In WordPress, our authors can choose between two editors:
- Classic Editor (old default)
Block (Gutenberg) Editor (new default)
Since the Block Editor is the new WordPress default editor, we installed the Classic Editor plugin, which allows authors to choose which editor they want to use.
Below is a comparison between the two editors from CyberChimps. Despite what the table shows, many authors prefer working in the Classic Editor because they’re familiar with it.
Note: Since the Classic Editor is a plugin and not baked into WordPress, there’s no guarantee it’ll be around forever, so it’s a good idea to at least get used to working in the Block Editor.
Table 1: Comparison between the Block Editor and Classic Editor.
Block Editor | Classic Editor |
User-friendly drag & drop interface | No such features |
Scrolling with parallax effect | No such features |
You can download media files directly to the editor | Media files are uploaded to the library first and then to the editor |
Create complex elements with custom blocks | Requires minimum HTML knowledge |
You can set items inside the editor | You need to go to the library for editing |
Better performance. You can add and edit images online | Maybe a little freeze or lag when you work on long posts |
Lets you create content with blocks | Offers a plain area to create content and type your texts |
WYSIWYG | No preview available while editing |
Advanced features like contact form, table, video inserting etc. | Requires additional plugins for these tools |
Classic Editor
The Classic Editor is set as the default editor on our site.
To use the Classic Editor:
- On the Dashboard, select Pages or Posts, and then select Add New.
The Classic Editor will open by default.
Block Editor
While the Classic Editor is set as the default editor on our site, you can switch to the Block Editor at any time.
To switch to the Block Editor:
- On the Dashboard, select Pages or Posts, and then select Add New.
- On the new Page or Post, in the right sidebar, in the Editor box, select Switch to block editor.
The page or post opens in the Block Editor.
Settings
Administrators have two editor settings they can set:
- Default editor for all users
- Allow users to switch editors
To access change the editor settings:
- On the Dashboard, select Settings, and then select Writing.
- On the Writing Settings screen, you can change either of the following settings:
- For Default editor for all users, select either Classic editor or Block editor.
- For Allow users to switch editors, select either Yes or No.