Quick Tip: Create Reusable Blocks with Gutenberg Editor in WordPress

Since the 5.0 update of the WordPress platform most of us started to use the new editor called Gutenberg. This block type editor has lots of advantages and only one downside — we needed to get used to it. Over months of using Gutenberg the majority of users find it better than the old one. The minority of users install the “Classic Editor” plugin and enjoy their workflow in familiar conditions. We would not focus our attention on the editor`s alternatives rather will look at one of the new features that Gutenberg brings to WordPress.

Reusable blocks are actually custom blocks that you can create, edit and use in any moment of your work with Gutenberg editor. These blocks can also be combined and represent a group of blocks which you often use while creating your WordPress content of any type — from text to video.

Advantages of Reusable Blocks

The main task of reusable blocks feature is to speed up your content creation process and reduce the amount of routine during your everyday workflow. Gutenberg editor provides these advantages with the help of automation. You simply use the templates you create for yourself and do not spend time on customizing them for each post or page within your WordPress website.

3 Steps to Create a Reusable Block

Yes, Gutenberg editor does not require a lot of time or effort to create and use your own reusable blocks. Take these 3 simple steps with us and get rid of the routine right now!

1. Create or Choose a Block

You need to create a new block, if you do not still have the one you want to select as a reusable. To create a new block, use the button with plus sign at the left top side of the editor. You will see the options of common blocks which can be created as soon as you click the “plus-button”:

If you already have some block you want to select as a reusable one, then proceed to the next step of this simple tutorial.

2. Add the Reusable Option to Your Block

First, select the block you want to make a reusable one, by just clicking at any place it occupies within the editor. You will see the block`s menu at its top. Find the last element of this menu which looks like three vertical dots. You will see the string “Add to Reusable Blocks” inside the drop-down menu:

You will need to name the block. Think about a name that you will easily find and that associates clearly with the template you create. Do not forget to save changes after all.

3. Insert Your Reusable Block

Now you can find you fresh crafted reusable block in the special menu — Reusable. This menu can be also found inside the “plus-button” you are always using as the first step for the creation of any type of block. You can also find your reusable block by its name with the quick search bar inside the “plus-button” menu:

Customizing a Reusable Block

Reusable blocks can be customized both globally and individually. All changes made to your reusable block are applied globally. It means that if you change some option inside your reusable block in a post, then all blocks with this name will apply changes.

To make changes to your reusable block individually (only for a certain post or page), you will need to convert the block to a regular one. This action can be easily done with a drop-down menu of three vertical dots (the same you have used to make a block reusable):

As you can see, reusable blocks are pretty flexible and handy. Do not hesitate to use this simple trick to speed up your workflow and make it much more convenient.