WordPress Gutenberg vs. Classic Editor: Which One to Choose?

For years, the Classic Editor was the undisputed king of WordPress content creation. It was familiar, straightforward, and many users had built their workflows around it. However, with the release of WordPress 5.0, Gutenberg, the block-based editor, arrived, promising a new era of content creation. This shift left many users wondering: which editor is right for me? This article dives deep into the Gutenberg and Classic Editors, comparing their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Classic Editor

What is the Classic Editor?

The Classic Editor is a simple, WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor that resembles a word processor. It uses a single text area where you input your content, using HTML tags or buttons in the toolbar to format text, add images, and create lists.

Pros of the Classic Editor:

• Familiarity: Many long-time WordPress users are comfortable with the Classic Editor’s interface and workflow.
• Simplicity: It’s easy to learn and use, especially for those who are not tech-savvy.
• Plugin Compatibility: While Gutenberg has improved, some older plugins are still more compatible with the Classic Editor.
• Direct HTML Control: You have full control over the underlying HTML code, allowing for advanced customization.

Cons of the Classic Editor:

• Limited Layout Options: Creating complex layouts can be challenging and often requires custom HTML or shortcodes.
• Lack of Real-Time Preview: You often need to preview your post to see how it will look on the front end.
• Media Management: Inserting and managing images can be cumbersome.
• No Block-Based Structure: Content is a single, continuous stream, making it harder to rearrange sections.

Exploring the Gutenberg Editor

What is the Gutenberg Editor?

Gutenberg, now the default WordPress editor, is a block-based editor that allows you to create content using individual blocks for different elements like paragraphs, headings, images, videos, and more. Each block can be customized independently.

Pros of the Gutenberg Editor:

• Visual Editing: You can see how your content will look on the front end as you build it.
• Flexible Layouts: Blocks make it easier to create complex and visually appealing layouts without coding.
• Reusable Blocks: You can save and reuse blocks across multiple posts and pages, saving time and ensuring consistency.
• Improved Media Management: Gutenberg offers better media integration and management options.
• Future-Proofing: Gutenberg is the future of WordPress, and it’s constantly being updated with new features and improvements.

Cons of the Gutenberg Editor:

• Learning Curve: It takes time to learn the block system and become proficient with Gutenberg.
• Plugin Compatibility Issues: Some older plugins may not be fully compatible with Gutenberg, although this is becoming less of an issue.
• Performance: Initially, Gutenberg had performance issues, but these have largely been addressed through updates.
• Potential for Bloat: Using too many blocks and customizations can sometimes lead to bloated code.

Gutenberg vs. Classic: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Ease of Use:

The Classic Editor is generally considered easier to learn initially, especially for those familiar with word processors. However, Gutenberg, once mastered, offers a more intuitive and visual content creation experience.

Layout Flexibility:

Gutenberg excels in layout flexibility. Blocks allow you to easily create columns, galleries, and other complex layouts without coding. The Classic Editor requires custom HTML or shortcodes for similar results.

Media Management:

Gutenberg provides a more integrated and user-friendly media management experience, making it easier to insert and manage images and videos. The Classic Editor‘s media management is less intuitive.

Customization:

Both editors offer customization options. Gutenberg allows you to customize individual blocks, while the Classic Editor requires direct HTML editing for more advanced customization.

Making Your Choice: Which Editor is Right for You?

The best editor for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:

• Your Technical Skill Level: If you’re comfortable with HTML and prefer a simple interface, the Classic Editor might be a good choice. If you’re willing to learn a new system and want more layout flexibility, Gutenberg is a better option.
• Your Website’s Design Needs: If your website requires complex layouts, Gutenberg is the clear winner. If you only need basic formatting, the Classic Editor might suffice.
• Your Plugin Compatibility Needs: Check the compatibility of your essential plugins with Gutenberg. If any critical plugins are incompatible, you might need to stick with the Classic Editor or find alternatives.
• Your Long-Term Goals: Gutenberg is the future of WordPress, so learning it will future-proof your skills and website.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both editors and see which one you prefer. You can install the “Classic Editor” plugin to revert to the Classic Editor if you don’t like Gutenberg. You can also use the “Classic Block” within Gutenberg to use the classic editor experience in a block.

Conclusion

Both the Gutenberg and Classic Editors have their strengths and weaknesses. The Classic Editor offers familiarity and simplicity, while Gutenberg provides greater layout flexibility and a more visual content creation experience. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the editor that best suits your workflow and helps you create amazing content for your WordPress website. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!