Here at Toast, we use our own theme to create a custom editing environment for your content around custom Gutenberg blocks.
Everything is built for purpose, ensuring your site does everything you need it to do without bloating it with unnecessary code.
We even incorporate Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) blocks to take your WordPress site customisation to the next level, making editing both intuitive and powerful.
But to give you a basic rundown of the “bare minimum,” here’s the foundation for getting started using the Block Editor.
And FYI, any examples shown will be from our Toast Theme.
Contents
- Understanding the Basics
- Adding and Editing Blocks
- Rearranging and Deleting Blocks
- Formatting Text and Adding Media
- Exploring Block Options
- Custom ACF Blocks for Enhanced Editing
- Saving and Publishing
- What do you think?
Understanding the Basics
The WordPress block editor, aka Gutenberg, is a visual content editor that breaks your content into “blocks.”
It makes content super easy to manage, especially if this is new to you.
Each block can contain different types of content like text, images, videos, and more.
Think of it as building blocks that you can easily arrange and customise to create your desired content layout.
The benefits to you:
- Quickly structure content without relying on complex coding.
- Focus on your message rather than the mechanics of your site.
- Make quick changes and adjustments as needed to keep your site fresh.
Adding and Editing Blocks
To start using the block editor, create a new post or page.
You can add blocks by clicking the “+” button or by pressing the “/” key on your keyboard.
Select the desired block type, such as a paragraph, heading, or image, and the block will appear on your screen.
You can edit the content of each block by simply clicking inside it and typing or pasting your text or media.
The benefits to you:
- Update your content effortlessly to keep your site engaging.
- No need to be a developer to manage your site’s layout and custom design aspects.
- Create new pages and posts whenever you like, ensuring fresh content for your audience.
Rearranging and Deleting Blocks
One advantage of the block editor is its flexibility in rearranging content.
To move a block, hover your mouse over the block until you see the up and down arrows.
Click and drag the block to the desired position.
To delete a block, click the three dots in the block’s toolbar and select “Remove block.”
The benefits to you:
- Easily experiment with your site’s layout to find the best format for your audience.
- Quickly adapt to content changes or update visuals.
- Keep your pages focused and clutter-free by deleting unnecessary content.
Formatting Text and Adding Media
The block editor offers numerous options to make your content visually appealing.
To format text, select the block containing the text, and formatting options will appear in the block’s toolbar.
You can change the font size, style, alignment, and more.
To add media like images or videos, simply click “Add Media” and upload or select the media file from your media library.
The benefits to you:
- Make your content more attractive and engaging for visitors.
- Display images, videos, and other visuals without hassle.
- Enhance user experience by aligning your site’s look with your brand.
Exploring Block Options
Each block has specific options and settings that can be accessed through its toolbar or the block settings panel on the right side of the screen.
For example, our Toast Theme image block allows you to change the formatting regarding the surrounding content (we have other custom blocks for more specific image needs).
Take the time to explore these options to customise your content precisely.
The benefits to you:
- Tailor each element to match your site’s style, creating a unique experience.
- Optimise each block for different content types, enhancing engagement.
- Easily maintain brand consistency across your site.
Custom ACF Blocks for Enhanced Editing
Beyond standard blocks, our Toast Theme includes custom Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) blocks, built specifically to enhance your editing experience.
With ACF blocks, you gain full control over custom fields, such as FAQs, testimonials, and complex content layouts, all manageable directly in the WordPress editor.
For instance, our custom FAQ block lets you add expandable sections with ease—ideal for a page needing structured, user-friendly information.
We also offer a Benefits block, perfect for showcasing unique selling points in a neat, visual format.
Every ACF block we create integrates seamlessly, allowing you to maintain consistency and a streamlined look across your site.
The benefits to you:
- Gain control over advanced layouts and details beyond basic content.
- Use tailored blocks to boost user engagement and site effectiveness.
- Save time on complex edits, letting you focus on your content’s essentials.
Saving and Publishing
As you work on your content, the block editor automatically saves your changes.
However, it’s a good practice to save your work manually by clicking the “Save” button regularly.
Once you’re satisfied with your content, click the “Publish” button to make it live on your website.
The benefits to you:
- Automatic saving provides peace of mind, so your changes are safe.
- Publishing from the editor is fast and simple for sharing new content.
- Perfect for frequent publishers who want to keep their content fresh.
What do you think?
The block editor might seem daunting initially, but with a little practice, you’ll discover its simplicity and versatility.
By understanding the basics, adding and editing blocks, formatting content, exploring block options, and leveraging custom ACF blocks, you’ll be able to create the engaging and visually appealing posts and pages that you want to make.
If you’re still unsure about how to use our tools effectively or if you would like to transfer your current site to WordPress, why not get in touch? Our team of developers can help you get back on track!
