The most useful blocks, explained
A plain-English guide to the WordPress blocks you'll use most often — what each one does and when to use it.
WordPress comes with dozens of built-in blocks. You don't need to know all of them — but knowing the most useful ones will make editing your site much faster and more confident. This guide introduces the blocks you'll reach for every time.
Quick summary
The blocks you'll use most are: Paragraph, Heading, Image, List, Button, Quote, Video, Table, Spacer, and Columns. Each one does exactly what its name suggests. Click the + button in the editor to find and add any of them.
Text blocks
Paragraph
The Paragraph block is the default block — it's what you get when you just start typing. Use it for body text. Keep paragraphs short (3–4 sentences) for easier reading.
You can bold, italicize, add a link, or change the text color using the small toolbar that appears above the block when you click on it.
Heading
Use Heading blocks to organize your content into sections. WordPress uses heading levels numbered 1 through 6:
| Heading level | When to use it |
|---|---|
| H1 | The main page title — only one per page, usually set automatically |
| H2 | Major section headings on the page |
| H3 | Sub-sections within an H2 section |
| H4–H6 | Rarely needed; use sparingly for deeply nested content |
Don't skip heading levels
For accessibility and SEO, headings should follow a logical order — H2, then H3, then H4. Don't jump from H2 to H4. Screen readers use headings to navigate a page, so keeping them in order helps all your readers.
List
Use the List block for bullet points or numbered lists. In the block toolbar, you can switch between an unordered list (bullets) and an ordered list (numbers). Hit Enter to add a new list item, and Tab to indent a sub-item.
Quote
The Quote block is for highlighting a standout sentence — a testimonial, a notable statement, or a key insight. It usually renders with visual styling (like a large quotation mark or indentation) set by your theme.
Classic
The Classic block embeds the older WordPress editor. You may see it in older content. For new content, use the modern blocks instead — they're more flexible and easier to style.
Media blocks
Image
The Image block lets you add a single photo or graphic to your content. You can:
- Upload a new image from your computer
- Choose one from the media library
- Paste an image URL
Always fill in the Alt text field in the right-hand panel. Alt text describes the image for people using screen readers and helps search engines understand what the image shows. See adding images to a page or post for the full walkthrough.
Gallery
The Gallery block displays multiple images in a grid. You can choose how many columns to use. It's ideal for portfolios, before-and-after photos, or product shots.
Video
The Video block is for uploading a video file directly to your site. For videos hosted on YouTube or Vimeo, use the YouTube or Vimeo embed blocks instead — they load faster and don't use your hosting storage. See how to embed a video.
File
The File block adds a downloadable file (like a PDF or a brochure) with a download button. Upload the file and the block creates the link automatically.
Layout blocks
Buttons
The Buttons block adds one or more call-to-action buttons. Each button has a label and a link URL. You can style them as filled (primary) or outlined (secondary) depending on your theme. Buttons are one of the most important blocks on a page — they guide visitors to take the next step.
Columns
The Columns block divides your content into side-by-side sections. You choose the number of columns (2, 3, or a custom split). You can put any block inside each column. This is useful for comparing features, showing a team grid, or creating a two-column text-and-image layout.
Group
The Group block wraps other blocks together into a single unit. This is useful when you want to give a section a background color, add padding, or move several blocks as one piece.
Separator
The Separator block adds a horizontal line between sections. Use it sparingly to create a visual break without a heading.
Spacer
The Spacer block adds empty vertical space between blocks. Drag the handle to adjust the height. This is often better than pressing Enter multiple times to add space.
Embed blocks
YouTube
Paste a YouTube video URL into the YouTube block and the video embeds directly in the page. Visitors can play it without leaving your site. Much better than uploading video directly to WordPress.
Vimeo
Same as the YouTube block, but for Vimeo-hosted videos. Works the same way — paste the URL and the video appears.
Data blocks
Table
The Table block creates a grid of rows and columns. It's great for pricing comparisons, schedules, or any structured information. Use the block toolbar to add or remove rows and columns.
Blocks at a glance
Everyday content
- Paragraph — body text
- Heading — section titles
- List — bullet or numbered lists
- Image — photos and graphics
- Buttons — call-to-action links
- Quote — highlighted statements
Layout and media
- Columns — side-by-side content
- Gallery — image grids
- Video / YouTube / Vimeo — video embeds
- File — downloadable documents
- Table — structured data
- Spacer — breathing room between sections
Common questions
Related guides
- Working with blocks
- How to add images to a page or post
- How to embed a video
- How to add and edit links
- How to create a new page
- How to write & publish a blog post
Need a hand?
Learn more
Working with blocks
Learn how to add, move, delete, and customize blocks in the WordPress block editor — the building pieces of every page and post.
How to add and edit links
Learn how to add hyperlinks to text, buttons, and images in WordPress — including internal links, external links, and how to remove or change a link.