When it’s released in the core, WordPress’ new page builder, Gutenberg, will either become the Mustang or the Edsel of CMS software. People will either love it or hate it.
Already, lines are being drawn between those who can’t wait for Gutenberg to be a part of WordPress version 5.0 and those who plan to install a plugin to retain the use of the “Classic Editor” we all know and love.
I’m not sure which camp I’m going to fall into when that glorious day comes and we’re all using blocks to build pages, but if my current experience becomes my norm, I will be installing the Classic Editor as well.
I have tried to use Gutenberg on several text pages and I’ll admit that I spent more time on them than I would have on either Elementor or the Classic Editor.
The biggest issue I have with Gutenberg is that it splits every line that ends with a paragraph mark into a new block. So if you format text the way the Internet gods want you to - short, one or two sentence paragraphs for better readability - then you will end up with a thousand blocks of content, each requiring its own treatment.
READ MORE: HOW TO USE GUTENBERG ON THE EVE OF WORDPRESS 5.0
The other thing is how very little can be done with Gutenberg on its own. You can’t create a grid of posts, for instance, and that is the first thing any web designer or user wants to do with Gutenberg. After all, what’s the use of being all about blocks when you can’t arrange them the way you want.
Gutenberg Plugins
Gutenberg has not even shipped with the core, yet developers are already creating Gutenberg plugins to help you work with blocks in bigger and better ways.
Here are the most appreciated Gutenberg helper plugins available in the WordPress repository, all FREE for the taking.
Advanced Gutenberg adds the missing blocks and configuration you need to build professional websites. Take the control of the new Gutenberg editor with user edition profile configuration and 20+ new blocks and options.
By JoomUnited
1,000+ Active Installations
Atomic Blocks is a collection of content blocks for the new Gutenberg block editor. Blocks are chunks of content such as paragraphs, images, galleries, columns, and more. Building blocks give you more control to quickly create and launch any kind of site you want!
By Atomic Blocks
3,000+ Active Installations
This plugin disables the new Gutenberg Editor and replaces it with the Classic Editor. You can disable Gutenberg completely, or selectively disable for posts, pages, roles, post types, and theme templates. Plus you can hide the Gutenberg nag, menu item, and more!
By Jeff Starr
9,000+ Active Installations
Stackable is a comprehensive collection of page builder blocks for Gutenberg. Stackable gives you the capability to build awesome front pages and landing pages by providing more functionality and design options for your site. Stackable blocks look great, and different blocks can be mixed together and customized to suit your design needs.
By Gambit Technologies
1,000+ Active Installations
With the Kadence Row Layout Block you can better control columns for different screen sizes plus it gives you full row editing tools like padding, backgrounds, overlays with gradients, vertical align and much more.
By Kadence Themes
800+ Active Installations
A unique collection of Gutenberg blocks.
- Wrapper Block – Block Demo
- Pricing Table Block – Block Demo
- Team Members Block – Block Demo
- Hero Block – Block Demo
- Testimonial Block – Block Demo
- Callout Block – Block Demo
- Brands Block – Block Demo
- Features Block – Block Demo
- Horizontal Feature Block – Block Demo
- Vertical Feature Block – Block Demo
By Editor Blocks
Active Installations: 700+
If you're using Gutenberg, this is the map block for you! Install, active, add to content. Done! No nonsense, no unneeded settings. Simple and clear in its function – as any Gutenberg block should be.
By Web Factory
400+ Active Installations
Gutenberg Custom Fields allows you to control the content of the Gutenberg edit screen by creating pre-filled templates. Navigate to the “GCF” admin page, create a new template, select a post type and add fields as you wish. The Gutenberg Editor will be pre-filled with the corresponding post type’s template.
By Riad Benguella
300+ Active Installations
Advanced Gutenberg Blocks bring awesome blocks for the new WordPress editor, for a real WYSIWYG experience.
For now, only have a few blocks but we will soon add a lot more!
By maximebj
400+ Active Installations
A custom products block that features your WooCommerce products. Products featured can be filtered by categories, sale status, or a variety of other fields, and you can even make a custom list of hand-picked products to display. Products block is the easiest and most flexible way to feature your products on posts and pages!
By Automattic
40,000+ Active Installations
Gutenberg Manager allows you to enable/disable the editor where you want. Why would you want to disable the editor on pages? Maybe you would like to use a page builder like Visual Composer or Elementor instead! Gutenberg Editor will be probably included in the next great release of WordPress (5.0).
By unCommons Team
500+ Active Installations
A blocks collection and powerful extensions for Gutenberg block editor with which you will gain more control over content, just like with popular page builders. Just start with responsive Grid block and you can’t stop building the page.
By nK
40+ Active Installations
CoBlocks is a collection of page builder Gutenberg blocks.
- Accordion Block
- Alert Block
- Author Block
- Dynamic HR Block
- Click to Tweet Block
- Gif Block
- GitHub Gist Block
- Pricing Table Block
- Social Sharing Block
- Highlight Block
By ThemeBeans
600+ Active Installations
Gutenberg no longer displays Custom Fields that are attached to posts. This plugin restores pre-Gutenberg functionality, and displays the Custom Fields meta box on all Gutenberg-enabled pages.
By Jeff Starr
200+ Active Installations
An awesome collection of blocks for the new Gutenberg Editor.
- Video Popup Block (NEW)
- Pricing Table Block
- Posts Grid Block
- Testimonial Block (Multiple Testomonials)
- Accordion / FAQ Block (Multiple Accordions)
- Profile Block
- Cover Block
- Share Icons Block
- Button Block
- Notification Block
- Blockquote Block
- Divider Block
- Progress Bar Block
- Separator With Heading Block
By Bokez
60+ Active Installations
Caxton makes it easy to layout your pages in any grid configuration, and then add blocks within your layout. Caxton layouts support nesting of rows, row backgrounds, and is fully responsive. Caxton also contains a growing library of blocks to enhance your layouts, including Posts Grid, Slider, Button, Hero, and Social Icons.
By Pootlepress
100+ Active Installations
Block Options feature-packed options below each block settings tab helps you better manage your editor blocks. Its main goal is to let you have better content to serve your visitors on every devices and pages.
By BlockOptions
50+ Active Installations
Allows you to add your Contact Form 7 forms right in the Gutenberg editor.
By GitHub
100+ Active Installations
All aboard the Gutenberg train
Whether you appreciate Gutenberg or prefer to stick with your old page builders, the Gutenberg train will be steaming into the station - possibly in November - and there ain't nothing you can do about it.
Hopefully, these Gutenberg plugins will enhance your experience with the biggest change to WordPress since the 5-minute install. Good luck!
So tell me, have you tried Gutenberg? What do you think of it? Most importantly, is it making your life easier? Gimme your comments below!
Hi Mari,
You’ve compiled a comprehensive list. Liked it.
I wanted to let you know that we also have a Gutenberg Blocks plugin. You can check out the plugin here: https://wordpress.org/plugins/ultimate-blocks/
This plugin is specially designed for bloggers and marketers to help them to create better and engaging content.
If possible, give it a try. You will like it.
Regards
Istiak Rayhan
Thanks Istiak.
I will indeed give it a try!