Gutenberg introduced a better version of the content editor inside WordPress to help users create posts and pages with more flexibility. 

Here at Ibmi Media, as part of our WordPress Development Services here at Fixwebode, we regularly help our Customers to perform WordPress related tasks.

In this context, we shall look into how to Use the Classic Editor Block with WordPress Gutenberg.

More information about Gutenberg Block Editor?

The Gutenberg Block Editor was the replacement editor WordPress built to replace the classic editor that has been there for years. The idea was to give users a more flexible development platform and an easier way to build and design posts and pages using a set block system.

Needless to say, the WordPress community was not happy with the change. However, over time, the block editor has actually emerged as quite a valuable tool. With third-party tools and additional blocks being added all the time, you can now build and design fairly easily using the system.

Furthermore, the block editor includes a way to use a classic HTML editor if/when desired. On top of that, a classic editor block has now been added to the library. This block allows you to use the classic editor on a post or page when and where you want.

Let's take a look at how to access and use the WordPress classic editor even when using blocks.

How to Use the Gutenberg Classic Editor Block ?

To do this, follow the steps below;

1. Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

In order to grab the classic editor block and use it on a post or page, you first need to sign in to your WordPress website through the dashboard. So, go to your website and log in.

2. Go to the Page or Post Section

At this point, you are inside the backend of your WordPress website. In some cases, you would need to download some sort of plugin. However, in this particular case, there is no plugin to download. We simply have to get to the block editor in a page or post.

Then, Click on "Pages > Add New", located on the left menu area of the WordPress dashboard.

Note: You can also go to "Posts > Add New" if you prefer. The process is the same either way.

3. Open the Block Library

Now that you are on a new page, it is time to add the classic editor block and switch layout.

Click on the blue “+” symbol button on the top left of the page to open up the block library.

4. Search for the Classic Editor Block

Within the block library, you have a couple of choices. You can scroll through and find the classic editor block manually, or you can simply search for it using the available text field.

Once you search, then you can see that the block is actually titled “Classic.” Click on that to add it to the page you are editing.

5. Use the Classic Editor Block

Now that the block has been added, you can start editing your page using the classic editor.

Everything the classic WordPress editor had is now available in this block. You can use the single block for the entire page, add more than one, or use any of the other blocks you want.

That's it! You can simply access this block anytime as you would with any other element in Gutenberg. If you continue to be more comfortable with the classic editor, then this is a fantastic option to have access to.

How to convert classic editor blocks in WordPress?

It should be noted that at any time you can convert the classic editor blocks. This will simply convert the block to a regular paragraph block that users have come to know in Gutenberg.

If for some reason you want to do this, simply click on the “Convert to Blocks” option that is shown above the Classic Editor Block.

If you do this, the block will be immediately converted as stated above and you will be left with the normal paragraph block.

From here you can, again, add more blocks or keep editing.

Other methods to Use the Classic Editor in WordPress

If you still don’t care to use the Gutenberg block editor and the classic editor block that is available, there are some other options for you. Here are some plugins that can help you keep the classic WordPress editor in place for the long run.

i. Classic Editor

Classic Editor is the official plugin for using the classic editor and is maintained by WordPress contributors.

They say that they will continue to support the plugin for as long as needed. What that means is that if there are still millions of people using the plugin at the end of 2022, then WordPress will continue to support it. Simply install and activate the plugin and with a few clicks, you will be able to access the classic editor whenever you want.

ii. No Gutenberg

No Gutenberg is another plugin that allows you to do away with the block editor and access the classic editor. It is not as well known as the main Classic Editor plugin, but it does the trick. 

It also works a little differently than the Classic Editor plugin. Instead of allowing you the options for either editor, the No Gutenberg plugin disables the block editor altogether. As of right now, this plugin is still fully functional and receives updates all time.

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