Are you searching for how to disable Gutenberg (block editor) and keep the classic WordPress editor on your website? Then you are in right place. Gutenberg is the default block editor in WordPress which has restored the classic WordPress editor. A lot of users discover it tough to wield and would prefer to hold the classic editor. In this section, we will explain to you how to disable Gutenberg and keep the classic editor on the WordPress site.
What is Gutenberg?
Gutenberg is the developmental title for the block editor in WordPress. The block editor was designed with the intention to improve the WordPress writing experience.
It tries to act like a page builder plugin and enables you to drag and drop objects into a post or page. The aim is to give more flexibility and allow WordPress users to create different layouts for their content with strong multimedia content.
Block Editor is now the default editor in WordPress since the release of WordPress 5.0.
Why Disable the Gutenberg Editor in WordPress?
Many users who have been practicing WordPress for years are more satisfied with the classic editor.
Also, since the block editor is almost new, some plugins are yet not fit with it.
Thankfully, there’s a plugin by the WordPress core team which permits you to practice the classic editor still on WordPress 5.0 or later.
Let’s take a look at how to disable Gutenberg and keep the classic WordPress editor on your site.
Method 1. Disable Gutenberg with the Classic Editor Plugin
In this method, we will be using the Classic Editor plugin which is maintained and developed by the core team of WordPress.
Firstly you need to install and activate the Classic Editor plugin. You may like details of our full guide on how to install a WordPress plugin step by step.
The plugin works out of the box, and it will disable the Gutenberg editor upon activation.
This plugin also gives you an option to keep both Gutenberg and the Classic editor at the same time. You can configure this in the plugin’s settings.
Just go to the Settings » And then writing page in your WordPress admin area. You will find this under “Classic editor settings”.
Don’t forget to click on the save changes button to store your settings.
You can create new posts using the classic editor by cliking a new link under the Posts menu.
You will also edit previous articles with the classic editor. First go to Posts » Then all Posts or, page and you’ll see a ‘Edit (Classic)’ link below posts.
Method 2. Use Classic Editor with Disable Gutenberg Plugin
If you want to disable Gutenberg for different post types and user roles, then method 2 will assist you very smoothly.
Firstly you need to install and activate the Disable Gutenberg plugin. For more details, see our full guide on how to install a WordPress plugin step by step.
After activating the plugin, you need to go to Settings » Disable Gutenberg page to configure plugin settings.
The plugin will disable Gutenberg universally for every user on your website by default. However, if you want to define it to specific user roles and post types, just uncheck the ‘Complete Disable’ option.
After unchecking you’ll see more options to selectively disable Gutenberg for specific user roles, theme templates, post types, or individual posts.
If you are using a WordPress plugin that’s not compatible with Gutenberg then this method is very helpful, but you want to practice Gutenberg for different sections on your website.
The world’s most popular website builder is WordPress which is powering higher than 31% of all websites in the world.
It has thousands of themes and plugins and powers all kind of websites from membership communities to eCommerce stores.
Most of these plugins are now compatible and fit with the block editor. For example, WPForms adds a custom contact form block so you can easily and quickly insert your forms into all post or page with the block editor.
But, many third-party tools still rely massively on the classic WordPress editor and may not be completely compatible with the block editor.
If that’s the problem, then these settings can be very valuable for you.
Don’t ignore to hit the save changes button to save your settings.
We hope this content served you to disable Gutenberg and keep the classic editor on the WordPress site. You may also like to see our list of the very very needed WordPress tricks, tips, and hacks.
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