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The WordPress editor has undergone a major change with the introduction of the Gutenberg editor. While it brings a lot of new features and benefits, some users may prefer to disable it and continue using the classic editor. In this article, we will take a look at the reasons for disabling the Gutenberg editor, how to disable it, and explore alternative options.
Understanding the Gutenberg Editor
The Gutenberg editor is a block-based editor that was introduced in WordPress 5.0. It aims to make it easier for users to create rich content without the need for shortcodes or custom HTML. The editor is built using a set of blocks, which are pre-designed modules for common content elements such as images, videos, headings, and paragraphs. The blocks can be easily rearranged, and additional blocks can be added to create custom layouts.
One of the main advantages of the Gutenberg editor is that it is more intuitive and user-friendly than the classic editor. It also provides a better content creation experience on mobile devices. However, it also has some disadvantages such as potential compatibility issues with certain themes and plugins, and the learning curve for users who are used to the classic editor.
Reasons for Disabling Gutenberg
There are several reasons why some users may want to disable the Gutenberg editor. One of the main reasons is that it may cause compatibility issues with certain themes and plugins. Some themes and plugins may not be fully compatible with the Gutenberg editor, which can cause layout or functional issues.
Another reason is that some users may prefer the classic editor’s user interface and features. The classic editor is more straightforward, and some users may find it more familiar and easier to use.
Lastly, some users may have concerns about the performance of the Gutenberg editor. While it has been optimized to perform well, some users may experience slower page load times or other performance issues when using it.
How to Disable Gutenberg
Using a Plugin
One of the easiest ways to disable the Gutenberg editor is to use a plugin. The Classic Editor plugin is the official plugin recommended by WordPress and can be used to disable the Gutenberg editor. Once the plugin is installed and activated, it will automatically switch the editor to the classic editor, and you can continue to use it as before.
It’s important to note that the Classic Editor plugin will only be supported until 2022.
Using Code
Another way to disable the Gutenberg editor is to add a filter to the theme’s functions.php file. This method is not recommended for beginners, as it involves editing code, which can cause issues if not done correctly. You can add the following code snippet to your theme’s functions.php file to disable the Gutenberg editor:
add_filter('use_block_editor_for_post', '__return_false');It is highly recommended to make a backup of the functions.php file before making any changes.
Alternatives to Disabling Gutenberg
While disabling the Gutenberg editor may be the best solution for some users, it’s not the only option. Here are a few alternative options to consider before completely disabling it:
- Customizing the Gutenberg blocks: You can use plugins like Gutenberg Blocks or Genesis Custom Blocks to create custom blocks and enhance the functionalities of the Gutenberg editor.
- Using the Classic block: If you find it difficult to use the new blocks, you can use the “Classic” block which will allow you to continue to use the old editor.
- Exploring the new blocks: With the new editor, you can have much more flexibility in terms of layout and design. You can try the new blocks and see if they work for you. With some practice and exploration, you may find that the Gutenberg editor can be more efficient and effective for your content creation process.
- Tweaking the performance: If you are experiencing slow performance, you can consider optimizing the images, reduce the number of blocks, or disable the features that are not used.
In any case, it’s a good idea to test the Gutenberg editor before disabling it, and check if there are alternative solutions to any issues that you encounter. Keep in mind that the Gutenberg editor is still a new feature, and many plugin and theme developers are still working on updates to fully support it. If you do choose to disable the Gutenberg editor, it’s important to keep your site updated and monitor for any potential compatibility issues.
Additionally, if you have a developer team and a tight budget, you can hire a developer to customize the Gutenberg blocks to match your desired layout and functionalities, which will give you the best of both worlds.
In the end, the choice of whether to disable the Gutenberg editor or not depends on your needs, preferences, and skill level. If you’re comfortable using the classic editor and don’t see the benefits of the Gutenberg editor, then disabling it may be the best option for you. But, before making a decision, it’s important to consider all your options and weigh the pros and cons.
