Why to say goodbye to Classic Editor in WordPress

by · Published · Updated

WordPress users are using the traditional Classic Editor for creating and Editing WordPress post for years since the inception of WordPress in 2003.

All know Classic editor is actually a big Editorial screen to write content on with a bunch of formatting and structuring options above which can be used both in Visual mode and HTML mode.

This Classic Editor can be compared to the two sides of the same coin. One side provides a Coding field especially for the web developers and the tech-savvy. Another side is furnished with a WYSIWYG (What you see is what you go) editor for the non-techy WordPress users by which they can create and edit post without knowledge of any web language. One can write WordPress post by using any or both fields switching between the two modes which actually perform the same things.

Recently (from WordPress version 5.0 released on Dec 06, 2018), WordPress contributors introduced a new form of WordPress Post Editor called Gutenberg Editor or Block Editor that replaced the traditional Classic Editor and put this as the default Editor. This is actually a revolution in the WordPress publishing system which brought about an ultimate change in the idea and structure of WordPress posting system giving unimaginable control over it to the users.

What is Gutenberg Block

Gutenberg editor is the block-based post editor in which different HTML elements and probable posting structures like Paragraph, Image, Gallery, Heading, List, Table, Quote etc. are separated by individual block. Users can easily insert any block by pressing Block Inserter (+ sign) any time when necessary and perform a definite task. Check-out Classic vs Block editor here.

But now question is: how did WordPress users react to the new Block editors? What experience did they face on Block Editor’s screen after ‘Adding New post‘?

Goodbye to Classic Editor in WordPress

Surprisingly, most of the users’ reaction was frustrating. Block Editor appeared to them complicated, problematic, challenging and unfriendly. So they tended to go back to Classic Editor as usually.

But Gutenberg is the default editor in WordPress and there is no way to switch back to Classic. However WordPress left an option for them to still use Classic editor and that is by installing ‘Classic Editor’ plugin. If you still like to stick to Classic editor, follow this link-

But you shouldn’t. All updates of things come with the new probability and higher usability. So is the case of Block editor. Gutenberg is the future WordPress editor designed with more usability, flexibility, user-friendliness and advanced features. Some day Classic editor won’t exist. So, isn’t it wise to adapt to the new-generation editor rather than continue with the ‘worn-out’ one.

From my experience, I can assure you that you won’t wish to go back to Classic once you start using Gutenberg. Block Editor is unimaginably convenient and easy to use and I think this is the thing for which each WordPress-nerd had been waiting for years.

However, in my opinion, followings are the reasons why millions of WordPress users are still downloading ‘Classic Editor plugin’ and going back to Classic Editor-

  • Gutenberg is new and unfamiliar to them
  • They aren’t accustomed to using it.
  • ‘Fear of unknown’
  • Falling in love with Classic Editor

None of which is directly related with Block Editor’s own infrastructure.

So my suggestion for the beginner WordPressers: Start with Gutenberg from the beginning. It is easier to learn and use than Classic.

Reasons against Classic Editor

However, here are the clear-cut reasons why you (and all WordPress users) should say goodbye to Classic editor and welcome Gutenberg for the smart and modernized WordPress posting experience-

  • In Gutenberg, there are separate blocks for HTML elements like Heading, paragraph, List, Table, Quote, Image, Link etc. and common posting structures like Gallery, File, Media and Text, Audio, Video, Cover etc. So you can easily handle them.
  • You can add any element or structure just by following Block name and start editing which is all but impossible in Classic Editor.
  • There are many block tasks in Gutenberg that is impossible to perform by Classic without Coding or Plugin, such as List, Table, Multiple Columns, Button, Media and Text and so on.
  • You can easily insert, remove, edit, move up and down and duplicate any block which is out of imagination in Classic Editor.
  • You can Import and Export any block for use in any other site just by clicking.
  • You can create your own block and save as Reusable block for next-time use. You can use those Reusable blocks both by editing and as block template.
  • In Gutenberg, You can also create and edit post or part of it exactly like Classic editor just by inserting the Classic block.
  • You can check preview block-wise which is easier, non-interrupting and time-saving. In Classic, we saved, hit Preview button, scrolled down and previewed desired part of post.
  • Beyond default WordPress blocks, there is unlimited probabilities of adding block from WordPress Block Directory.
  • There is unlimited possibilities of sharing block between blogs and friends. Suppose I created a block (of Accordion) by using HTML, CSS and JS. I added it to Reusable block and exported as .json file. Now I can easily share it by email or other media.
  • From a large post in Classic, it is very difficult to find a part of content and edit it both way (Visual and HTML). But it is simpler in Gutenberg by using block.
  • You have option to insert any block before and after any block.
  • If you’ve even rough understanding of HTML and CSS, you can create own block or modify any by inserting an HTML block.
  • In Gutenberg, embedding different Social Media content (Facebook, Youtube, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, WordPress etc.) is made quite simpler on using individual block.
  • It must be enjoyable learning HTML and CSS through process of using Gutenberg blocks.

So, my first recommendation last time again: Start from Gutenberg Editor from the initial stage. If you’re already using Classic, come out of it. There are numerous guidelines on how to use Block-based WordPress Editor on Internet.

In Netplanter, we have a decent collection of Block Editor’s articles here that can answer almost all of your Gutenberg-related questions.

Just change your attitude and get your Block exploration started saying Goodbye to Classic Editor. You must win out.

Happy blogging! Hope your constructive comment.