wordpress-development tutorials
Expert-Level
WordPress Development Tutorials
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.

More Tutorials

Mixing PHP and HTML efficiently is essential for PHP website development, ensuring clean, readable, and maintainable code. Whether you're working on a dynamic website, a CMS,

Transferring a WordPress website to a new domain can be challenging, especially if you want to maintain your SEO rankings. Whether you're rebranding or switching to a better

HTML5 introduced the element, making it simple to embed MP4 videos directly into web pages without relying on third-party plugins like Flash. This built-in support enhances

PHP Output Buffering is an essential feature in PHP Web Development that helps developers manage and manipulate output before sending it to the browser. It allows capturing

Creating a stunning dispersion effect can elevate your profile picture and make it stand out on social media. This guide will walk you through the process step by step,

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for artists and designers, offering a wide range of features to create stunning vector artwork. One of the most versatile and creative

In modern web design, CSS pseudo-classes play a vital role in enhancing the user experience by applying styles based on the position, interaction, or relationship of elements

Photoshop’s “Select and Mask” tool is an incredibly powerful feature that allows users to achieve professional-level background removal. Whether you’re editing

Development Tools
css beautifier tool

Our online CSS beautifier & minifier is the professional choice for clean code. It offers customizable options for formatting, beautification, and minification. Enhance your CSS for optimal results now!

html beautifier tool

Our online HTML beautifier is the professional choice for cleaning up code. Compress & format HTML for improved structure and readability, with just a few clicks. Start beautifying today!

css gradient generator tool

Design unique CSS gradients with our easy to use, professional generator. Choose colors and customize with advanced features. Lightweight for fast and optimized output!

sort words tool

Use our powerful sort words tool to arrange text by alphabetical order or character length. Many options available to format the output as desired. Clean up your lists now, quickly and easily!

encoder decoder tool

Professional-grade text encoding and decoding is here with our advanced tool. Sophisticated features and capabilities for all your complex data transformation needs. Start now!

css filter generator tool

Our lightweight CSS filter generator lets you create CSS filters using hex values with multiple advanced options. Get the perfect look for your elements with this powerful & efficient tool!

email extractor tool

Extract email IDs from messy text with a single click using our professional tool. Lightweight & efficient, streamlines the process for you, saving time. Try now for effortless email extraction!

lorem ipsum generator tool

Our online Lorem Ipsum generator provides the best solution for your demo content needs. It offers many options, allowing you to create perfect placeholder text with precision. Get started now!

Our Services
website development service

Our Website Development Service offers custom, responsive design, ensuring seamless user experience across devices. From concept to launch, we create dynamic, SEO-friendly sites to elevate your online presence and drive engagement.

website redesign service

Revamp your online presence with our Website Redesign Service! We specialize in creating modern, user-friendly designs that boost engagement and conversion rates. Transform your site today for a sleek, professional look that stands out.

psd to html5 service

Transform your PSD designs into pixel-perfect, responsive HTML5 code with our professional PSD to HTML5 conversion service. Enjoy clean, SEO-friendly, and cross-browser compatible code tailored to bring your vision to life seamlessly.

logo design service

Elevate your brand with our professional Logo Design Service. We create unique, memorable logos that capture your business's essence. Stand out in the market with a custom logo designed to leave a lasting impression.

seo search engine optimization service

Boost your site's search engine presence! We offer expert SEO solutions, including image and code enhancements, to achieve top positions on Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Let us drive qualified traffic to your business today!

social media marketing service

Boost your brand with our Social Media Marketing Service! We specialize in crafting engaging content, driving growth through targeted ads, and maximizing your online presence. Drive growth and connect with your audience effectively.

wordpress development service

Experience our WordPress development services, offering tailored solutions for custom themes, plugins, and seamless integrations. Enhance your online presence with our responsive, secure, and success-optimized WordPress solutions.

image enhancement service

Enhance your website's visual appeal: We sharpen icons/images, correct RAW files & repair damaged/distorted/overly bright photos. Expect natural-colored, high-resolution JPEGs, complete with photographic effects & upscaling.

Blog Post

In the age of machine learning and smart algorithms, the lines between human creativity and artificial intelligence are blurring—fast. With tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Writesonic popping up everywhere, the content landscape is...

Boost Your SEO Rankings: Master UI Design Optimization for Higher Visibility In the digital age, SEO success isn’t just about keywords and backlinks. Google’s algorithms now prioritize user experience (UX), making your website’s User Interface...

What Are JavaScript Libraries? JavaScript libraries are pre-written collections of code that streamline complex web development tasks. They provide reusable functions, components, and utilities to handle everything from DOM manipulation to 3D rendering,...

In the dynamic world of web development, the visual appeal and user experience of a website are paramount. At the heart of this lies CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), the language that dictates how...

In today's digital landscape, a stunning and functional website is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Whether you're an aspiring web designer, a budding entrepreneur, or a seasoned professional looking to sharpen...

AI is fundamentally reshaping website development, automating tedious tasks, enabling hyper-personalization, and accelerating development cycles, which presents both immense opportunities for those who adapt and significant risks for developers who ignore this technological...

Choosing the right server infrastructure is one of the most critical decisions any business or individual with an online presence will make. Get it right, and you have a stable, performant foundation for...

In the fast-paced world of web development, efficiency and productivity are paramount. For PHP developers, the choice of a code editor can significantly impact their workflow, making the difference between a cumbersome coding...