Table of Contents
- What Is the Classic Editor?
- Method 1: Turn Off the Classic Editor Plugin
- Method 2: Change the Settings (If You Want Both Editors)
- What If You Don’t See the Classic Editor Plugin?
- Why Use the Block Editor?
Still using the Classic Editor in WordPress? If you’re ready to move to the newer Gutenberg block editor, the process is quick and simple.
WordPress now uses the block editor as its standard editing experience, offering more flexibility and modern layout options. To start using Gutenberg, you just need to deactivate the plugin that keeps the Classic Editor enabled. Once it’s turned off, WordPress will automatically load the block editor, and you can begin creating and editing content using blocks.
You may wish to this as part of a WordPress upgrade or general WordPress maintenance.
Let’s walk through it step by step.
What Is the Classic Editor?
The Classic Editor is the original text editor WordPress used before 2018. It was designed to feel like a simple word processor, with a familiar layout that focused purely on writing content.
There are no blocks or advanced layout tools, just a title field and a large text area to write in. While it lacks modern design features, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using the Classic Editor. Many users still prefer it for its simplicity, speed, and distraction-free experience.
Many users added the “Classic Editor” plugin when WordPress introduced the new block editor (also called Gutenberg). If you’re ready to stop using the old editor, you can disable it in a few clicks.
Method 1: Turn Off the Classic Editor Plugin
If you installed the Classic Editor plugin, this is the fastest way to stop using it.
Steps:
- Log in to your WordPress Dashboard
- Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins
- Find the one called Classic Editor
- Click Deactivate
- Done!
Now, when you open a page or post, the block editor will load instead.
If you want, you can also delete the plugin to clean things up:
- Click Delete after deactivating
- Confirm when asked
Method 2: Change the Settings (If You Want Both Editors)
Let’s say you’re not ready to fully remove the Classic Editor but want to make the block editor the default. You can do that in settings.
Here’s how:
- Go to Settings → Writing
- Look for the option that says Default editor for all users
- Choose Block Editor
- Save your changes
This way, WordPress will use the new editor by default. But users can still switch back if they want.
What If You Don’t See the Classic Editor Plugin?
If you didn’t install the Classic Editor plugin yourself, maybe your theme or another plugin added it. In that case, look for any other plugins related to the editor and follow the same steps—deactivate and delete.
If you still see the Classic Editor, your theme might be forcing it. You can:
- Switch to a new theme
- Contact your theme’s support
- Or add a plugin like Gutenberg to bring back the block editor
Why Use the Block Editor?
The block editor lets you build pages with more control, making website design easier and more flexible. You can add images, columns, buttons, and more without extra code or plugins.
It may take a little time to learn, but once you get the hang of it, it’s faster and more flexible than the old editor, especially for modern website design needs.