13 mins read

How to Switch Between Classic Editor and Block Editor in WordPress? Complete Guide

Mike0

Table of Contents

Introduction

WordPress offers two powerful ways to create content. The Classic Editor is a familiar, simple text editor. The Block Editor (also called Gutenberg) is a modern, visual page builder.

You might need the Classic Editor for legacy plugins or quick posts. You might want the Block Editor for rich layouts and design control. Switching between them is possible and easy.

This guide will show you how. You will learn about both editors. You will see their pros and cons. Most importantly, you will get step-by-step instructions to switch between them.

By the end, you will control your WordPress editing experience completely.

What is a Classic Editor in WordPress?

The Classic Editor was the default WordPress editor for over a decade. It looks and feels like a traditional word processor. It was replaced by the Block Editor in WordPress 5.0, released in December 2018.

The Classic Editor is a single text box. It has a toolbar with familiar buttons. You can bold text, add links, and create lists easily. It uses TinyMCE, a well‑known HTML editor.

This editor works just like Microsoft Word. If you have used any word processor, you already know how to use it. There are no blocks or drag‑and‑drop elements.

Where to Find It?

  • Newer WordPress versions do not include the Classic Editor by default.
  • You need to install the official Classic Editor plugin.
  • This plugin has over five million active installations. It is maintained by the WordPress team.
  • Once activated, it restores the old editing experience.
  • It also adds a “Switch to Block Editor” link if you ever want to switch.

What are the Key Features, Pros and Cons of Classic Editor?

Key Features

  1. Single Text Box Interface: All content goes into one large text area. Formatting options are available in a top toolbar.
  2. Familiar WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get): Changes appear as you type. No surprises on the front end.
  3. HTML and Visual Tabs: Switch between rich text editing and raw HTML. This gives you complete control over your code.
  4. Add Media Button: Upload images, videos, and other files easily. The media manager works just like it always did.
  5. Plugin Compatibility: Many older plugins were built for the Classic Editor. They rely on its meta boxes and custom fields.
  6. Distraction‑Free Mode: Focus on writing without any clutter. The interface fades away, leaving only your text.

Pros of Classic Editor

  1. Extremely Low Learning Curve: If you have used any text editor, you are ready. No training needed for new users.
  2. Lightweight and Fast: It loads quickly and uses very few server resources. This is great for older computers or slow connections.
  3. Works with Any Theme: The Classic Editor is compatible with all WordPress themes. No special updates required.
  4. No Block Management: You never have to arrange blocks or worry about block settings. Just write.
  5. Ideal for Simple Blogs: If you only need basic text and images, this editor is perfect.
  6. Stable and Reliable: It has been around for years. Bugs are rare and well‑documented.

Cons of Classic Editor

  1. Limited Design Options: You cannot create complex layouts easily. Advanced designs need custom HTML or shortcodes.
  2. Poor Media Handling: Embedding videos or galleries requires extra steps. No drag‑and‑drop for images.
  3. No Drag‑and‑Drop: Rearranging content sections is hard. You have to copy and paste text.
  4. Shortcode Dependency: For buttons, columns, or other modern elements, you need shortcodes. They are messy and hard to remember.
  5. Outdated Look: The interface feels old compared to modern page builders. Some users find it uninspiring.
  6. Not Optimized for Mobile: The Classic Editor works on phones, but it is not designed for touch. Buttons are small and close together.

What is a Block Editor in WordPress?

The Block Editor, also known as Gutenberg, was introduced in WordPress 5.0. It replaces the old text editor with a block‑based approach. Each piece of content—a paragraph, an image, a button—is its own block.

The Block Editor is the default editor in WordPress today. It comes built into the core software. No extra plugin is needed. It is constantly updated with new features. Recent versions added iframed editing, block visibility controls, and custom CSS for individual blocks.

How Blocks Work?

  • You add blocks by clicking a plus button.
  • Then you arrange them by dragging and dropping.
  • Each block has its own settings for colors, spacing, and alignment.
  • This modular system makes page building visual and intuitive.
  • You see exactly how your content will look as you build it.

What are the Key Features, Pros and Cons of Block Editor?

Key Features

  1. Drag‑and‑Drop Interface: Rearrange blocks by dragging them. No code needed to move content.
  2. Library of 100+ Blocks: Includes paragraphs, headings, images, galleries, buttons, columns, and more. Third‑party plugins add even more blocks.
  3. Inline Image Editing: Crop, rotate, and resize images directly in the editor. No need to open a separate tool.
  4. Patterns and Reusable Blocks: Save entire block groups as patterns. Reuse them across your site.
  5. Full‑Site Editing (FSE): Edit headers, footers, and templates visually. This goes beyond just posts and pages.
  6. Mobile‑Friendly: The interface works great on phones and tablets. Buttons are large enough for touch.
  7. Accessibility Features: Built‑in support for screen readers and keyboard navigation.
  8. Real‑Time Preview: See changes instantly as you design. No need to switch between editor and preview mode.
  9. SEO Tools Integration: Works seamlessly with Yoast, Rank Math, and other SEO plugins.
  10. No Shortcodes: Blocks replace confusing shortcodes. Everything is visual and editable.

Pros of Block Editor

  1. Rich Design Control: Create complex layouts without any code. Use columns, cover images, and buttons easily.
  2. Future‑Proof: WordPress is investing heavily in blocks. New features arrive every release.
  3. Fast and Optimized: The editor loads quickly and is well‑optimized for performance. It uses modern JavaScript.
  4. Large Ecosystem: Hundreds of third‑party block collections are available. You can find blocks for almost any need.
  5. Easy to Learn: The drag‑and‑drop interface is intuitive. Most users pick it up quickly.
  6. Built‑In Patterns: Save time by using pre‑designed block arrangements. No need to build everything from scratch.
  7. Works with Any Theme: Most modern themes are built for the Block Editor. They support its features fully.
  8. Great for Multimedia: Embed videos, audio, and social media posts easily. Just paste a URL.

Cons of Block Editor

  1. Learning Curve: Users used to the Classic Editor may find blocks confusing at first. It takes time to adjust.
  2. Can Be Overkill for Simple Posts: If you just need plain text, blocks add extra steps. Each paragraph becomes its own block.
  3. Older Plugin Compatibility: Some legacy plugins do not work well with blocks. They may need updates or replacements.
  4. Potential Performance Issues: Very long posts with hundreds of blocks can slow down the editor. This is rare but possible.
  5. May Feel Bloated: For small sites, the Block Editor might feel like too much. You may not use most of its features.
  6. Requires Modern Browser: The Block Editor works best in updated browsers. Very old browsers may have issues.

How to Switch Between the Classic Editor and Block Editor in WordPress?

You have several ways to switch. Choose the method that fits your workflow.

Method 1: Use the Official Classic Editor Plugin

This is the most common method. It restores the Classic Editor and adds switching options.

Step 1: Install the Classic Editor Plugin

  • Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
  • Go to Plugins → Add New.
  • Search for “Classic Editor”.
  • Find the plugin by the WordPress Contributors team.
  • Click Install Now, then Activate.

Step 2: Configure Your Default Editor

  • Go to Settings → Writing in your dashboard.
  • You will see a new section called “Classic Editor Settings”.
  • Under “Default editor for all users”, choose your preferred default.
    • Select Classic Editor to force it site‑wide.
    • Select Block Editor to use Gutenberg by default.
  • Below that, toggle “Allow users to switch editors”.
    • Enable this to let each user choose per post.
    • Disable it to lock everyone to the same editor.
  • Click Save Changes.

Step 3: Switch on Individual Posts

  • Open any existing post or page for editing.
  • If your default is Classic, you will see a button: “Switch to Block Editor”.
  • If your default is Block, you will see: “Switch to Classic Editor”.
  • Click the button to switch. WordPress remembers your choice for that post.

Method 2: Use the “Disable Gutenberg” Plugin

This plugin gives you more control. You can disable the Block Editor for specific post types, user roles, or even individual posts.

Step 1: Install “Disable Gutenberg”

  • Go to Plugins → Add New.
  • Search for “Disable Gutenberg”.
  • Install and activate the plugin by Jeff Starr.

Step 2: Configure Selective Disable

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  • Go to Settings → Disable Gutenberg.
  • You will see many options:
    • Disable Gutenberg completely – removes it everywhere.
    • Disable for specific post types – e.g., only for posts, not pages.
    • Disable for specific user roles – e.g., only for authors, not admins.
    • Disable for specific templates – e.g., only for landing pages.
  • Choose your settings and save.

Step 3: Classic Editor Link

The plugin also adds a “Classic Editor” link to each post in the admin list. You can edit any post with the Classic Editor even if Gutenberg is enabled elsewhere.

Method 3: Switch Without Any Plugin (Using User Profile)

WordPress has a built‑in option to disable the Block Editor for your own account. No plugin needed.

Step 1: Go to Your Profile

  • Click on Users → Profile in your dashboard.

Step 2: Find the Editor Preference

  • Scroll down to the section labeled “Editor Preferences”.
  • Uncheck the box that says “Use the block editor”.
  • Click Update Profile.

Now the Classic Editor will be your default for all posts and pages. This setting applies only to your user account. Other users will still see the Block Editor.

Method 4: Use a Code Snippet (Advanced)

For developers, a simple code snippet can disable the Block Editor globally.

  • Add this code to your theme’s php file or a custom plugin:

add_filter(‘use_block_editor_for_post’, ‘__return_false’, 10);

This disables the Block Editor for all posts. You can also disable it conditionally based on post type or user role.

Method 5: Use “No Gutenberg” Plugin for Complete Removal

  • If you want to remove all block‑related features entirely, use the “No Gutenberg” plugin.
  • It disables not just the editor, but also Full Site Editing, block widgets, patterns, and WooCommerce blocks. This is the most aggressive option.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. The Classic Editor is not showing after plugin activation:
  • Check that the plugin is activated.
  • Go to Settings → Writing and confirm your default editor is set to Classic.
  • Clear your browser cache and reload the editor.
  1. The “Switch to Block Editor” button is missing:
  • Verify that “Allow users to switch editors” is enabled in Settings → Writing.
  • Check if another plugin is overriding the setting.
  1. Blocks are broken after switching to Block Editor:
  • Classic Editor content does not always convert perfectly to blocks.
  • The content will appear in a single “Classic Block”.
  • You can convert it to individual blocks by clicking the block and selecting “Convert to Blocks”.
  1. I switched to Classic Editor, but the Block Editor still appears:
  • You may have multiple plugins conflicting.
  • Try deactivating other editor‑related plugins.
  • Check your user profile setting (see Method 3).
  1. The Block Editor is very slow with long posts:
  • This is a known issue with very complex content.
  • Try breaking your content into smaller sections.
  • Disable any unnecessary third‑party blocks.

Final Verdict

Switching between the Classic Editor and the Block Editor is easy. You have many options, from the official plugin to per‑user settings.

Choose the Classic Editor if you write simple posts, use legacy plugins, or prefer a distraction‑free environment. It is reliable, fast, and familiar.

Choose the Block Editor if you want rich layouts, drag‑and‑drop design, and modern multimedia support. It is the future of WordPress.

The best approach is to enable both editors and let your team choose. Install the Classic Editor plugin. Enable the “Allow users to switch editors” option. Then, each writer can pick the tool that fits their task.

WordPress gives you freedom. Use it to create content your way.

Have questions before starting with WooCommerce & WordPress? Get support here at WooHelpDesk.

Mike Simpson is a seasoned WordPress and WooCommerce specialist with over 10 years of hands-on experience in building, optimizing, and troubleshooting eCommerce websites. As the lead technical writer at WooHelpDesk, Mike has helped thousands of store owners resolve complex WordPress issues, improve site performance, and implement best practices for online selling. His expertise spans WooCommerce store setup, plugin configuration, theme customization, payment gateway integration, and WordPress security hardening. Mike holds certifications in web development and has contributed to the WordPress community through detailed tutorials, step-by-step guides, and actionable how-to articles. When not writing, he provides direct support to WooHelpDesk clients across the US and Canada. Follow WooHelpDesk on Facebook, X, and Pinterest.
Website https://www.woohelpdesk.com/blog

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