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.
Every page and post in WordPress is built with blocks. A block is a single piece of content — a paragraph, a heading, an image, a button, or a video. You stack blocks together to build your content. This guide explains how to work with them confidently.
Quick summary
Click the + button anywhere in the editor to add a block. Click a block to select it and edit it. Drag it to move it. Use the three-dot menu on the toolbar above the block for more options like duplicate, delete, or move to a different position.
What you'll need
Beginner 5 minutes to learn- Access to edit a page or post in WordPress. You need at least an Author, Editor, or Administrator role.
- A page or post already open in the block editor. See how to edit a page or how to create a new page.
Understanding the block editor layout
When you open a page or post to edit it, you are in the block editor (also called the Gutenberg editor). The main area is a white canvas where your blocks live. On the left is a panel for navigating blocks. On the right is a settings panel.
The toolbar at the very top of the screen has a + button (to add blocks), navigation arrows (undo/redo), and a Publish or Update button.
Adding a block
There are three ways to add a new block:
Click in an empty paragraph block and type a forward slash / followed by the block name. For example, type /heading to add a Heading block, or /image to add an Image block. A suggestion list appears — click the one you want.
When you reach the end of a paragraph block and press Enter, WordPress creates a new paragraph block below it. This is the fastest way to keep writing without reaching for the mouse.
Selecting and editing a block
Click on any block to select it. When selected, a small toolbar appears floating above the block. This toolbar contains:
| Button | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drag handle (six dots) | Click and drag to reposition the block |
| Up / Down arrows | Move the block one position up or down |
| Transform button | Change the block type (e.g., turn a paragraph into a heading) |
| Alignment button | Align content left, center, or right |
| Bold / Italic | Text formatting (for text blocks) |
| Link button | Add a hyperlink to selected text |
| Three-dot menu (⋮) | More options: duplicate, insert before/after, move to, delete |
Moving a block
You have two options:
- Drag and drop. Hover over the block until the cursor changes. Click and hold the six-dot drag handle on the left edge of the block, then drag it to the new position.
- Use the arrow buttons. Click the block, then use the up and down arrow buttons in the floating toolbar to move it one step at a time. For larger jumps, use the three-dot menu and choose Move to.
Duplicating a block
Click the block, click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the toolbar, and choose Duplicate. A copy appears directly below the original.
Deleting a block
Click the block, click the three-dot menu (⋮), and choose Remove block. The block is gone. You can undo this immediately with Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac).
Deleting is immediate
There is no confirmation dialog when you delete a block. If you delete something by accident, press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac) right away to undo. WordPress also saves revisions, so you can recover older versions — see undo mistakes with revisions.
The block settings panel
When you click a block, the right-hand panel switches to show settings for that specific block. The settings vary by block type. For example:
- A Heading block lets you choose the level (H1, H2, H3).
- An Image block lets you add alt text, link the image, and change the size.
- A Button block lets you set the link URL, style, and color.
There are usually two tabs at the top of the right panel: Block (settings for the current block) and Post (settings for the whole page/post). Make sure you are on the Block tab when adjusting a specific block.
The block toolbar explained (quick reference)
Things you can do to any block
- Select it with a single click
- Edit the content directly (just click and type)
- Move it up or down
- Duplicate it
- Delete it
- Copy/paste it (Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V or Command+C / Command+V)
Things that vary by block type
- Change alignment (left, center, right, wide, full-width)
- Add a link (text and button blocks)
- Add alt text (image blocks)
- Change color or style (many blocks)
- Set a caption (image, video blocks)
Grouping blocks together
You can select multiple blocks and group them into a Group block. This makes it easy to move or duplicate a whole section at once.
To select multiple blocks: click the first block, then hold Shift and click the last block in the range. Then click the block type icon in the toolbar (it will show a stacked icon for multiple blocks) and choose Group.
Common questions
Related guides
- The most useful blocks, explained
- How to create a new page
- How to edit a page
- How to add images to a page or post
- Undo mistakes with revisions
- Getting started with the block editor
Need a hand?
Learn more
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The most useful blocks, explained
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