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What We Know So Far About WordPress 5.0 and the Gutenberg Block Editor Plugin

If you know anything about WordPress, you’re likely to have heard about the update that will be arriving on December 6, 2018. According to WordPress.org, the update will NOT happen automatically. It is a manual update and is not necessary. Our suggestion is to wait until at least January, when they’ll most likely fix any bugs that exist in the initial release. From what we know so far, this major update to WordPress should NOT have any negative affects on your website, except that it will default to the new Gutenberg Block Editor. If your website automatically upgraded to WordPress 5.0, don’t fret. Gutenberg can easily be disabled by installing the free Classic Editor plugin. Keep reading below for more info.

We also suggest NOT updating to any WP version unless you first make a backup that can easily be reverted to if the install fails or creates major issues with your website. We recommend that you always use a reputable and experienced web development firm (like Radiant Design!) to maintain your website and update the software and plugins on a regular basis and when necessary. Sometimes simply updating a plugin can crash a website, so we’re pretty sure updating the core software can potentially cause some sites to have major issues. Having an off-site backup ready to revert to quickly is key! And we’re happy to help if you need assistance.

What about Gutenberg?

The Gutenberg “block editor” has been optional for nearly a year. We’ve tested it, and while it has the potential to be better than the default Classic Editor, it still has limitations and glitches. We did not like it and found it very frustrating to use. It’s a step in the right direction, but cannot compare with the page builder plugin we use on nearly ALL of the websites we build for clients.

Our page builder is far more robust and stable. Gutenberg might get there eventually. But for now, the best bet is to disable Gutenberg on your website. This is done by installing and activating the free Classic Editor plugin. Doing this instantly allows third-party page builder plugins to continue to do their job without disruption. According to WordPress.org, the Classic Editor will still be available and supported through 2022. By then, I’m sure there will be plenty of workarounds for using third-party page builders without interruption.

Let us know if you have any questions. Radiant Design is always here to help.

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Copyright 2018 Tom Lempner and Radiant Design.