How to Use the Classic Editor in WordPress and Why

The Classic Editor is the old-style WordPress content editor that many users prefer over the newer Gutenberg Block Editor. It offers a simple, familiar interface similar to traditional text editors and is often favored by those who want a straightforward experience when creating and editing posts or pages.

Here’s a guide on how to use the Classic Editor in WordPress and why you might want to use it.

Why Use the Classic Editor?

1. Familiarity: Many long-time WordPress users are more comfortable with the Classic Editor’s layout. It has a simple, traditional interface similar to text editors like Microsoft Word, making it easy to use.
2. Simplicity: The Classic Editor focuses solely on text editing and formatting without the complexity of Gutenberg’s block-based system. This is beneficial if you don’t need advanced layouts or block features.
3. Plugin Compatibility: Some plugins and themes are optimized for the Classic Editor and might not work well with the Block Editor.
4. Speed and Efficiency: If you only need basic formatting (bold, italic, links, headings) and prefer a more minimalist approach, the Classic Editor may be faster and less resource-intensive.

How to Install and Use the Classic Editor in WordPress

If your WordPress site is using the Block Editor by default, you can easily switch to the Classic Editor by installing a plugin.

Step 1: Install the Classic Editor Plugin

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Plugins > Add New.
3. In the search bar, type Classic Editor.
4. The Classic Editor plugin by WordPress Contributors should appear. Click Install Now.
5. After installation, click Activate.

Step 2: Configure Classic Editor Settings

Once the Classic Editor plugin is activated, you can configure its settings.

1. Go to Settings > Writing in your WordPress dashboard.
2. You’ll see two options:
   • Classic Editor: This option allows you to completely switch to the Classic Editor for all users.
   • Block Editor: Allows you to keep using the Block Editor (Gutenberg) but gives users the option to switch to the Classic Editor for individual posts/pages.
3. Choose “Replace the Block Editor with the Classic Editor” to ensure that all posts and pages use the Classic Editor by default.
4. Optionally, enable the option to let users switch between editors if some users prefer using the Block Editor.
5. Click Save Changes.

Step 3: Using the Classic Editor

After enabling the Classic Editor, you can now create and edit posts and pages as before.

1. Go to Posts > Add New (or Pages > Add New).
2. You’ll see the familiar Classic Editor interface, which includes:
   • Visual Editor: A WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor for formatting your content with buttons for bold, italic, headings, lists, links, etc.
   • Text Editor: A tab that allows you to write or edit content using HTML for more control.
3. Write and format your content using the toolbar, much like a traditional word processor.

Key features include:

• Bold/Italic: Style text.
• Headings: Organize content with headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.).
• Links: Add hyperlinks to text or images.
• Bulleted/Numbered Lists: Create lists.
• Add Media: Insert images, videos, and other media files.

4. When finished, click Publish or Update to save your post or page.

Switching Between Editors (Optional)

If you enabled the option to allow users to switch between editors, you can switch between the Classic Editor and Block Editor for individual posts or pages:

1. Go to Posts > All Posts (or Pages > All Pages).
2. Hover over the post or page title and you’ll see an option to Edit (Classic Editor) or Edit (Block Editor). Choose your preferred editor for that specific content.

Conclusion

The Classic Editor plugin is ideal for WordPress users who prefer a simpler, more familiar interface for writing and editing content. It provides a no-frills, text-centric experience while maintaining compatibility with older themes and plugins. Installing and using the Classic Editor is easy and can make managing content in WordPress more efficient for those who don’t need the advanced block features of Gutenberg.