How to Disable Gutenberg Block Widget in WordPress

If you’re a WordPress user, you’ve probably faced Gutenberg, the default editor introduced in WordPress 5.0. While many users appreciate its block-based editing system, some prefer the classic editor for its simplicity and familiarity. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through disabling the Gutenberg block widget in WordPress so you can return to the classic editor. Not only will we explain why you might want to do this, but we’ll also provide step-by-step instructions to help you make the switch.

Why Disable Gutenberg Block Widget?

The Gutenberg editor has undoubtedly brought a lot of improvements to WordPress, but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Here are a few reasons why you might want to disable the Gutenberg block widget and revert to the classic editor:

The Gutenberg editor has undoubtedly brought a lot of improvements to WordPress, but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Here are a few reasons why you might want to disable the Gutenberg block widget and revert to the classic editor:

1. Familiarity: If you’ve been using WordPress for a while, you may be more comfortable with the classic editor, which is simpler and less overwhelming for some users.
2. Compatibility: Some themes and plugins may not work seamlessly with Gutenberg, causing compatibility issues. Disabling it can help ensure a smooth experience.
3. Client Preferences: If you’re building websites for clients who prefer the classic editor, disabling Gutenberg can make their editing experience more user-friendly.
4. Simplicity: For straightforward content creation without the need for complex layouts, the classic editor can be more straightforward and efficient.

Now, let’s dive into the steps to disable the Gutenberg block widget and return to the classic editor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Disable Gutenberg Block Widget

Follow these simple steps to disable the Gutenberg widget and return to the classic:

Using Classic Widgets Plugin:

Classic Widgets is a free tool for WordPress. The WordPress team makes it, and it helps you turn off the block editor in the widget area. You don’t have to adjust any settings. So, if you want to use the block widget system again, you can turn off the plugin.

By the use_widgets_block_editor Filter Hook:

You can also turn off WordPress block widgets using the “use_widget_block_editor” filter hook. To do this, follow these simple steps:

1. Open your current theme’s “functions.php” file.
2. Add this one-line code: add_filter( 'use_widgets_block_editor', '__return_false' );
3. Save the file.

After that, go to “Appearance” and click on “Widgets” to see if the traditional widget area is back to normal.

Thanks for your time!