What is the Block Editor Used For in WordPress?
The block editor has some unique features that make it easier to create content. For example, it can save content snippets as reusable blocks.
Each block has a contextual toolbar that appears above or near it, offering additional options. For example, a text-based block shows formatting options like bold, italic, and alignment.
Content
Unlike page builders that are often tied into specific themes, the block editor is a core WordPress feature. As such, it will work with all themes and plugins that support it.
The default blocks include paragraphs, headings, images, lists, embeds, columns, and more. These are designed to cover all the basic elements of a site. Using the built-in customization options, you can customize any block to suit your design aesthetics. For example, you can adjust the font size and style or add a background color to a text block.
Each block comes with its own contextual toolbar, which enables you to perform basic formatting tasks like text alignment. Some blocks also come with additional settings that appear in the right column of the edit screen. For instance, text-based blocks show formatting options like bold and italic. You can also save a block as reusable and add it to other posts or pages. You can manage all reusable blocks from the “Manage Reusable Blocks” menu.
Headings
The block editor makes it easier to build media-rich posts and pages, without the need for extra plugins. It also enables you to create more structured content, which is better for visitors and search engines.
The Heading block is used to add text-based headings to your post or page, and can be modified using the block’s settings sidebar. This includes formatting options like bold, italics, and strikethrough. In addition, the Heading block supports HTML Anchors (also known as Jump Links) and can be styled using CSS.
The Heading block also has a toolbar above or near it that offers more editing options. For example, the Heading block has a link icon that lets you create a hyperlink to another page or post. It also allows you to set the header’s typography, and choose a font size. The Heading block also supports H1 through H6 heading levels, and can be inserted with or without a title.
Footers
With a modern block editor, you can do all the things you need to do to create your footer from the same edit screen. You can add a Footer Menu block, an Image block for your footer logo, or even a Custom HTML block for something like a signup form.
You can also use the Block Settings panel to change colors, typography, padding, and more. You can even create reusable blocks that you can use on any page or post! To access this, click the three vertical dots in the top right of the edit screen and select Reusable Blocks.
One of the best things about the block editor is that it works with all WordPress themes. In contrast, many page builders are tied to specific themes, so if you switch your theme, you will need to rebuild much (or all) of the content. The block editor is lightweight and doesn’t require plugins that take up space on your site.
Images
The image block allows you to insert images into your content. You can upload an image file from your computer, select one from the Media Library, or insert it via a URL. You can also crop your image, add a caption, or resize the image.
The image block has an options menu in the upper right corner, which includes a few different options to control how your image displays. For example, you can select whether your image shows with square corners or rounded corners. You can also set a default style for the image, which you can use to apply the same styling across all images on your site. You can also add an alt text description for your image, which helps search engines understand what the image is about. You can also select a link option that will allow you to link the image to another page or external website.
