Classic Editor: Still Viable In WordPresss Evolving World?

Navigating the ever-evolving world of WordPress can feel like constantly learning a new language. While the Gutenberg block editor has become the standard, many users still swear by the familiar comfort and control of the WordPress Classic Editor. This isn’t simply nostalgia; it’s about efficiency, workflow, and a preference for a specific writing experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the WordPress Classic Editor, exploring its features, benefits, how to install it, and why it remains a relevant and powerful option for content creators today.

Understanding the WordPress Classic Editor

The WordPress Classic Editor is the traditional, WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor that was the default in WordPress versions prior to 5.0. It offers a toolbar similar to Microsoft Word, allowing users to format text, insert media, and manage their content directly within a single, unified interface. While Gutenberg introduced a modular block-based approach, the Classic Editor remains a solid choice for those who prefer a more linear and familiar writing experience.

Key Features of the Classic Editor

• WYSIWYG Interface: The biggest draw for many is the “What You See Is What You Get” nature of the editor. Formatting is immediately visible, making it intuitive for users accustomed to word processors.
• Toolbar Functionality: The toolbar provides quick access to essential formatting options like headings, bold, italics, lists, blockquotes, and more.
• HTML Editing: Users can switch to the “Text” tab to directly edit the HTML code of their posts and pages, offering fine-grained control over the content’s structure.
• Media Library Integration: Seamlessly insert images, videos, and other media files from the WordPress Media Library.
• Shortcode Support: Easily embed dynamic content using shortcodes, which are particularly useful for plugins and themes that rely on them.
• Familiarity: For long-time WordPress users, the Classic Editor offers a comfortable and efficient workflow they’ve honed over years.

Why Choose the Classic Editor?

There are several compelling reasons to opt for the Classic Editor:

• Simplicity and Ease of Use: The straightforward interface is less overwhelming for beginners and those who prefer a less visually complex editing environment.
• Compatibility with Plugins: Some older or less frequently updated plugins may not be fully compatible with Gutenberg. The Classic Editor ensures these plugins continue to function as intended.
• Improved Workflow for Certain Users: Some writers and editors find the linear workflow of the Classic Editor more conducive to their writing process. They can focus on the text without being distracted by the block-based structure.
• Control Over Formatting: While Gutenberg offers flexibility, the Classic Editor provides more direct control over specific formatting elements for those who prefer to manage every detail.
• Performance on Older Hardware: The Classic Editor can be less resource-intensive than Gutenberg, making it a better option for users with older computers or slower internet connections.

Installing and Activating the Classic Editor

Even in newer versions of WordPress, installing and using the Classic Editor is straightforward. There are two primary ways to achieve this:

Using the Classic Editor Plugin

The official Classic Editor plugin, maintained by the WordPress team, is the recommended method for restoring the Classic Editor functionality.

Using Code (Not Recommended for Beginners)

While less common, you can also disable Gutenberg and enable the Classic Editor using code snippets in your theme’s `functions.php` file. However, this method is not recommended for beginners as it involves modifying theme files directly and can potentially break your website if not done correctly. Using the official plugin is a safer and more reliable approach.

• Example (Discouraged):

“`php

add_filter(‘use_block_editor_for_post’, ‘__return_false’);

“`

Working with the Classic Editor Interface

The Classic Editor’s interface is designed for ease of use, with a clear and intuitive layout. Understanding the key elements of the interface will help you maximize your efficiency.

The Visual and Text Tabs

• Visual Tab: This is the WYSIWYG view where you format your text, add headings, insert media, and see a live preview of how your content will appear on the front end. This is the primary workspace for most users.
• Text Tab: This tab displays the underlying HTML code of your post or page. Here, you can directly edit the HTML, add custom classes, and fine-tune the structure of your content. This is useful for advanced users or when you need to add code snippets.

The Toolbar Options

The toolbar offers a range of formatting options:

• Headings: Select from different heading levels (H1 to H6) to structure your content.
• Bold and Italics: Emphasize text with bold () and italics ().
• Lists: Create ordered (numbered) and unordered (bulleted) lists.
• Blockquotes: Highlight quotations with a distinct style.
• Alignment: Align text left, center, right, or justify.
• Insert/Edit Link: Add hyperlinks to other websites or internal pages.
• Insert Read More Tag: Control where the excerpt ends on your blog page.
• Distraction-Free Writing Mode: Expand the editor to fill the entire screen for a focused writing experience.
• Show/Hide Kitchen Sink: Toggle additional toolbar options, such as underline, full justification, text color, paste as text, and more.