Reusable blocks & patterns
Learn how to save blocks as reusable blocks or use block patterns to quickly add professionally designed sections to any page or post.
If you find yourself creating the same content layout on multiple pages — a call-to-action section, a team member card, a testimonial format — there's a better way. WordPress has two tools that let you save and reuse your work: reusable blocks and block patterns. This guide explains both.
Quick summary
A reusable block is a block (or group of blocks) you save once and insert anywhere. When you edit the reusable block, it updates everywhere it's used. A pattern is a pre-built design template you insert and then customize freely — each copy is independent. Both save time on repetitive layouts.
What you'll need
Intermediate 10 minutes to learn- Editor or Administrator access in WordPress.
- A page or post open for editing. See how to edit a page.
Understanding the difference
Reusable blocks
- Saved in one place, used in many
- Editing the original updates all copies everywhere
- Great for content that must stay identical across pages (e.g., a "Book a call" section)
- Shows a green "Reusable" badge in the editor
Block patterns
- A design template you insert and then customize
- Each use is fully independent — editing one doesn't affect others
- Great for layouts you want to start from (e.g., a hero section design)
- Come from your theme, plugins, or the WordPress pattern directory
Reusable blocks update everywhere — be careful
Because editing a reusable block changes it on every page where it appears, always make a test edit on a preview first if you're unsure about a change. If you want to customize one instance only, convert it to regular blocks first (see below).
Working with reusable blocks
Create a reusable block
Build the block or group of blocks you want to save. For example, a Columns block containing a heading, text, and a button.
Select the block(s). To select a single block, click it. To select multiple, click the first, hold Shift, and click the last. Then right-click or use the three-dot menu to choose Group if they aren't grouped already.
Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the block toolbar.
Click "Create pattern / reusable block." A dialog box appears.
Give it a clear name (e.g., "CTA — Book a Call") and click Save. The block is now saved as a reusable block.
Insert a reusable block on another page
Click the + button where you want to insert it.
Search for the name you gave it. The reusable block appears in the results.
Click it to insert it. It appears on the page looking identical to the original.
Edit a reusable block
Click the reusable block to select it. It shows a green banner at the top identifying it as a reusable block.
Click the Edit (pencil) icon in the block toolbar. The block becomes editable.
Make your changes, then click Save. A confirmation dialog warns you that this will update the block on every page where it's used. Click Save to confirm.
Convert a reusable block to regular blocks
If you want to customize a single instance without affecting all the others:
Click the reusable block to select it.
Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the toolbar.
Click "Convert to regular blocks." The reusable block becomes a normal group of blocks on this page only. Editing it here will not affect other pages.
Manage all reusable blocks
To see, edit, or delete all your saved reusable blocks in one place:
Go to Appearance → Editor (if your theme supports the site editor) and look for the Patterns section. Alternatively, go to Tools → Pattern Manager if that option appears in your dashboard. You can also find reusable blocks via the URL: add /wp-admin/edit.php?post_type=wp_block to your site's domain in the browser address bar.
Working with block patterns
What is a block pattern?
A block pattern is a pre-designed layout you can insert into any page with one click. Patterns come from:
- Your WordPress theme (custom patterns your site designer created)
- Installed plugins
- The free WordPress pattern directory
Insert a block pattern
Click the + button where you want to add the pattern.
Click the Patterns tab at the top of the block picker. You'll see a grid of pattern thumbnails organized by category.
Browse or search for the type of layout you need (e.g., "hero," "testimonial," "pricing").
Click a pattern to insert it. It appears on the page with placeholder text and images. Edit each block inside the pattern to add your real content.
Patterns are templates — customize them freely
After inserting a pattern, every block inside it is a normal, independent block. You can change the text, swap images, adjust colors, or delete parts you don't need. Your edits stay on this page only.
Common questions
Related guides
- Working with blocks
- The most useful blocks, explained
- How to edit a page
- Undo mistakes with revisions
- How to duplicate a page
- Using the WordPress site editor
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