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Explore advanced WordPress development tutorials designed for website developers aiming to enhance their expertise. Discover the latest plugins, techniques, and tips that will set you apart as a skilled WordPress developer, keeping you ahead in the ever-evolving world of development.
WordPress Development Tutorials:
How to Disable Gutenberg Editor and Switch to Classic Editor in WordPress Admin Dashboard.
reading time
Reading Time:
00:06 Minutes
implement time
Implement Time:
00:20 Minutes

WordPress introduced the Gutenberg Editor (also known as the Block Editor) in version 5.0, replacing the Classic Editor that users were familiar with. While the new editor offers a block-based approach for content creation, some website owners and developers still prefer the Classic Editor due to its simplicity and compatibility with older plugins and themes.

If you find Gutenberg overwhelming or incompatible with your workflow, you can disable it and switch back to the Classic Editor using plugins or custom code in your theme’s functions.php file.

This tutorial will guide you through both methods so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Gutenberg Editor vs. Classic Editor

What is the Gutenberg Editor?

The Gutenberg Editor, introduced in WordPress 5.0, is a block-based editor that allows users to build posts and pages using content blocks. Each paragraph, image, video, or button is a separate block that can be customized and rearranged easily.

Advantages of Gutenberg:
  • Drag-and-drop block functionality.
  • Better design flexibility.
  • Built-in content elements like buttons, tables, and embeds.
  • Compatible with modern themes and plugins.
Disadvantages of Gutenberg:
  • Some users find it complicated compared to the Classic Editor.
  • Compatibility issues with older themes and plugins.
  • Requires additional learning for those used to the Classic Editor.
What is the Classic Editor?

The Classic Editor is the old WordPress editor that was used before version 5.0. It provides a simple text-based editing experience similar to a traditional word processor.

Advantages of the Classic Editor:
  • Simple and easy to use.
  • Works well with older plugins and themes.
  • Faster for writing and formatting basic content.
Disadvantages of the Classic Editor:
  • Lacks modern content-building features.
  • Requires additional plugins to add advanced elements like buttons or columns.

If you prefer the Classic Editor over Gutenberg, let’s explore how you can disable Gutenberg and restore the old editor.

Method 1: Using Plugins to Disable Gutenberg and Enable Classic Editor

The easiest way to disable Gutenberg is by using a plugin. Here are two recommended plugins to do this:

1. Classic Editor Plugin (Official WordPress Plugin)

The Classic Editor Plugin is the official plugin developed by WordPress to bring back the old editor.

Steps to Install and Use the Classic Editor Plugin:
  1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
  3. In the search bar, type Classic Editor.
  4. Find the plugin and click Install Now.
  5. Once installed, click Activate.
  6. Go to Settings > Writing and select Classic Editor as the default editor.

That’s it! Now your WordPress site will use the Classic Editor instead of Gutenberg.

2. Disable Gutenberg Plugin

If you need to completely remove Gutenberg, including its scripts and styles, you can use the Disable Gutenberg plugin.

Steps to Install and Use the Disable Gutenberg Plugin:
  1. Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Search for Disable Gutenberg.
  3. Click Install Now and then Activate the plugin.
  4. Go to Settings > Disable Gutenberg.
  5. Enable the option to Disable Gutenberg for all users or select specific roles to disable it for.
  6. Save changes.

This plugin not only disables Gutenberg but also prevents WordPress from loading unnecessary block editor scripts, improving site performance.

Method 2: Using functions.php to Disable Gutenberg and Enable Classic Editor

For those who prefer a code-based solution, you can disable Gutenberg directly in your theme’s functions.php file.

Steps to Disable Gutenberg with Code:

Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

  • Go to Appearance > Theme Editor.
  • Open the functions.php file of your active theme.

Add the Following Code:

PHP
// Disable Gutenberg editor
add_filter('use_block_editor_for_post', '__return_false', 10);

// Enable Classic Editor
add_action('admin_init', function () {
	remove_action('wp_enqueue_scripts', 'wp_common_block_scripts_and_styles');
});

Save the Changes.

Now, Gutenberg will be disabled across your site, and WordPress will default to the Classic Editor.

Alternative: Disable Gutenberg Only for Specific Post Types

If you only want to disable Gutenberg for specific post types, modify the code as follows:

PHP
function disable_gutenberg_for_post_types($use_block_editor, $post) {
	if (in_array($post->post_type, array('post', 'page'))) { // Add other post types if needed
		return false;
	}
	return $use_block_editor;
}
add_filter('use_block_editor_for_post', 'disable_gutenberg_for_post_types', 10, 2);

This will disable Gutenberg only for posts and pages while keeping it active for custom post types.

Conclusion

Disabling Gutenberg and switching back to the Classic Editor in WordPress is easy, whether you use a plugin or a custom code snippet.

  • If you prefer a simple and quick solution, use the Classic Editor Plugin or Disable Gutenberg Plugin.
  • If you prefer a manual approach, add the functions.php code to disable Gutenberg at the theme level.

Both methods ensure a smooth transition back to the Classic Editor, helping you maintain a familiar and efficient workflow.

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