If you have been following the world of WordPress, you must have heard of Gutenberg too. WordPress 5.0, the updated version will be rolling out soon. One will get to compose blog posts and pages with an entirely new experience. The major change would be introduction of Gutenberg editor named after Johannes Gutenberg who invented a printing press with movable type 500 years ago.
Gutenberg but Why?
Yes, Gutenberg will replace the classic editor completely. It is not just an editor but it will influence the entire publishing experience including customization. The current editor involves usage of short codes and HTML to make things work. The focus is to make things easier with the help of Gutenberg editor so that the handling becomes user friendly. It will be introducing “Blocks” concept involving plenty of layout options to pick and choose with a visual editor.
One reason behind the introduction of this editor is also that WordPress is trying to match steps with easy to use and prominent website builders in the market. Also, this editor will be allowing the user to be creative without any expert code usage. The new editor will allow the content creators to view their content in a preview mode to get an idea of how their content will look once published online.
What are these Blocks?
Have you been hearing a lot about the blocks in WordPress 5.0 and wondered what is it actually? Basically, any word, line or paragraph you write can have its own layout, decoration, presentation by choosing its block type. There will be ample blocks available depending upon the type of content you are writing. There are block type available for images, headings, quotes, columns, widgets etc. You get an option to choose and decide how your entire content would be. You can save the block that is being used and reuse it again in future accordingly.
Worried about your site?
If your WordPress is managed by a hosting service, there’s nothing to worry; the host will handle the changes related to the new Gutenberg version of WordPress. The host looks in to installing the updates for your site. You can also instruct the host about any specific customization required or you can go ahead and make the customizations on your own as per the business needs.
-“A look at the two editors”
Some Advantages of Gutenberg Editor
- The biggest positive is its intuitive interface. If you have little experience still you can put your content beautifully.
- It allows you to work in a distraction free atmosphere. The entire process of writing, editing, formatting and even theme creation can be handled without depending upon menu bars. “Blocks” play a major role too in making it distraction free. Just drag and drop what you want.
- There are some great page builder tools which can be used along with WordPress.
- It comes with endless font sizes, text or background colors according to your content requirement.
- It has more space to write as compared to classic editor and is easy to work upon even on a mobile phone.
- It still allows you to use the classic editor.
Key Disadvantages of Gutenberg Editor
- There might be some compatibility issues in the beginning for users but it is still undergoing lots of testing and there is a scope of improvement. We don’t have the full picture in front of us till the time it starts getting used in full swing.
- The Gutenberg editor doesn’t support meta boxes. Meta boxes are extremely important for plug ins such as Jet pack, Yoast and also to maintain quality SEO.
How to Install WordPress 5.0 Gutenberg Editor
There are demo versions available which can be downloaded from WordPress repository or by searching it within WordPress Dashboard under “Add New Plugins”.
- Go to Plugins.
- Search Gutenberg.
- Click on Install and now activate Gutenberg plugin.
- Look for Gutenberg menu at the bottom of your left-side toolbar. You are ready to go for a test drive.
Inference
We don’t know what Gutenberg has in store till the time its actually there but certainly its going to have a user friendly interface and will be a great learning experience for the content creators. The tentative launch date is 27th November,2018. Till then, let’s stay tuned to the updates and buzz surrounding WordPress 5.0
Get in Touch with us
Lastly but most importantly, At MarkupChimps, we offer WordPress solutions for every business. If you are looking forward to gain more insight on Gutenberg or are looking for other WooCommerce solutions, drop us an email at info@markupchimps.com and we’ll get back to you instantly.