WordPress is one of the most popular Content Management Systems (CMS) in the world. Since WordPress 5.0, the Gutenberg Block Editor has become the default editor for creating posts and pages. While many users enjoy the flexibility of Gutenberg, a large number of bloggers, developers, and WooCommerce store owners still prefer the traditional Classic Editor.
In this article, you will learn how to disable Gutenberg in WordPress, why many users choose to turn it off, and the easiest ways to switch back to the Classic Editor.
What is Gutenberg in WordPress?
Gutenberg is the default block-based editor introduced in WordPress 5.0. Instead of editing content in one large text area, Gutenberg uses separate blocks for different types of content.
Examples of Gutenberg blocks include:
- Paragraph Block
- Heading Block
- Image Block
- Gallery Block
- Button Block
This system allows users to create visually rich layouts without coding knowledge.
Why Disable Gutenberg in WordPress?
Although Gutenberg offers modern editing features, many users still prefer the Classic Editor for several reasons.
Simpler Interface – The Classic Editor provides a clean and straightforward writing experience similar to older versions of WordPress.
Better Plugin Compatibility – Some older plugins and themes may not fully support Gutenberg, causing layout or functionality issues.
Faster Workflow – Many bloggers and content writers find the Classic Editor quicker and easier for publishing articles.
WooCommerce Compatibility – Certain WooCommerce custom fields, product editors, and plugins work better with the Classic Editor.
Lower Resource Usage – On low-resource hosting environments, Gutenberg may consume more memory and processing power.
How to Disable Gutenberg in WordPress
There are several easy methods to disable Gutenberg and restore the Classic Editor.
Method 1: Disable Gutenberg Using the Classic Editor Plugin
This is the easiest and most beginner-friendly method.
Step 1: Login to Your WordPress Dashboard
Go to:
- Plugins → Add New
Step 2: Search for “Classic Editor”
Type: Classic Editor
The plugin is developed by WordPress Contributors.
Step 3: Install and Activate
- Click “Install Now”
- Click “Activate”
Once activated, Gutenberg will automatically be disabled and the Classic Editor will become the default editor.
Benefits of Using the Classic Editor Plugin
- Official WordPress plugin
- Lightweight and stable
- No coding required
- Beginner friendly
- Quick setup process
Method 2: Use the Disable Gutenberg Plugin
Another popular option is the “Disable Gutenberg” plugin.
This plugin gives you more control over where Gutenberg is disabled.
Features include:
- Disable Gutenberg for specific post types
- Disable block editor for WooCommerce products
- Role-based editor control
- Advanced customization settings
How to Install
- Go to Plugins → Add New
- Search for “Disable Gutenberg”
- Install the plugin
- Activate it
Configure Settings
- Navigate to:
- Settings → Disable Gutenberg
From there, you can customize where Gutenberg should be disabled.
Method 3: Disable Gutenberg Using Code
If you prefer not to use plugins, you can disable Gutenberg with a simple code snippet.
Add the following code to your active theme’s functions.php file:
add_filter('use_block_editor_for_post', '__return_false', 10);Disable Gutenberg for All Post Types
add_filter('use_block_editor_for_post_type', '__return_false', 10);Disable Gutenberg for WooCommerce Products Only
add_filter('use_block_editor_for_post_type', function($enabled, $post_type) {
if ($post_type === 'product') {
return false;
}
return $enabled;
}, 10, 2);What Happens After Disabling Gutenberg?
After disabling Gutenberg:
- The Classic Editor will return
- Existing posts remain safe
- Your content will not be deleted
- You can continue editing posts normally
However, content previously created with Gutenberg blocks may appear in HTML or shortcode format in some cases.
Is Disabling Gutenberg Good for SEO?
Disabling Gutenberg does not directly improve SEO, but it may help indirectly by improving your workflow and reducing compatibility issues.
Possible Benefits
- Faster content creation
- Cleaner editing experience
- Reduced plugin conflicts
- Better compatibility with older themes
Possible Drawbacks
- Missing modern block features
- Limited Full Site Editing support
- Future WordPress features may focus on block editing
Classic Editor vs Gutenberg
| Feature | Classic Editor | Gutenberg |
| Easy Writing Experience | Yes | Moderate |
| Drag and Drop Layout | No | Yes |
| Performance | Fast | Moderate |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Design Options | Limited | Excellent |
| Resource Usage | Low | Higher |
Which Editor Should You Use?
The best editor depends on your workflow and website needs.
Use Classic Editor If:
- You prefer simple blogging
- You publish content quickly
- You use older plugins or themes
- You want a lightweight dashboard experience
Use Gutenberg If:
- You create modern page layouts
- You design landing pages
- You prefer block-based editing
- You want Full Site Editing features
Important Things to Consider Before Disabling Gutenberg
Take a Website Backup – Always create a backup before making major changes to your website.
Use a Child Theme – If editing the functions.php file, use a child theme to avoid losing changes after theme updates.
Check Plugin Compatibility – Some plugins may depend on Gutenberg functionality.
Clear Website Cache – After making changes, clear your cache to ensure updates appear correctly.
Alternatives to Completely Disabling Gutenberg
Instead of fully disabling Gutenberg, you can also consider these alternatives:
- Use the Classic Block inside Gutenberg
- Disable Gutenberg only for selected post types
- Use a hybrid editing workflow
Popular Gutenberg Alternative Page Builders
Some popular alternatives include:
- Classic Editor
- TinyMCE Advanced
- Elementor
- Beaver Builder
- WPBakery Page Builder
Common Problems When Disabling Gutenberg
Problem 1: Classic Editor Not Showing
Solution
- Ensure the plugin is activated
- Clear browser and website cache
Problem 2: Broken Block Content
Solution
- Convert blocks to Classic Block
- Review the HTML structure
Problem 3: Theme Conflicts
Solution
- Update your theme
- Test with a default WordPress theme
Although Gutenberg is a powerful and modern editor, it is not the perfect solution for everyone. Many bloggers, developers, and WooCommerce users still prefer the simplicity and speed of the Classic Editor.
The good news is that disabling Gutenberg in WordPress is very easy. Whether you use a plugin or a custom code snippet, you can restore the Classic Editor in just a few minutes.
Choose the editor that best fits your workflow, website goals, and user experience needs.
