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Gutenberg

By Matias Ventura

Content Management / Blog & Article Publishing

Gutenberg Review - In-Depth Analysis

Gutenberg is the block editor for WordPress, enabling a modular approach to site editing. Test new features and customize your site with ease.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

7.04/10

User Rating

2.1/5 (based on 3868+ reviews)

Active Installations

300,000+

Update Frequency

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

Security Score

4.71 / 10 (Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

Gutenberg is a new paradigm for creating with WordPress, revolutionizing the publishing experience. It introduces a block editor that allows users to edit individual content blocks on posts or pages.

With Gutenberg, you can add and adjust widgets, design site headers and footers, and create media-rich content without needing shortcodes or custom HTML. Each piece of content is treated as a block, making it easy to create and rearrange layouts.

This beta plugin provides early access to the latest features in block and full site editing. It invites tech-savvy users to test and contribute to the development of future enhancements.

For more information, users can refer to the WordPress Editor documentation and Developer Documentation for extensive tutorials and API references.

Comparing to Alternatives

Gutenberg is the default block editor for WordPress, designed to modernize content creation by using blocks. While it is the standard editor, there are alternative page builders that offer different approaches and features.

Top alternatives

Gutenberg

Strengths

Integrated into WordPress core, ensuring compatibility and regular updates.
Offers a block-based editing experience that simplifies content layout.
Continuously improving with new features and better performance.
Supports block themes and modern web design practices.

Weaknesses

User interface can be unintuitive and difficult for new users.
Performance issues such as layout shifts during loading.
Lacks some advanced customization options found in other page builders.
Some users find the editing experience less smooth compared to alternatives.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback on Gutenberg is mixed, reflecting both appreciation for its improvements and frustration with its usability and design.

Positive highlights

"It's improving, and clearly deserves more stars." - esdx
"Block editor really pushed WordPress to a new level making it more functional and accessible." - Gennady Kurushin
"We love it at our agency and our clients love using it too." - STHLM Web Design
"Smooth and intuitive editing experience, user-friendly and flexible." - jaxson5
"I get it now – best building and editing experience for WordPress." - Billy Wilcosky

Common complaints

Unintuitive UX/UI and poor ergonomics.
Layout shifts during editor loading causing editing issues.
Lack of easy access to customization options like custom CSS.
Feels forced on users without an easy opt-out option.

Weaknesses

Editing experience can be frustrating with unexpected block selections.
Performance and loading issues affect workflow.
Design and architecture criticized as developer-centric rather than user-friendly.
Limited advanced features compared to other page builders.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users who want a free, integrated block editor that is continuously updated and supported within WordPress core. Ideal for those who prefer a native solution without relying on third-party page builders.

Not ideal for

Users seeking highly customizable, intuitive, and advanced page building features may find Gutenberg limiting and frustrating. Those who prefer a more polished or alternative page builder experience might look elsewhere.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

Gutenberg is free and included with WordPress, providing a block-based editor with essential content creation tools and ongoing updates.

Final Verdict

Gutenberg represents a significant step forward for WordPress content editing by introducing a block-based approach that is integrated and regularly improved. It offers a solid foundation for modern web design within WordPress without additional cost.

However, its user experience and performance issues remain a concern for many users, especially those accustomed to more polished page builders. While it suits users looking for a native editor, others may prefer alternative solutions for advanced customization and smoother workflows.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free Gutenberg plugin.

block editor

site editing

WordPress customization

FAQ

The best place to report bugs, feature suggestions, or any other feedback is at the Gutenberg GitHub issues page. Before submitting a new issue, please search the existing issues to check if someone else has reported the same feedback.

While we try to triage issues reported here on the plugin forum, you’ll get a faster response (and reduce duplication of effort) by keeping feedback centralized in GitHub.