WordPress Blocks: What They Are and How to Use Them

WordPress has transformed the way users create and manage content, and WordPress blocks are a big part of that evolution.

With the introduction of the Gutenberg editor, blocks became the essential building elements for designing posts, pages, and entire sites.

The current WordPress version comes with over 90+ default WP blocks. They include text, media, widgets, theme elements, and embeds.

In this article, we’ll look into WordPress blocks, including why they’re useful, the various types of blocks available, and how to use them. We’ll also look at some of the most popular WordPress block plugins that offer extra content blocks, customization features, and layout templates to help you with your design.

So, let’s get started with a quick overview of WP Blocks.

What Are WordPress Blocks?

WordPress blocks are the essential building elements of the WordPress block editor, also known as Gutenberg. Blocks allow you to add and structure content on your posts and pages. Each section of content—a paragraph, image, video, or gallery—is a separate block that can be moved, edited, and customized independently. This system makes content creation much more flexible compared to the classic editor.

Blocks also provide a visual interface for interacting with your content. You can see your changes in real-time, allowing you to maintain a consistent layout. This modular approach is the core of the current WordPress experience, making it accessible to all users.

Why Use WordPress Blocks?

The old WordPress editor was a TinyMCE-based text editor. The interface was very similar to that of a text editor, with no visual elements for page or post previews.

On the other hand, content blocks allow you to change the layout of the page and easily include various visual and interactive elements, which were not possible with the old classic editor.

In addition, WP blocks have made several tasks easier. For instance, embedding external media, like YouTube videos, is now as simple as adding the right block to the content and pasting the URL.

Previously, such content customization might have required the use of additional HTML code.

Furthermore, the synchronized block pattern allows you to save a pre-customized block for future usage, eliminating the need to build the content from scratch.

The other option is to use regular or unsynced block patterns, which are pre-built block layouts suited to various uses.

Even more, a block-based WordPress theme also allows you to customize templates using the block editor and global styles interface. It makes it easy to customize templates or even the complete site’s layout by just rearranging the content blocks.

Overall, the new WP editor improves the user experience for content editing.

What Types of WordPress Blocks Are Available in the Block Editor?

The latest WordPress version has approximately 90+ blocks, which are grouped into six categories: text, media, design, widgets, theme, and embeds.

Let’s take a look at a few of the blocks in the WordPress block editor.

Text Blocks

Text blocks are foundational for creating written content on your website. The most common text blocks include:

• Paragraph Block: This is the most widely used block for adding and formatting text content.
• Heading Block: Enables you to insert headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure your content logically.
• List Block: Ideal for creating bulleted or numbered lists to break down information.
• Quote Block: Allows you to insert quotes or testimonials, highlighting key points in your content.
• Code Block: Useful for displaying snippets of code with proper formatting.
• Table Block: Create structured content in rows and columns to display information.
• And more.

Media Blocks

Media blocks allow you to upload files to the media library and embed them in your content. These include:

• Image Block: Add and customize images, including captions and alt text for SEO.
• Video Block: Insert videos directly or embed them from external sources like YouTube.
• Gallery Block: Display multiple images in a grid format, perfect for creating a rich gallery.
• Audio Block: Upload and share audio files, which is great for podcasts or music sites.
• File Block: Include downloadable files, such as PDFs or Word documents, within your content.
• And more.

Design Blocks

Design blocks help enhance the visual layout of your posts and pages. They offer options to structure and style content, including:

• Columns Block: Create multi-column layouts to break content into sections, improving readability.
• Spacer Block: Add empty space between elements, creating a cleaner, more organized look.
• Buttons Block: Insert customizable buttons for calls to action, directing users to other pages or actions.
• Separator Block: Add horizontal lines to visually divide different sections of your content.
• Group Block: Combine multiple blocks into a single group for better layout management.
• And more.

Widgets Blocks

Widgets blocks allow you to insert dynamic content to your site, including:

• Shortcode Block: Use shortcodes from plugins or custom functions to enhance your content.
• Latest Posts Block: Display a list of your recent posts, boosting internal linking and navigation.
• Calendar Block: Add a calendar view to your site, which is great for event-focused blogs.
• Custom HTML Block: Add custom HTML code and preview it as you edit.
• Social Icons Block: Display icons linking to your social profiles or sites.
• And more.

Theme Blocks

Theme blocks are used to add and manage content that relates to your site’s overall layout. Examples include:

• Site Logo Block: Display your website’s logo within any post or page.
• Navigation Block: Add a menu or navigation links directly into your content area.
• Title Block: Display the title of a post, page, or any other content type.
• Author Block: Display post author details such as name, avatar, and bio.
• Query Block: It allows you to display post types based on different query parameters.
• And more.

Embeds Blocks

Embeds blocks make it easy to incorporate external content like social media posts, videos, and podcasts. WordPress supports a wide range of embeds:

• YouTube Block: Embed YouTube videos directly into your content with a simple URL.
• Twitter Block: Show tweets or entire Twitter threads by pasting the tweet’s URL.
• Spotify Block: Embed playlists, albums, or songs from Spotify to enhance multimedia content.
• Pinterest Block: Allows you to embed Pinterest pins, boards, and profiles.
• And more.

How to Use WordPress Blocks

Now that you’ve learned what WordPress blocks are let’s look at how you can use them to design your website.

How to Add a WordPress Block

To add a new block, click one of the plus (+) icon in the interface to open the block inserter. Then, search for and select the block that you want to add.

To open the full-block inserter, click on the plus (+) icon from the main toolbar. Then select a block. When you hover over a block, you will see a preview of what it may look like.

In addition, you can also hover over a particular area in your content and click the plus (+) icon to get a smaller block inserter interface. If you use this method to select a block, it will be inserted automatically in the area where you clicked the icon.

How to Customize a WordPress Block

To customize a block, simply click on it to select it. If you’re having trouble finding the proper block, open the list view and select it from the list—more on that in the next section.

After you’ve selected the block, you have two primary options for customizing it. First, many blocks will offer some basic options on their floating toolbar. Typically, you can add text formatting, adjust its alignment, and make other basic changes.

Then, to access more advanced settings, use the Block settings in the right sidebar. These settings will be unique to each block, giving you complete control over how it works.

For example, the paragraph block has options to customize the color, typography, margin & padding, and other design elements.

How to Use List View to Select Blocks

In general, you can select a block by just clicking on it. However, there may be times when it is difficult to select the exact block that you want. This is especially true with Columns and Group blocks, which we will discuss later.

To address this, use the block editor’s List View. When you open list view, it will display a list of all the blocks in your post in the order they appear.

To select a block, click on it in the list.

How to Rearrange WordPress Blocks

When it comes to rearranging WordPress blocks, you have two options.

First, if you need to move a block up or down a few positions, select it and then click the up or down arrow, as seen in the image below.

Secondly, if you need more control, you can use the drag-and-drop functionality to move the block anywhere on your page. To use it, select the block and click your cursor on the six-dot icon (as seen in the image above).

Then, move the block to its new place. To help you make sure you’re in the right area, a blue line will appear where the block would move if you release your mouse.

You can also use the list view to rearrange blocks.

How to Select Multiple Blocks

In some cases, you may want to choose multiple blocks. This is especially useful if you want to arrange many blocks using the methods listed above.

To select multiple blocks, just click and drag them, just as you select multiple paragraphs in a text document.

Even for more control, you can also use the list view to select several blocks for added control. To do so, simply click on the first block you want to select. After that, hold Shift on your keyboard and click on the last block to choose. All blocks between the first and last will be automatically selected.

How to Put WordPress Blocks Side-by-Side in Columns

Putting blocks side-by-side is very easy, and you can do this by using the Columns block.

To do so, simply click on the plus (+) icon, then search for the Columns block and add it to the editor. When you add the block, you will be asked to select your desired column structure. For example, you may use two columns of similar size or make one column bigger than the other. Alternatively, use more than two columns.

After you’ve set up the column structure, you’ll notice plus (+) icons within each column. You may use those icons to add content straight to each column, allowing you to put it side by side.

If you need to change the column layout in the future, you can easily do so by editing the main column block’s settings.

How to Group WordPress Blocks Together

Grouping blocks might be useful in some cases, such as when applying the same background color to several blocks.

You can do this by using the Group block.

Simply add a new Group block to the Gutenberg WordPress editor. Then, click the plus (+) icon within the Group block to add other content blocks to that Group.

If you edit the settings on the main Group block, such as adding a color background, it will affect all of the blocks in the Group. You can also move the Group block around. All of the other blocks will remain within.

Some Best WordPress Block Plugins

Installing a WordPress plugin is an excellent way to add many other block options to the WordPress editor.

There are several WordPress plugins that may be used to add more content blocks, customization options, and even layout templates to the block library.

Here are some of the best block plugins for WordPress.

1. Genesis Blocks

Genesis Blocks is a free Gutenberg plugin that contains a number of custom WordPress blocks.

It has 14 core Gutenberg blocks, four pre-built page layouts, and eight pre-built page sections.

Some of the blocks in the library include:

• Advanced Columns Block
• Newsletter Block
• Pricing Block
• Testimonial Block
• Accordion Block
• And more

Genesis Blocks offers a paid version, Genesis Pro, which includes more blocks, 26 pre-built full-page layouts, 56 pre-built sections, and other features. It’s the ultimate choice for creating a stunning and functional website in no time.

Genesis Blocks is owned by WP Engine, one of the most popular managed WordPress hosting companies. They also provide high-quality StudioPress themes that work perfectly with the Genesis Blocks plugin.

Pricing:

A free version is available. The pro version costs $30/month.

Get Genesis Blocks

2. Spectra

Spectra, previously known as the Ultimate Addon for Gutenberg, is the most popular Gutenberg blocks library plugin.

This plugin, created by the same developers that created the popular Astra theme, is currently installed on over 900,000 sites.

It contains more than 30 Gutenberg blocks, including the following:

• Slider Block
• Counter Block
• Star Rating Block
• FAQ Block
• Info Box Block
• And more

One advantage of using this plugin is that it supports the Astra theme, as well as all of its starter sites and Template Kits. As a result, you can import a starter site and use the block editor to design gorgeous layouts.

Pricing:

A free version is available. The pro version starts at $49/year or $199 for a lifetime license of a single site.

Get Spectra

3. Kadence Blocks

Kadence Blocks is another excellent WordPress block plugin. It includes some of the most widely used blocks and allows you to add extra functionality to your content editor.

The plugin comes in both free and paid versions. The free version comes with 23 custom blocks, including the following:

• Accordion Block
• Advanced Button Block
• Advanced Gallery Block
• Countdown Block
• Table of Contents Block
• And more

The plugin allows you to disable any blocks that you will not need, keeping your editor clean and lightweight.

It also offers a Design Library, which has a library of block patterns and full-page layouts that you can use to customize any post or page.

If you enjoy these blocks and want to see more from Kadence Themes, you can purchase their pro plugin or membership plan.

Pricing:

A free version is available. The pro version starts at $149/year.

Get Kadence Blocks

Conclusion

The Gutenberg editor is built on WordPress blocks, which provide a flexible way to create and manage content. You can easily create professional-looking pages using a number of block types, including text, media, widgets, and embeds. Thanks to their configurable nature, using blocks also improves SEO and user experience.

Furthermore, for more blocks and functionality, consider using the block plugins to unlock new design possibilities.

Experiment with various blocks and plugins to see what works best for your site. By knowing WordPress blocks, you can build compelling, dynamic content that stands out.

Now, open your WordPress block editor and discover the limitless possibilities it offers!

For more, check out these other helpful resources:

• 12 Best WordPress Block Themes for Full Site Editing
• Elementor vs Gutenberg Comparison: Which Is Better?
• Best WordPress Page Builders For 2024: Top 13 Compared

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