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Disabling Gutenberg in WordPress

Starting with WordPress 5.0, the Gutenberg block editor replaced the Classic Editor as the default editing experience. While Gutenberg offers modern features, some themes and plugins may not be fully compatible. On ruachost.com, you can disable Gutenberg and continue using the Classic Editor.

  • Maintain compatibility with older themes and plugins.
  • Provide a familiar editing experience for site administrators.
  • Avoid conflicts with custom code or page builders.
Section titled “Method 1: Install the Classic Editor Plugin (Recommended)”
  1. Log in to WordPress with an administrator account.
  2. In the dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New.
  3. Search for Classic Editor.
  4. Click Install Now, then Activate.
  5. Go to Settings → Writing.
  6. Choose whether to use the Classic Editor by default or allow users to switch between editors.
  7. Save changes.

✅ All new posts and pages will now open in the Classic Editor.

If you prefer not to use a plugin:

  1. In the dashboard, go to Appearance → Theme Editor.

  2. Open the functions.php file of your active theme.

  3. Add the following code snippet:

    // Disable Gutenberg editor
    add_filter('use_block_editor_for_post', '__return_false', 10);
  4. Save changes.

✅ Gutenberg is now disabled site‑wide.

  • Always back up your site before editing theme files.
  • Use a child theme to preserve changes during updates.
  • Some plugins may require Gutenberg, test thoroughly before disabling.
  • The Classic Editor plugin will be supported by WordPress until at least 2026.