Gutenberg WordPress Editor launch December 6th 2018 –
WordPress released its new Editor, called Gutenberg, in December 2018, to coincide with the release of Wordpress version 5.0. Unlike the classic editor, possibly basic editor stroke word processor that is in Wordpress now, Gutenberg will allow for the creation of better looking rich posts content, without the need to edit CSS or html. It allows the building of pages, using drag and drop ‘Blocks’, in a more visual way, much like visual composer or other drag ‘n’ drop editors. This will make it easier to add other media too, such as images and video. Each iteration of WordPress 5.0 will probably come with a set of pre-designed blocks to get you started and no doubt many developers will develop many more Block types. Instead of using shortcodes to add to your website, you will be able to select suitable Blocks. Java script is heavily employed to ensure Gutenberg is intuitive and it comes with its own set of styles.
Will Gutenberg kill other Page Builders?
No, the main page builders are already adapting to work with Gutenberg to offer added value. But Gutenberg will make it more ‘natural’ for WordPress website webmasters to use Blocks, so it will become second nature to drag and drop these blocks of pre-written code in order to create or insert content on a page. The better page builder companies will simply enhance their product to work better, so the advent of Gutenberg is keeping them all on their toes. As with most WordPress updates, this is a very useful addition, but as usual it will confuse the novice or amateur user, whilst being a very easy to use tool for the professionals such as webmasters, developer and digital marketers. Read the WordPress Introduction to Gutenberg here. And find loads of Gutenberg news and tutorials here.
Gutenberg issues to watch out for.
Shortcodes
If you elect to use Gutenberg as your Editor look out with styling issues or conflicts within your current design them. If you can use a staging site you could add Gutenberg as a plugin to a copy of your site. Then you can look through the site to see if you need to do any css style changes to sort out and problems with your font or colours. Also check all your plugins, as there may be an issue with some short codes, which could affect the look of your page. We use gravity forms and WooCommerce short codes. Then ensure that all your plugins are actually working correctly, test the functionality such as Contact Form and Comment Box etc. If you come across actual code appearing on the website page, then you need to address this. Gutenberg does have a facility to preview any short code you may want to add.
Confusion – user challenge
The addition of the Gutenberg editor offers a great new visually attractive facility to users/editors, but many will be comfortable with the default classic editor. They may not want to move, but over time the classic editor will only be available as a plugin. It will stop being supported and simply be phased out. Users will have to move sooner or later. Gutenberg will support short codes and advanced custom fields, so it will provide all the functionality of the classic editor along with all the visual aspects of drag ‘n’ drop. Try reading the Gutenberg Handbook here to understand a bit more about blocks and how Gutenberg will help editors, create better pages.
WordPress Website Page Builders
DIVI
Beaver Builder
Elementor
Visual Composer
MotoPress
SiteOrigin Page Builder
Brizy
BRIX
Live Composer
WP Bakery Builder
Thrive Themes Builder
Oxygen
Conductor
Pootle
Fusion Builder
All these Page Builders all do the same things, allowing you lay out your website. They allow you add blocks, modules, sections, rows or elements. This bits are like the lego bricks that make up your website. In to these blocks you add your content as in text , images, videos etc.
The companies who develop these builders are continually trying to improve their product, to add more functionality, to stand out above their competitors.
Which is the best WordPress Page Builder ?
We have our own current favourite, but that could change depending on the one we feel is best at any specific time. Currently,we work mainly with DIVI,but have some client websites in Elementor and some using Beaver Builder. If you ask any web design agency, they will tell you which page builder they think is best. Generally, this is the one they are familiar with and probably prefer for that reason.