How to Use the Classic Editor Inside the WordPress Block Editor

How to Use the Classic Editor Inside the WordPress Block Editor

The Classic Editor remains an important tool within the Block Editor for addressing specific scenarios Gutenberg may not fully cover. Many users prefer its simple, familiar toolbar, especially for older plugins, shortcodes, or HTML that don’t work well with blocks.

The Classic Editor is a handy option for updating legacy content since it keeps the original layout, formatting, and media intact without extra effort. Its centralized toolbar is another reason for its continued use. It offers a simpler and more unified editing experience, which some users find more intuitive than searching for individual blocks.

The Classic Editor’s ability to address these niche but important needs makes it a valuable resource even in today’s block-centric WordPress landscape. For teams transitioning to Gutenberg, the Classic Block acts as a middle ground and helps them adapt gradually while staying flexible.

This is why we’ve prepared a guide to show you how to use the Classic Editor within the WordPress Block Editor. Let’s move to the details. 


Steps to Use the Classic Editor in WordPress Blocks

The Classic Block lets you use the familiar Classic Editor interface within the Block Editor. It’s a simple way to handle tasks that work better with the classic tools. The following steps will help you add and use the Classic Block in your WordPress workflow.

Step 1: Access an Existing Post or Create a New One

To begin, log into your WordPress dashboard. If you’re working on an existing post, go to the “Posts” section and select the one you want to edit. For new content, click the “Add New” button to create a fresh post. If you’re working with Pages instead of Posts, the process remains identical.

 Access an Existing Post or Create a New One

This will open the Block Editor, where you can start editing or adding content.

Block Editor Interface

Step 2: Add the Classic Block

Inside the editor, click the “+” button to add a new block. Search for “Classic” in the block inserter, then select it. This will give you access to your familiar Classic Editor interface.

Add the Classic Block

Step 3: Work with the Classic Toolbar

Once the Classic Block is added, you’ll see the old toolbar for editing. Use it to format text, insert links, or add images and other media. If needed, you can switch to “Text” mode to edit HTML or manage shortcodes easily.

Classic Editor Interface


You can easily revisit and edit your content by clicking Edit in the toolbar to make adjustments. If you want to switch fully to the block-based system, use the “Convert to Blocks” option from the block toolbar.

Use Edit and Convert to Blocks from toolbar.

Step 4: Save and Publish

When you’re done making changes, save your work or publish the post. You can also preview your edits to ensure everything looks just the way you want.

Save and Publish

Conclusion

The Classic Editor is still helpful inside the Block Editor for tasks like updating old content, using shortcodes or working with older plugins. It gives you a familiar and simple way to edit content while handling specific needs. For teams moving to Gutenberg, the Classic Block makes the change easier without disrupting work. With this guide, you can now use the Classic Editor confidently for these tasks. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your WordPress editing experience.



The Tableberg Team