LOG IN OR SIGN UP
Log in to your account
Sign up

How To Use The Classic Editor After Upgrading To WordPress 5

15 March 2019 | 0 comments | Posted by Che Kohler in Geek Chic

WordPress 5 classic editor

As far as open source CMS platforms go, WordPress has been an industry leader for some time now and have personally used it for years I can honestly vouch for its viability as a CMS. WordPress updates, on the other hand, has often been like a box of chocolates, you never quite know what you're going to get, and it could have you running for the hills. If you're like me and you're a creature of habit, then the latest WordPress 5 update which you may have mistakenly updated to or been automatically updated to has left you frustrated.

The new Gutenberg editor has already become a bane of many WordPress users existence. While it looks modern, it is a ploy to attract the medium blogger types to WordPress. While the idea is admirable, it alienates the core user base. There has been plenty of chatter on forums with a lot of users are finding it hard to use and prefer to keep the classic editor.

Fun Fact: Did you know nichemarket used to be built on WordPress in its first 2 years of operation? 

If you're like me and prefer the classic editor, let me show you how to get it back and live that old school WordPress life, even if it's only for your personal preference while you leave the others to adapt. 

What is Gutenberg?

Gutenberg is the name of the latest WordPress page editor which came along with WordPress 5 and up. The goal for Gutenberg is to modernise the WordPress writing experience and make it seem like an in-page native editor, similar to what CMS's like Ghost and Squarespace offer or self-publishing sites like Medium.

Gutenberg borrows elements from some page builder plugins and allows you to drag and drop items into a post or page. The goal is to offer more flexibility and enable WordPress users to create unique layouts for their content with rich multimedia content without being too hung up on coding or learning HTML.

Why Disable the Gutenberg Editor in WordPress?

Even though WordPress has opted to make Gutenberg, it's native editing experience many users feel that Gutenberg in its current state is not ready for live sites. A sentiment which is evident by the 2.3 out of 5 rating average on the Gutenberg plugin. Despite the negative reviews, the WordPress core team is moving forward with making Gutenberg the default editor. The simplistic user interface of Gutenberg can quickly become annoying for those who were used to the classic editing style and who preferred code and limited in page styling options.

Ways to disable Gutenberg editor

If you're ready to get rid of Gutenburg all you need to do is install and activate the Classic Editor plugin.

  • Download the file from the link provided above
  • Head over to plugins in WordPress
  • Click Add new
  • Click upload plugin from file
  • Install and activate

Once installed you will have immediate access to the old WordPress page editor, and you can go about your day as if the update never happened.

Customising the Classic Editor plugin

The classic editor plugin also offers users customisation options if some prefer Gutenberg while others want the traditional editor. 

  • Admins can select the default editor for all users.
  • Admins can allow users to change their default editor.
  • When allowed, the users can choose which editor to use for each post.
  • Each post opens in the last editor used regardless of who edited it last, which is essential for maintaining a consistent experience when writing content.

Also, the Classic Editor plugin includes several filters that let other plugins control the settings, and the editor choice per post and post type.

Tell us your WordPress story

Have you been frustrated at a job before? How did you or the company overcome it? Are there any tips you would like to share on overcoming work frustration? Let us know in the comments

Are you looking for a digital freelancer?

Keeping your WordPress website up to scratch can quickly become a complex operation. If you need expert advice on WordPress tasks, then check out freelancers listed with us.

Are you a WordPress developer or provide digital freelance services?

Web developers, content writers, designers and digital freelancers can create your free business listing on nichemarket. The more information you provide about your business, the easier it will be for your customers to find you online. 

Registering with nichemarket is easy; all you will need to do is head over to our sign up form and follow the instructions. If you require a more detailed guide on how to create your profile or your listing, then we highly recommend you check out the following articles.

Contact us

If you want to know more about WordPress or would like us to improve your WordPress site, don’t be shy we’re happy to assist. Simply contact us

Recommended reading

If you enjoyed this post and have a little extra time to dive deeper down the rabbit hole, why not check out the following posts on WordPress.

Tags: WordPress

Previous: {{ previousBlog.sTitle }}

Posted {{ previousBlog.dtDatePosting }}

Next: {{ nextBlog.sTitle }}

Posted {{ nextBlog.dtDatePosting }}

You might also like

How blockchain fits into the future of finance

Is Blockchain The Future Of Finance?

05 November 2024

Posted by Josh Welman in Money Talks


An introduction to blockchain technology and distributed ledgers and why they are becoming a popular option for transacting value in our modern globa...

Read more
Buy ICANN domains with crypto

How To Buy ICANN Domains With Crypto

03 December 2024

Posted by Josh Welman in Money Talks


You can buy domain names from these registers, pay using your cryptocurrency wallet, and settle with digital payment methods like Bitcoin or stableco...

Read more

Leave us a comment


{{comment.sUserName}}

{{comment.iDayLastEdit}} day ago

{{comment.iDayLastEdit}} days ago

{{comment.sComment}}

Sign up for our newsletter