How to Disable the WordPress Gutenberg Editor

WordPress has traditionally utilized the Classic Editor, which offers a familiar, WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface. However, with the release of WordPress 5.0, Gutenberg, a new block-based editor, was introduced. If you're not a fan of the new Gutenberg editor, there are several ways to disable it and revert to the classic editor.

Using a Free Plugin: Disable Gutenberg

One of the simplest methods to disable the Gutenberg editor is by using a free plugin called Disable Gutenberg by Jeff Starr. Jeff is a notable figure in the WordPress community, known for his free, lightweight plugins that enhance both security and performance of WordPress. To disable the Gutenberg editor, follow these steps:

Access Your Admin Dashboard: Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard. Install the Disable Gutenberg Plugin: Go to Plugins Add New. Search for "Disable Gutenberg" in the search field, download, and install the plugin. Activate the Plugin: After installation, activate the Disable Gutenberg plugin from the plugins list. Verification: Once activated, you can verify that the Gutenberg editor is now disabled and the Classic Editor is active.

By using the Disable Gutenberg plugin, you can completely disable the Gutenberg editor, or you can selectively disable it for specific posts, pages, user roles, post types, or theme templates. Additionally, the plugin allows you to hide the Gutenberg nag menu item for a cleaner dashboard.

Using the Classic Editor Plugin

If you prefer a direct solution without relying on a third-party plugin, you can install the Classic Editor plugin. This plugin replaces the new Gutenberg editor with the classic editor. Here's how to do it:

Install the Classic Editor Plugin: Search for "Classic Editor" in the WP repository and install the plugin. Select Default Editor: After installation, go to Settings Writing and select "Classic Editor" as your default editor. Ensure the option "Allow users to switch editors" is set to "No" to restrict this choice from end-users. Switch Back to Classic Editor: Once the Classic Editor plugin is active, you can now switch back to the classic editor seamlessly.

If you wish to use a page builder plugin, consider installing a theme that comes with a built-in page builder, such as Divi. Divi offers a robust page builder that can be used to create stunning web designs without needing to manually write HTML or CSS.

Opting for Popular Page Builder Plugins

Another approach to avoid the Gutenberg editor is to opt for one of the popular page builder plugins. These plugins, such as Visual Composer or Elementor, provide their own editors and allow you to design pages visually without needing to use the core WordPress editor.

Using a page builder plugin offers several advantages, including:

Faster page building and design Built-in integration with themes and plugins Seamless customization options for pages and posts

With these page builder plugins, you can enjoy a better, more user-friendly interface for creating complex layouts and designs. Just remember to install a plugin that is compatible with your WordPress version and meets your specific design needs.

Conclusion

The choice between using the Gutenberg editor, the Classic Editor, or a page builder plugin ultimately depends on your comfort level with the tools and the specific needs of your website. If you're not a fan of the new Gutenberg editor, you have several straightforward options to revert to the familiar Classic Editor or leverage the power of specialized page builder tools. Enjoy the flexibility and efficiency that WordPress offers in managing your website's content and design.