How to Turn Off the Block Editor in WordPress: Quick and Easy Guide

With the introduction of WordPress 5.0 in December 2018, the Block Editor, also referred to as Gutenberg, became the default content editing tool in WordPress. It uses a block-based structure that allows for more freedom and creativity in page design, revolutionizing the way users generate and manage content.

With a more user-friendly interface that arranges content into blocks, Gutenberg takes on the role of the traditional TinyMCE editor. Because each block represents a distinct kind of content element—paragraphs, photos, videos, galleries, lists, and more—users may more easily design aesthetically pleasing layouts without having to know a lot of code.

Important Features

Block-Based System: Individual blocks can be added, rearranged, and customized by users to produce intricate arrangements. The process of creating material can be made more structured and organized with this modular approach.
User-Friendly Interface: Although the editor offers sophisticated capabilities for seasoned users, it is made to be accessible to novices. It has a sidebar with more settings and choices, as well as drag-and-drop functionality.

Responsive Design: Gutenberg-created content is automatically responsive, so it displays well on PCs and smartphones alike.
Extensibility: It is a very flexible tool for a variety of purposes because developers may build custom blocks and use different plugins to improve functionality.

Advantages of using Block Editor

Enhanced Productivity with the Block Editor: The publishing procedure can be greatly accelerated by the simplified addition and editing of information.
Rich Media Integration: Gutenberg simplifies the process of adding multimedia components to pages and posts without requiring complex steps.
SEO-Friendly Features: The editor supports SEO recommended practices, such as altering meta descriptions and adding alt text to photos.
Full-Site Editing Capabilities: Gutenberg is opening the door for full-site editing features as WordPress develops further, enabling users to alter entire websites with blocks.

It’s easy to disable WordPress’s Block Editor using either plugins or manual coding techniques. While other plugins, such as Disable Gutenberg, provide additional customization possibilities, the Classic Editor plugin is highly recommended due to its flexibility and ease of use. Select the approach that best suits your degree of coding and WordPress proficiency!

Methods to Disable the Block Editor

There are a few simple ways to disable WordPress’s Block Editor (Gutenberg) and switch back to the Classic Editor. This brief and simple instruction will assist you in the process.

Using the Classic Editor Plugin

The most common and simple way to disable Gutenberg is to use the Classic Editor plugin. These easy instructions will help you install, activate, and configure the Classic Editor plugin for WordPress on your website. Here’s how to accomplish it:

Install the plugin:

Access your WordPress dashboard by logging in: Go to the admin area of WordPress.
Go to the Plugins: Click Add New after hovering over the Plugins menu in the left sidebar. Plugins > Add New
Look for the plugin: Do a search for “Classic Editor.” The search results ought to include the plugin.
Install and Activate: Select the Classic Editor plugin by clicking the Install Now button next to it, then select Activate.

Configure Settings:

Following activation, you can set up the Classic Editor as you like:

Open Settings: Go to your WordPress dashboard and select Settings > Writing.
Configure the Default Editor: You’ll see choices for:

All users’ default editor: If you would want “Classic Editor” to be the default, select it.
Permit users to swap between editors: If you want users to have a choice between Classic Editor and Gutenberg, turn this option on.

Remember to click the “Save Changes” button at the bottom of the page.

The Classic Editor

You can begin using the Classic Editor after it has been installed and configured:

Making New Pages/Posts: If set up that way, the Classic Editor will be used by default when you create a new post or page.
Editing Pre-existing Content: To make changes to posts that have already been created using Gutenberg, select Posts > All Posts. Each post title will include a “Edit (Classic)” link. To see that post in the Classic Editor, click this link.

Changing Editors

If you’ve enabled editor switching, look for a button at the top of the screen that lets you switch between editors while you’re editing a post in either editor. As needed, you can use both editing methods thanks to this.

Optional Distraction-Free Mode

Additionally, the Classic Editor has a writing mode that eliminates distractions:
Using the keyboard shortcut SHIFT + ALT + W or clicking on the distraction-free mode icon in the editor’s upper-right corner will activate this mode.

WordPress users who prefer a more plain editing interface can continue working without interruption by using the Classic Editor plugin. These instructions make it simple to install, set up, and switch between editors as needed, guaranteeing a customizable content creation experience.

You can use both editors with this plugin; if necessary, you can return to Gutenberg for particular posts.

Using the Disable Gutenberg Plugin

The Disable Gutenberg plugin is a more complete option that allows you to selectively disable Gutenberg. Use the Disable Gutenberg plugin to disable the Gutenberg editor in WordPress by following these simple instructions. This plugin gives you the option to change how and where Gutenberg is deactivated while allowing you to go back to the traditional editor.

Install the plugin:

Access your WordPress dashboard by logging in: Go to your admin area.
Select Plugins: select Plugins > Add New by hovering your cursor over the Plugins menu.
Look for the plugin: Do a search for “Disable Gutenberg.” In the results, find the plugin.
Set up and turn on: After the installation is finished, click Install Now and turn it on.

Configure Options:

You can alter the plugin’s settings after enabling it:

Access settings: To access settings, go to your WordPress dashboard and select Settings > Disable Gutenberg.
Full Disable Feature: The plugin completely disables Gutenberg by default. To fine-tune its operation, tick the “Complete Disable” box to gain access to more settings.
Selective Disabling: You have the option to turn off Gutenberg for particular post IDs, post types, themes, or user roles. You may continue to handle your material with flexibility thanks to this functionality.

The Classic Editor

After setting everything up, you may begin using the traditional editor:

Producing Original Content: If set, the classic editor will be used by default for writing new posts or pages.
Editing Existing Posts: By choosing “Edit (Classic)” from the post list, you can make changes to posts that were already produced with Gutenberg using the classic editor.

Extra Features

Several helpful features are provided by the Disable Gutenberg plugin:

Conceal Gutenberg Notices: To avoid distractions, you can conceal any admin notices pertaining to Gutenberg.
Support for Custom Fields: The plugin enables you to activate the custom fields meta box and supports Advanced Custom Fields (ACF).
Frontend Stylesheet Control: If you’d like, you can turn off Gutenberg’s frontend stylesheet.

Restore Classic Widgets (Optional)

This plugin offers the option to disable Gutenberg and restore old widgets if you’re also interested in doing so.

A useful tool for WordPress users who like the traditional editing experience is the Disable Gutenberg plugin. Many site administrators find it to be a flexible option because it allows them to selectively disable Gutenberg while still retaining access to its capabilities. You may quickly install and customize the plugin to meet your editing requirements by following these steps.

If you would like, you may change the settings to permit Gutenberg for particular user roles or post types.

Manual Code Method

Using the Manual Code Method, you can add a short piece of code to the functions.php file of your theme to disable the Gutenberg editor in WordPress. Users who seek a lightweight solution and don’t want to install extra plugins will find this strategy especially helpful. Here is a step-by-step guide to doing it.

Get to the Functions.php of Your Theme Save

Access your WordPress dashboard by logging in: Go to your WordPress admin area first.
Go to the theme editor: Navigate to Theme Editor under Appearance. Before making any changes, make sure you have a backup of your website because making the wrong changes could cause problems.
Locate Functions.php: Locate and click on your active theme’s functions.php file in the right sidebar.

Add the Code Snippet

Add the following code to the functions.php file’s end:

Access Functions.php: Choose `functions.php` from Appearance > Theme Editor, then add the aforementioned code at the end of the file.

This line of code will switch back to the Classic Editor and disable the Gutenberg editor for all posts and pages.

Conserve Modifications

To save your changes after adding the code, click the Update File button.

Confirm the Modifications

Make sure that the Classic Editor is currently used in place of Gutenberg by creating a new post or editing an old one.

Save and Try Again

As previously, save your modifications and verify that Gutenberg is disabled exclusively for the designated type of post by creating or editing one.

Using code to manually disable the Gutenberg editor is a simple way to keep control over your WordPress editing experience without depending on plugins. If necessary, you can selectively disable Gutenberg for particular content categories or quickly switch back to the Classic Editor by following these instructions. To prevent such problems, always remember to backup your website before making any changes.

Use caution when using this method; it is advised to make a backup of your website before making any modifications.

Using WPCode Plugin for Code Snippets

One effective and simple method to add unique functionality to your website without making changes to theme files is to use the WPCode plugin for code snippets in WordPress.

You can utilize the WPCode plugin if you would rather not edit `functions.php` directly:

Install WPCode:

Access your WordPress dashboard by logging in: Go to your admin area to get started.
Go to the Plugins: Click Add New after moving your cursor over the Plugins menu.
Look up WPCode: Type “WPCode” or “Insert Headers and Footers” into the search field. Look through the search results to find the plugin.
Set up and turn on: After the installation is finished, click Install Now and turn it on.

Add Snippet:

To obtain a range of pre-written code fragments:

Locate “Disable Gutenberg Editor (use Classic Editor).
On your dashboard, select Code Snippets > Settings.
To establish an account, locate the Connect to the WPCode Library option and follow the instructions.
After connecting, you get access to a library of well selected snippets that you can add with a single click.

This approach reduces the hazards involved with manual code editing and is easy to use.

Including an Additional Code Snippet

To include a bit of your own unique code:

Go to Add Snippet under Code Snippets.

Both pre-made snippets and the ability to contribute bespoke code will be available to you. Choose the tab labeled “Add a Custom Code.”
Choose the type of code (PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.) from the dropdown menu and give your snippet a title.
In the designated box, paste your code.

Configuring Your Snippet

Setting Up Your Snippet Set Conditions: WPCode lets you specify the circumstances in which your snippet ought to execute. Using its user-friendly interface, this might include user roles, particular pages, or other criteria.
Select Insertion Sites: Choose the location of the snippet’s execution (header, footer, before or after text, etc.).

Save Your Snippet and Turn It On

Click Save Snippet once your snippet is configured.
Verify the snippet’s status in the list of snippets to make sure it is activated.

Examining Your Snip

To make sure your snippet functions:

Go to your website and see what changes or functionality the snippet you inserted should bring about.

Handling Your Excerpts

WPCode has a well-structured interface for handling all of your snippets: The Code Snippets menu allows you to edit, disable, or remove snippets as necessary.
If you have several snippets, use notes and tags to keep them more organized.

Even users with little to no coding experience can use WordPress thanks to the WPCode plugin, which makes writing and managing custom code snippets easier. By taking these actions, you can effectively improve the functioning of your website without running the risk of problems that come with manually altering theme files. WPCode is a useful tool for any WordPress user wishing to efficiently personalize their website thanks to features like conditional logic and an extensive collection of pre-made snippets.

Conclusion

It’s easy to disable WordPress’s Block Editor using either plugins or manual coding techniques. While other plugins, such as Disable Gutenberg, provide additional customization possibilities, the Classic Editor plugin is highly recommended due to its flexibility and ease of use. Select the approach that best suits your degree of coding and WordPress proficiency!