The Gutenberg editor, introduced in WordPress 5.0, significantly altered the way users build and manage content within WordPress. It replaces the older WordPress Classic Editor with a block-based editor designed to give more flexibility and design options. However, some users prefer the simplicity and familiarity of the Classic Editor. Whether it’s due to compatibility issues with themes or plugins, or just personal preference, disabling Gutenberg and reverting back to the Classic Editor is a straightforward process. This article provides a detailed guide on how to disable Gutenberg and enable the Classic Editor in WordPress.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disabling Gutenberg
Disabling the Gutenberg editor can be achieved by installing a plugin or adding code to your WordPress site’s functions.php file. The simplest and safest method for most users is to install the Classic Editor plugin, which automatically disables Gutenberg without the need for code. Start by logging into your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to ‘Plugins’ on the left sidebar, select ‘Add New’, and then search for the Classic Editor in the WordPress plugin repository.
Once you have located the Classic Editor plugin, click ‘Install Now’ followed by ‘Activate’. This action will automatically disable the Gutenberg editor and replace it with the Classic Editor. It’s important to ensure that your WordPress version is compatible with the Classic Editor plugin. In most cases, the plugin works with WordPress versions 4.9 and above. After activation, WordPress will revert to using the Classic Editor for all posts and pages.
Finally, it’s crucial to test your website after switching editors to ensure that all features are functioning correctly and that the layout remains unchanged. Some users may also need to clear their site’s cache and check the website in different browsers to prevent loading any cached scripts or styles that were optimized for Gutenberg.
Enabling the Classic Editor Plugin
After installing and activating the Classic Editor plugin, WordPress allows you to configure it under the ‘Settings’ > ‘Writing’ section of your dashboard. Here, you can choose to allow users to switch between Gutenberg and the Classic Editor on a per-post basis or to lock editing to the Classic Editor exclusively. This flexibility can be beneficial if you prefer the Classic Editor but need to use features exclusive to Gutenberg occasionally.
If you choose to allow switching editors, you’ll see a ‘Classic Editor’ or ‘Block Editor’ option on your post edit screens. This setting helps maintain a level of flexibility, allowing each user or content manager to choose their preferred editor on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, site administrators can manage default settings and can override user preferences for the editor type, ensuring consistency across the site if needed.
Lastly, it’s essential to keep the Classic Editor plugin updated to avoid security risks and ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress releases. The WordPress community frequently updates the Classic Editor to ensure it remains a viable option for users choosing to opt-out of Gutenberg. Regular updates will help maintain website functionality and security while providing a consistent user experience.
Switching back to the Classic Editor from Gutenberg can help alleviate compatibility issues or simply suit personal or professional preferences for content management in WordPress. By following the steps outlined above, you can smoothly transition between these editors, ensuring that your website continues to function as intended. Whether you choose to stick exclusively with the Classic Editor or toggle between both, WordPress provides the flexibility needed to optimize your content management workflow.
