Since its launch in 2003, WordPress has become the world’s most popular content management system, now empowering over 43% of all websites online. A big part of WordPress’ success lies in its intuitive editing experience that makes publishing content simple and accessible.
Over the years, WordPress’ editing capabilities have evolved from a barebones text editor to feature-rich visual editors like the Classic Editor. This WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor provided a familiar and easy-to-use interface for millions of WordPress users.
However, in 2018, WordPress introduced a radical change with the release of the new Block Editor, also known as Gutenberg. This block-based editor challenged the status quo with its modular approach to content creation, sparking an ongoing debate in the WordPress community.
Should users stick with the tried and tested Classic Editor or embrace the new block-based Gutenberg editor? In this post, we’ll compare the pros and cons of each editor to help you determine the right choice for your needs.
The History of WordPress Editors
WordPress originally started with a simple text-based editor focused purely on writing. As WordPress evolved, the platform’s editing capabilities expanded dramatically.
In 2010, WordPress introduced the Visual Editor, providing users with a true WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) interface. This made formatting and publishing content more accessible and intuitive. The Visual Editor formed the basis of what later became known as the Classic Editor.
For over a decade, the Classic Editor served as the default editor experience in WordPress. Millions of users came to rely on its familiar WYSIWYG toolbar, making text formatting and layout quick and simple. While limited in some advanced design capabilities, the Classic Editor excelled in usability.
But in 2018, WordPress released its most radical editor update yet. The new Gutenberg editor completely reimagined the editing interface using a block-based approach. This challenged conventional WordPress workflows and received a mixed response from the community upon launch.
Let’s dive deeper into the key differences between the Classic Editor and Gutenberg to understand the debate.
The Case for the Classic Editor
The Classic Editor has been WordPress’ trusted default for over 10 years. For many experienced users, this tried and tested editor still reigns supreme over Gutenberg.
The WYSIWYG interface of the Classic Editor has stood the test of time. It offers an intuitive editing experience that will feel familiar to most WordPress site owners and content creators. Performing basic formatting and layout is straightforward and hassle-free.
Given its decade long tenure, the Classic Editor boasts strong compatibility with popular plugins. There is a vast library of plugins designed for the Classic Editor that extend its capabilities for things like galleries, forms, ratings, and more.
In contrast, some plugins still don’t fully support Gutenberg. Sticking with the Classic Editor avoids any compatibility issues. It guarantees a smooth and reliable editing process.
For WordPress beginners, the Classic Editor’s simplicity and shallow learning curve are big advantages. Creating content is as easy as typing words and applying basic formatting as needed. The Gutenberg learning curve is steeper.
While the Classic Editor lacks some of Gutenberg’s design finesse, its clean interface and traditional WYSIWYG approach continue to satisfy many site owners’ requirements.
The Case for Gutenberg
While the Classic Editor still has its supporters, much of the WordPress community has come around to the new Gutenberg editor. Some key advantages make a compelling case for switching.
Gutenberg brings a modular, building block approach to creating content in WordPress. All content elements become distinct blocks which can be mixed and matched. This allows for more flexibility in structuring and organizing written and visual content.
Creating a new page or post in Gutenberg is like assembling a mosaic out of different blocks. You can move blocks around seamlessly and insert new ones where required. This gives greater control over the user experience.
Visually, the Gutenberg editor enables more advanced design capabilities. You have finer grain control over typography and color choices. Embedding rich media like videos and podcasts is a breeze. These enhancements help create more polished and aesthetically pleasing content.
For developers and tinkerers, Gutenberg offers plenty of opportunity to customize with CSS and extend functionality by building custom blocks. The Classic Editor lacks this level of extensibility.
The Verdict: Which Editor is Right for You?
With a grasp of both editors’ strengths and limitations, which one is the best fit for your site and content workflow? Here are some key factors to help decide:
- Purpose of your site – Basic blogs vs high-end sites
- Your level of WordPress experience – Beginner vs advanced
- Need for specific plugins – Research compatibility
- Visual design needs – More options in Gutenberg
- Appetite for learning – Patience to get comfortable with blocks
For simple blog-style sites, the Classic Editor gets the nod for its ease of use. But Gutenberg enables greater creativity for more polished and complex web presences.
Beginners will likely prefer the Classic Editor’s gentle learning curve. Advanced users often appreciate Gutenberg’s expansive feature set for design.
Take stock of must-have plugins and test them thoroughly with Gutenberg first. Sticking with the Classic Editor avoids uncertainties.
If you’re reliant on the Classic Editor, don’t feel pressured to switch outright. Run both editors in tandem during a transition period. This allows your team time to get up to speed with Gutenberg while maintaining productivity.
Transitioning from Classic to Gutenberg
If after evaluation you do decide to adopt Gutenberg, take steps to ease the transition:
- Get familiar with core blocks through tutorials
- Start simple. Don’t get overwhelmed by every feature
- Replicate existing Classic Editor-built content as blocks
- Create reusable blocks for common elements
- Develop shared design guidelines and styles
- Allow plenty of time for your team to get comfortable
- Don’t be afraid to still use Classic Editor where needed
With Gutenberg, there is a learning curve. But once you get over the initial hump and build fluency with blocks, the editing process becomes efficient and fulfilling. Have patience and set your team up for success when transitioning.
Conclusion
The release of Gutenberg marked a major milestone in the evolution of WordPress. But like any new technology, widespread adoption takes time. For now, the Classic Editor vs Gutenberg debate rumbles on as the community evaluates use cases.
Neither editor can yet claim outright superiority. Each has pros and cons depending on the needs at hand. For site owners, being flexible and giving both editors a fair try is wise. Ultimately, choose the editor that fits seamlessly into your team’s workflows.
WordPress will surely continue refining its editors for the future as technology progresses. But for today’s sites, assess your content needs and editor preferences. Then utilize the Classic Editor and Gutenberg to their full advantage where most appropriate.