How to Use the WordPress Block Editor (2026)

How to Use the WordPress Block Editor

The block editor (Gutenberg) replaces the classic text editor with a modular content system. Every piece of content — paragraph, image, heading, button — is a block you can move, customize, and combine.

Step 1: Understanding Blocks

Click the + button or type / to insert a block. Common blocks include:

• Paragraph: Standard text content
• Heading: H2 through H6 for content structure
• Image: Upload or select from media library
• List: Bulleted or numbered lists
• Quote: Styled quotation blocks
• Table: Data tables with header rows
• Buttons: Call-to-action buttons with link

Step 2: Block Navigation

Use the block toolbar (appears above each block) for formatting. The list view icon in the top toolbar shows your entire document structure, letting you quickly jump to any block and rearrange sections via drag-and-drop.

Step 3: Block Patterns

Patterns are pre-designed combinations of blocks. Access them from the + inserter under the Patterns tab. WordPress includes dozens of built-in patterns for headers, testimonials, call-to-action sections, and more. Your theme may add additional patterns.

Step 4: Reusable Blocks (Synced Patterns)

Create reusable blocks for content you use across multiple pages — like a newsletter signup form or a standard disclaimer. Edit the reusable block once and it updates everywhere. Convert any block to reusable via the block toolbar menu.

Step 5: Advanced Techniques

• Group blocks: Wrap multiple blocks in a Group for shared styling (background color, padding)
• Columns: Create multi-column layouts without a page builder
• Cover: Overlay text on background images
• Custom CSS: Add per-block CSS classes via the Advanced panel
• Keyboard shortcuts: / for quick insert, Ctrl+Shift+D to duplicate a block

Beyond the Block Editor

For advanced content creation, SiteICO's built-in rich text editor adds features beyond the standard block editor: slash commands, AI-powered ghost text completion, drag handles for block reordering, inline annotations, focus mode, and a readability sidebar. It's designed for writers who publish frequently.