Exploring Gutenberg for WordPress: A comprehensive guide and comparison


Gutenberg editor vs Classic editor
Exploring Gutenberg for WordPress

Gutenberg is the block-based editor introduced in WordPress to replace the classic editor. It provides a more visual and intuitive way to create content by using individual blocks for text, images, media and layout. With drag-and-drop controls, it makes editing pages and posts more flexible and user-friendly.

Introduction

The WordPress platform has evolved significantly over the years, and one of its most transformative updates arrived with the introduction of the Gutenberg editor in version 5.0. This block-based editor redefined how users create and manage content, offering a more flexible and visual approach compared to the classic editor.

In this post, we explore what Gutenberg brings to the table, how it compares to popular website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow, and why it might be the right choice for your next web project.

Understanding the Gutenberg editor

What is Gutenberg?

Gutenberg is a visual, block-based content editor introduced in WordPress 5.0. Instead of editing content in a single text field, users now build pages and posts using blocks, each representing a distinct content element such as text, image, video, gallery, or button.

Key features of Gutenberg

  1. Blocks: Modular content elements that are easy to arrange and customize.
  2. Block patterns: Pre-designed block combinations that speed up layout creation.
  3. Full site editing (FSE): Customize headers, footers, sidebars, and other template parts using blocks.
  4. Theme integration: Seamless compatibility with block-based themes for enhanced design control.
Gutenberg editor vs Classic editor
Gutenberg editor vs Classic editor

Advantages of using Gutenberg

  1. Visual editing experience with real-time previewsSee changes instantly as you edit, providing a more intuitive and efficient design process.
  2. Improved consistency across site designEnsure uniformity in design elements, making it easier to maintain a cohesive look throughout your site.
  3. Easier learning curve for new users. With its block-based system, Gutenberg provides an intuitive interface that’s easier to pick up for beginners compared to traditional WordPress editing.

Comparing Gutenberg with Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow

Feature Comparison

Ease of Use

  • Gutenberg: Moderate (block-based)
  • Wix: High (drag-and-drop)
  • Squarespace: High (template-driven)
  • Webflow: Moderate (design-focused)

Design Flexibility 

  • Gutenberg: High (customizable blocks and themes)
  • Wix: Medium (limited custom control)
  • Squarespace: Medium (template editing)
  • Webflow: High (CSS-level styling)

Cost

  • Gutenberg: Free (plus hosting/plugins)
  • Wix: Subscription-based
  • Squarespace: Subscription-based
  • Webflow: Subscription-based

SEO & Performance

  • Gutenberg: High (plugin support, customizable)
  • Wix: Good (limited control)
  • Squarespace: Good (built-in tools)
  • Webflow: Excellent (code output, speed)

E-commerce Capabilities

  • Gutenberg: High (WooCommerce)
  • Wix: Medium (built-in tools)
  • Squarespace: Medium (Squarespace Commerce)
  • Webflow: High (integrations and custom stores)

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Pros and cons of using gutenberg vs other builders

Pros and cons

  • Gutenberg: Offers high flexibility, especially for developers and content creators familiar with WordPress. May require more setup.
  • Wix: Great for beginners but limited in customizations and scalability.
  • Squarespace: Beautiful templates, but less extensible.
  • Webflow: Powerful design tool with a steeper learning curve and higher cost.
Gutenberg for WordPress
Gutenberg for WordPress

Real-world applications and case studies

1. Small business: rapid website deployment

Impact:

  • Website launched in under a week
  • Increased online orders by 30%
  • Reduced design costs by 70%

2. E-commerce: custom product pages

Case study: Boutique clothing store
An e-commerce fashion brand used Gutenberg and WooCommerce blocks to create tailored product pages that highlight unique selling points. Reusable blocks allowed the team to maintain consistency across seasonal promotions.

Impact:

  • 40% improvement in product page engagement
  • Time saved on launching new collections
  • Consistent branding across hundreds of product listings

3. Large organization: scalable design systems

Impact:

  • Maintained brand guidelines across 50+ subsites
  • Reduced reliance on central IT team
  • Improved content publishing speed by 2x

4. Blogging: content creation at scale

Impact:

  • 3x increase in publishing frequency
  • Cleaner, uniform post layouts
  • Higher user engagement and lower bounce rates

Design with Gutenberg for WordPress

Key design capabilities

  • Block patterns: Pre-built layouts for sections like hero banners, galleries, FAQs, and contact forms. These speed up design while ensuring responsiveness.
  • Reusable blocks: Save any design or content block to reuse across multiple pages—ideal for CTAs, subscription forms, or styled announcements.
  • Global styles: Modify typography, color palettes, and spacing settings site-wide from a single panel—perfect for enforcing brand consistency.
  • Full site editing (FSE): Customize headers, footers, and templates directly in the editor without needing custom code or separate theme files.
  • Responsive design tools: Adjust layout and visibility settings for desktop, tablet, and mobile views right inside the editor.

Example workflow

  1. Start with a block-based theme – e.g., Twenty Twenty-Four or a MaxiBlocks starter theme.
  2. Define brand colors and fonts in the Global Styles panel.
  3. Create custom block patterns for common sections (e.g., pricing tables, testimonials).
  4. Use template parts to design header/footer layouts once and reuse them everywhere.
  5. Fine-tune page layout using spacing controls, column blocks, and responsive visibility settings.

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Tips and best practices for maximizing Gutenberg

Utilize block patterns and reusable blocks

Block patterns allow you to insert pre-designed sections like hero banners, testimonials, or contact forms with a single click. Reusable blocks are perfect for repeating elements such as calls-to-action or styled newsletter forms. These tools save time, maintain consistency, and simplify long-term maintenance.

Enhance functionality with custom blocks

Optimize performance

Keep WordPress, your theme, and plugins regularly updated to ensure compatibility and security. Avoid bloated or redundant plugins, and test page performance using tools like PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. Lightweight, block-optimized themes and plugins improve load times and SEO.

Use block-based themes and design systems

The future of Gutenberg and WordPress

  • Full site editing (FSE): More control over templates, headers, footers, and global styles.
  • Performance improvements: Faster block rendering and leaner front-end code.
  • Accessibility enhancements: Ensuring that Gutenberg-built websites meet modern accessibility standards.
  • Interoperability: Better integration with third-party tools, APIs, and e-commerce platforms.

Compared to website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or Webflow, Gutenberg offers the flexibility of self-hosted WordPress, the freedom of open source, and a community-driven roadmap that continuously innovates.

Spotlight: MaxiBlocks and Gutenberg

Key features of MaxiBlocks

  • Huge library of block patterns: Access a constantly growing library of professionally designed sections like pricing tables, features lists, FAQs, and more.
  • Design consistency: Built-in global design controls for fonts, colors, and spacing help maintain a unified aesthetic across your site.
  • Responsive out of the box: Every block is mobile-optimized, with customization options for tablet and desktop views.
  • Lightweight and fast: Unlike many page builders, MaxiBlocks prioritizes speed and clean code, ensuring your site remains performance-optimized.
  • No-code design flexibility: Customize layouts, animations, and interactions with an intuitive interface—ideal for designers and marketers alike.

Real-world example

A marketing agency used Gutenberg + MaxiBlocks to launch a client’s site with over 30 unique landing pages. Using pre-made patterns and global styles, they reduced build time by 60% while maintaining a cohesive design system across all pages. Updates could be made instantly without the need to re-code or duplicate design work.

Conclusion

Create faster with Gutenberg WordPress blocks and layouts

Build smarter websites with Gutenberg WordPress blocks patterns and easy design workflows.

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FAQs: Gutenberg for WordPress

What is Gutenberg in WordPress?

Is Gutenberg free to use?

Yes, Gutenberg is built into WordPress core and is completely free to use. You can start using it right away without installing any additional plugins, though there are many free and premium block libraries available to enhance it.

Do I need to know how to code to use Gutenberg?

What are block patterns and reusable blocks?

Block patterns are pre-designed groups of blocks that can be inserted with one click to speed up page creation. Reusable blocks are blocks you save for repeated use across multiple posts or pages. Updating one instance updates them all automatically.

Can I still use the classic editor?

Yes, you can still install the Classic Editor plugin if you prefer the older editing experience. However, most modern themes and plugins are optimized for Gutenberg.

What is full site editing (FSE)?

How does Gutenberg compare to page builders like Elementor or Divi?

Gutenberg is lightweight, fast, and deeply integrated into WordPress core. While it may not offer as many visual effects as some premium builders out of the box, it’s improving rapidly and offers excellent performance, flexibility, and future-proofing—especially when paired with plugins like MaxiBlocks.

What is MaxiBlocks and how does it work with Gutenberg?

Can I use Gutenberg with WooCommerce?

Yes, WooCommerce integrates well with Gutenberg, offering blocks for product listings, featured products, cart summaries, and more. These blocks allow you to create custom shopping experiences within your pages and posts.