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Advanced Editor Tools

By Andrew Ozz

Content Management / Blog & Article Publishing

Advanced Editor Tools Review - In-Depth Analysis

Enhances the block editor and classic editor with additional features and customization options.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

7.45/10

User Rating

4.5/5 (based on 354+ reviews)

Active Installations

1,000,000+

Update Frequency

Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

1 / 10 (Very Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

Advanced Editor Tools, previously known as TinyMCE Advanced, introduces a Classic Paragraph block for the block editor. This allows users to continue using the familiar TinyMCE editor while accessing all new features in the block editor.

Version 5.5 improves features introduced in version 5.0, including a Clear Formatting button and advanced settings for tables. Users can import and export settings to a file for convenience.

This plugin enables the previous classic editor in WordPress 5.0 and newer, allowing users to switch between editors. It is compatible with the Classic Editor plugin and offers customizable toolbar buttons for the Visual Editor.

With 15 TinyMCE plugins automatically enabled or disabled based on chosen buttons, users can configure up to four rows of buttons including Font Sizes, Font Family, and table options. Advanced Editor Tools does not collect user data and maintains user privacy.

Comparing to Alternatives

Advanced Editor Tools stands out as a robust classic editor enhancement for WordPress, especially for users preferring TinyMCE over Gutenberg. While it is the primary plugin in its category, it offers a comprehensive set of features that improve editing experience.

Top alternatives

Advanced Editor Tools

Strengths

Extensive customization options for the classic editor.
Works on both backend and frontend editing.
Provides additional formatting and table tools.
Helps users transition from classic editor to Gutenberg with familiar features.

Weaknesses

Limited to classic editor enhancements, not a full Gutenberg replacement.
No official pro version with advanced premium features.
Some users report content editing issues after deactivation.
Lacks integration with newer block editor functionalities.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback highlights the plugin's usefulness in enhancing the classic editor experience, though some concerns about content handling have been raised.

Positive highlights

'Lots of great options for customizing the classic editor' - Josh Journey
'Does exactly what it says on the box' - tkoc
'Great addition to my Gutenberg toolbar' - Matt Rock
'Helpful added features' - kiyasu
'Good for those not ready to fully embrace Gutenberg' - Avir Media

Common complaints

Content becomes uneditable after plugin deactivation.
Creates additional containers that complicate editing.
Limited support for full Gutenberg block editing.
No premium support or advanced features.

Weaknesses

Potential editing disruption if plugin is disabled.
Lack of updates to fully support modern editor workflows.
Some users find it insufficient for complex content needs.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users who prefer the classic WordPress editor and want to enhance it with additional formatting tools without switching fully to Gutenberg.

Not ideal for

Users who rely heavily on the Gutenberg block editor or need advanced premium features and seamless integration with modern WordPress editing workflows.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers a comprehensive set of tools to customize and enhance the classic editor experience, including additional formatting options and table management.

Final Verdict

Advanced Editor Tools is a solid choice for users seeking to improve their classic WordPress editor experience with useful customization options and enhanced formatting capabilities.

However, users should be cautious about potential editing issues if the plugin is deactivated and consider their need for modern Gutenberg features before relying solely on this plugin.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free Advanced Editor Tools plugin.

Block editor

Classic Editor

Editor customization

Screenshots

FAQ

These errors are usually caused by the file in question being blocked by some security setting on the server, or (rarely) by caching issues or wrong permissions.

The first step to debug this is to try to access the file directly in the browser (i.e. copy the URL and paste in the browser and press Enter).

If you see the file (that’s usually minified JS, so it is all on one line) chances are it was some sort of caching issue that is now resolved. Try using the editor again.

If you see an HTTP error (like 403 or 500) best would be to contact your web hosting company for help. In some cases deleting and re-installing the plugin may help.