
</div>
<!-- /wp:columns -->
',
)
);
}
This registers a pattern that appears in the "Patterns" tab of the Block Inserter.
ACF Blocks: Bridging the Gap for PHP Developers
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Pro offers a fantastic way for PHP-centric developers to create custom Gutenberg blocks without diving deep into React. It allows you to define fields using the familiar ACF UI and render the block’s output using a standard PHP template, similar to how you’d build a custom post type template.
Example: An ACF-powered "Hero Section" Block
First, register the block using acf_register_block_type in your functions.php:
// my-theme/functions.php
add_action('acf/init', 'my_acf_blocks_init');
function my_acf_blocks_init() {
if( function_exists('acf_register_block_type') ) {
acf_register_block_type(array(
'name' => 'hero-section',
'title' => __('Hero Section'),
'description' => __('A custom hero section block.'),
'render_template' => 'template-parts/blocks/hero-section/hero-section.php',
'category' => 'layout',
'icon' => 'align-wide',
'keywords' => array( 'hero', 'banner', 'cta' ),
'supports' => array(
'align' => array('full', 'wide'),
'mode' => false // Disable switching between Edit/Preview modes
),
'enqueue_style' => get_template_directory_uri() . '/template-parts/blocks/hero-section/hero-section.css',
'enqueue_script' => get_template_directory_uri() . '/template-parts/blocks/hero-section/hero-section.js',
));
}
}
Next, define your ACF fields via the WordPress admin UI (e.g., a text field for "Headline", a textarea for "Content", an image field for "Background Image", and a URL field for "Button Link"). Assign these fields to your "Hero Section" block location rule.
Finally, create your PHP render template:
// my-theme/template-parts/blocks/hero-section/hero-section.php
<?php
/**
* Hero Section Block Template.
*
* @param array $block The block settings and attributes.
* @param string $content The block inner HTML (empty).
* @param bool $is_preview True during AJAX preview.
* @param (int|string) $post_id The post ID this block is saved to.
*/
// Create id attribute for specific styling.
$id = 'hero-section-' . $block['id'];
if( !empty($block['anchor']) ) {
$id = $block['anchor'];
}
// Create class attribute allowing for custom classname and alignments.
$className = 'hero-section';
if( !empty($block['className']) ) {
$className .= ' ' . $block['className'];
}
if( !empty($block['align']) ) {
$className .= ' align' . $block['align'];
}
$headline = get_field('headline');
$content = get_field('content');
$button_link = get_field('button_link');
$button_text = get_field('button_text');
$background_image = get_field('background_image');
$bg_image_url = $background_image ? $background_image['url'] : '';
?>
<section id="<?php echo esc_attr($id); ?>" class="<?php echo esc_attr($className); ?>" style="background-image: url(<?php echo esc_url($bg_image_url); ?>);">
<div class="hero-section__inner">
<?php if ($headline) : ?>
<h1 class="hero-section__headline"><?php echo esc_html($headline); ?></h1>
<?php endif; ?>
<?php if ($content) : ?>
<div class="hero-section__content"><?php echo wp_kses_post($content); ?></div>
<?php endif; ?>
<?php if ($button_link && $button_text) : ?>
<div class="hero-section__buttons">
<a href="<?php echo esc_url($button_link); ?>" class="wp-block-button__link"><?php echo esc_html($button_text); ?></a>
</div>
<?php endif; ?>
</div>
</section>
ACF Blocks allow for rapid custom block development, making Gutenberg significantly more approachable for PHP-focused teams.
Solution 2: Empowering Gutenberg – Leveraging Enhancing Plugins
For those who find core Gutenberg a bit sparse but aren’t ready for full custom block development, an excellent middle ground is to use well-regarded block library plugins. These plugins significantly extend Gutenberg’s capabilities, adding advanced design controls, new block types, and often dynamic content features, without the overhead of a traditional page builder.
Key Block Libraries Compared
Many block plugins exist, but a few stand out for their performance, feature set, and developer-friendly approach:
| Feature/Plugin | Kadence Blocks | GenerateBlocks | Spectra (formerly Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg) |
| Philosophy | Comprehensive design controls, many pre-built blocks & patterns. | Minimalist, focuses on 6 core blocks for maximum flexibility. | Feature-rich, large library of blocks and templates. |
| Key Strengths | Granular typography, spacing, color controls; dynamic content support; global settings; pre-built designs. | Extremely lightweight; powerful container, grid, headline, button blocks; high performance. | Good for rapid development with many out-of-the-box blocks; robust template library. |
| Developer Friendliness | Good for extending with custom CSS/JS. API for custom controls in PRO. | Excellent for developers due to lean structure; easy to extend and customize with CSS. | Good for non-developers; extensive options in UI. Customization typically via CSS. |
| Performance Impact | Generally good, with options to disable unused blocks. Optimized CSS/JS loading. | Excellent, generates minimal HTML/CSS. | Moderate, as it includes a larger codebase. Optimizations available (e.g., asset loading). |
| Target User | Users wanting comprehensive design tools within Gutenberg without a page builder. | Designers/developers wanting to build complex layouts with minimal bloat. | Users who want a wide variety of ready-to-use blocks and templates. |
These plugins offer features like:
- Advanced Design Controls: More options for padding, margin, borders, shadows, background images/videos, typography, and responsive settings than core Gutenberg.
- Dynamic Content: Many allow you to connect blocks to custom fields, post meta, or query loops to display dynamic data without code.
- Global Styles: Some provide systems for setting global typography and color palettes, improving consistency.
- Pre-built Sections/Patterns: Libraries of professionally designed sections that can be inserted and customized.
- Performance Options: Features to enable/disable specific blocks or assets to optimize load times.
By using one of these solutions, you can significantly enhance the content creation experience within Gutenberg, providing more design power to your editors while maintaining a block-centric workflow.
Solution 3: Alternative Paradigms – Classic Editor or Traditional Page Builders
While Gutenberg is the future of WordPress, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For certain projects, teams, or specific requirements, reverting to the Classic Editor or adopting a traditional page builder might be the most pragmatic choice.
The Classic Editor Plugin
The simplest alternative for those who genuinely cannot adapt to Gutenberg is the Classic Editor plugin. This plugin restores the old TinyMCE editor for post and page editing.
How to Implement:
- Install and activate the Classic Editor plugin.
- Navigate to Settings > Writing.
- Choose your preferred editor settings, such as "Default editor for all users" (Classic Editor) and "Allow users to switch editors" (Yes/No).
Caveats: This is a short-term solution. The Classic Editor is not actively being developed beyond maintenance and security updates. It won’t benefit from future WordPress advancements in content layout or new features, and relying on it long-term could lead to technical debt.
Traditional Page Builders (Elementor, Beaver Builder, Divi)
For complex layouts, marketing pages, or client projects where a highly visual, drag-and-drop interface is paramount, traditional page builders remain a strong contender. They offer a front-end editing experience that often feels more intuitive for non-developers, with extensive libraries of widgets, templates, and styling options.
Gutenberg (Enhanced) vs. Traditional Page Builders
| Feature/Editor | Gutenberg (with Block Plugins) | Traditional Page Builders (e.g., Elementor Pro) |
| Editing Experience | Block-based, back-end (mostly), inline editing within blocks. | Front-end, visual drag-and-drop, real-time preview. |
| Core Philosophy | Content as structured blocks, semantic markup first, extendable by developers. | Layout as visual components, abstracting HTML/CSS, user-friendly UI. |
| Performance | Generally better due to lighter markup and optional asset loading. Highly dependent on block quality. | Can be heavier due to extensive DOM manipulation, inline CSS, and JavaScript. Performance needs careful optimization. |
| Developer Involvement | Requires JS/React or PHP (ACF) for custom blocks, CSS for styling. More dev-centric. | Less code for basic layouts; custom widgets require PHP/JS; more design-centric. |
| Client Experience | Can be powerful with well-curated blocks/patterns, but requires some conceptual understanding. | Highly visual and intuitive for basic content changes; often easier for non-technical users to grasp. |
| Vendor Lock-in | Minimal for core blocks; moderate for block plugins (markup is usually standard, but styles depend on plugin). | High. Content is often stored in custom shortcodes or JSON, making migration difficult if the builder is deactivated. |
| Use Case | Blogs, structured content sites, performance-critical sites, developer-led projects. | Landing pages, complex marketing sites, rapid prototyping, designer-led projects. |
For IT professionals, the decision between enhanced Gutenberg and a page builder often boils down to long-term maintainability, performance requirements, and the skill set of the content creation team. Page builders excel at visual construction and speed of initial build, but can introduce performance overhead and vendor lock-in. Enhanced Gutenberg, when implemented thoughtfully with custom blocks or high-quality block plugins, offers a more native, often more performant, and developer-controlled experience.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Path Forward
The “struggle” with Gutenberg often stems from trying to use it like a traditional page builder or not leveraging its full capabilities. As IT professionals, our role is to evaluate the project’s specific needs, the team’s technical comfort level, and the long-term maintenance strategy before committing to a solution.
Whether you choose to:
- Invest in custom block development for ultimate control and performance.
- Empower Gutenberg with robust block library plugins for an enhanced editing experience.
- Opt for the Classic Editor as a temporary bridge.
- Adopt a traditional page builder for specific visual design requirements.
The key is to make an informed decision that aligns with your technical goals and empowers your content creators without sacrificing performance or maintainability.
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