How the Block editor works

The Block editor offers individual content blocks for users to add and edit various elements in posts and pages. Each block is a standalone component with settings for users to configure.

The block editor opens by default in fullscreen mode.

The Block editor workspace has three main sections:

  • the top toolbar
  • the sidebar with the post/page settings and the block settings
  • the content area.

The top toolbar

Before you publish your post or page, you will see the following options in the top toolbar.

Top toolbar showing available icons in post edit screen

After the publishing, you will see the following options.

After the publishing, new option View Post / View Page is appeared.

The options corresponding to the numbers in the figure are as followings:

1. View Posts / View Pages

Shows the W icon by default, or the Site Icon if available. Click to exit the editor and back to the list of Posts or Pages in Administrator Screens. This will prompt you to save the changes or leave the post or page.

2. Toggle block inserter

Show or Hide block inserter that allows users to add block, patterns or media to your post or page.

3. Tools

Switch between editing a block and selecting a block. Choose the Select tool (or press the Escape key on your keyboard) to select individual blocks. Once a block is selected, press the Enter key on your keyboard to return to editing.

Edit/select buttons in the WordPress block editor workspace

4. Undo and Redo

Undo an action, or redo an undone action.

5. Document Overview

This option includes two tabs: List View and Outline.

  • List View: a list of all of the blocks that are on the post/page and easily navigate between the blocks on your post/page.
  • Outline: Show the the post/page details including the character and word count, estimated time to read, the number of paragraphs and blocks on the post/page, and the document outline showing the headings and how they are structured on the post/page.
The i icon next to redo icon shows document details in the WordPress block editor workspace including characters, word counts, and headings
Outline tab in the Document Overview

6. Command Palette

The Command Palette helps you streamline your workflow in the WordPress editor by providing a centralized location to work on various aspects of your site’s design. Click this field, or press Cmd+k on Mac or Ctrl+k on Windows. For more details about Command Palete, refer Editor Command Palette.

7. Save draft / Saved

Save a draft of your post or page without publishing it. If the post or page is saved successfully, the label changes to Saved. Once the post or page is published, this label is hidden.

8. View

View how your post/page looks on your site with the current changes applied.

9. Zoom Out

The Zoom out mode allows users to zoom out to edit and create at the pattern level over granular block editing.

10. Settings

Show or hide the post/page sidebar settings and the block settings.

11. Publish

Make your post/page available publicly.

12. Options

Open up more options. See below section.

13. View Post / View Page

After you publish your post or page, you will see this option. Opens a new tab where you can see how your post/page looks on the frontend.

More options

The three dot shows the menu items listed under more options.

If you click the three dots icon in the top toolbar, additional options are displayed. Here, you can customize your editing experience using various options.

View

  • Top toolbar: Display or hide the top toolbar in the editor. When you enable this option, block toolbars are pinned to the top of the WordPress block editor (right under the top toolbar) instead of appearing directly above the block.
  • Distraction free: When enabled, this option allows you to focus just on your words by adjusting various pieces of the interface, including closing any open sidebars, removing various block inserter options, and the block toolbar. 
  • Spotlight mode: With spotlight mode, all blocks are greyed out except for the one you’re working on so that you can focus on a single block at a time.
  • Fullscreen mode: When enabled, this mode hides the Administration screens user interface.

Editor

By default, you will be in the Visual editor. Switch to the Code editor to view the entire post or page in the HTML code editor.

Tools

Here, you can manage patterns, learn keyboard shortcuts, visit the WordPress block editor welcome guide, copy all content on the post/page, or view additional support articles.

Preferences

Use the Preferences menu to:

  • Customize the editing experience.
  • Change how you interact with blocks and which blocks appear when searching for a block.
  • Show or hide individual panels from the post/page settings.