Classic editor vs block editor

Understand the difference between WordPress's two editing experiences so you know which one you're using and what to expect.

WordPress has two different editing interfaces. You might be using one or the other — or your site might even offer a choice between them. This guide explains the difference so there's no confusion.

Quick summary

The block editor (also called Gutenberg) is the modern WordPress editor introduced in 2018. It builds pages using individual content blocks. The classic editor is the older, simpler editor — it looks more like a word processor. Chykalophia typically builds sites using the block editor, but some sites keep the classic editor via a plugin.

The block editor

The block editor — also known as Gutenberg — is the default editor in WordPress since version 5.0 (released in 2018). Every new WordPress site uses it unless a plugin has been installed to replace it.

What it looks like: The editing area is clean and minimal. Content is displayed in its actual layout — you can see roughly what the finished page will look like as you build it. Each piece of content sits in its own separate box (a "block") with its own controls.

How you work in it: You add blocks for each type of content — a paragraph, a heading, an image, a button. You can click on any block to select it, then drag to rearrange, or use the settings panel on the right to change its appearance.

For a full guide to using it, see getting started with the block editor.

The classic editor

The classic editor is the original WordPress editing interface. It was replaced by the block editor in 2018 but can still be installed as a plugin called "Classic Editor." The plugin only works on sites that use a classic (non-block) theme.

What it looks like: A single text area, similar to Microsoft Word or Google Docs. There's a toolbar of formatting buttons across the top — bold, italic, bullet lists, headings, and so on. Below that is a blank area where you type your content.

How you work in it: You type and format content the same way you would in a word processor. You see basic formatting as you type, but not the finished page layout, and you can't drag elements around.

Side-by-side comparison

	Block editor	Classic editor
Introduced	2018 (WordPress 5.0)	Before 2018
Still maintained?	Yes — the current standard	Yes — as a plugin
Content structure	Individual blocks	Single rich text area
Visual preview	Yes — WYSIWYG	Partial
Drag & drop	Yes	No
Learning curve	Moderate	Lower for people used to word processors
Used on new sites	Yes (default)	Only if the plugin is installed and the site uses a classic theme

WYSIWYG means "What You See Is What You Get." The editor shows approximately what the published page will look like.

How to tell which editor you're using

Open any page or post for editing. Look at the editing area:

If you see separate blocks with individual toolbars and a clean layout — you're in the block editor.
If you see a single text area with a row of formatting buttons at the top (bold, italic, alignment, etc.) — you're in the classic editor.

Another clue: look at the top of the editing screen. The block editor has a clean top bar with a Publish button on the right (it reads Save once the page is published, or Update on older versions of WordPress). The classic editor has more traditional menus and options.

Which one does Chykalophia use?

Chykalophia builds sites using the block editor. When we design a custom layout or theme, we build it to work with the block editor.

Some older sites that were built before 2018 — or migrated to Chykalophia from a previous developer — may still use the classic editor via the Classic Editor plugin. If you're unsure which editor is on your site, just ask us.

Can I switch between them?

In most cases, yes — but we recommend checking with us before making any change. Switching editing interfaces can affect how content is displayed, especially if content was built specifically for one editor or the other.

Easy to miss

If your site was built with a specific page builder (like Elementor), you may be using a third kind of editor entirely. In that case, neither the classic nor the block editor applies — you'd use the Elementor editor instead.

Common questions

The block editor is confusing. Can I switch to the classic editor?

It's possible to install the Classic Editor plugin, but it only works if your site uses a classic (non-block) theme. Before doing that, talk to us — your site's design may rely on the block editor, and switching could cause display issues. We're also happy to walk you through the block editor if it feels unfamiliar.

I see a mix of blocks and a text area on the same page. Why?

This can happen with pages that were originally written in the classic editor and later opened in the block editor. The older content gets converted into a "Classic" block — a block that contains a traditional editor inside it. This is normal.

Which editor is better?

The block editor is more powerful and is the future of WordPress. The classic editor is simpler and may feel more familiar if you've used word processors. For most everyday editing tasks — writing blog posts, updating text — both work fine.

Will the classic editor be removed from WordPress eventually?

There's no announced removal date. Classic Editor is an official WordPress plugin, and its plugin page says it will be supported "until 2024, or as long as is necessary." It was still being updated in 2026. However, the block editor is the long-term direction for WordPress. Getting familiar with blocks is worthwhile.

Need a hand?

If you're stuck, email support@chykalophia.com and we'll help. Include your website address and a screenshot if you can.