10 Essential Gutenberg Block Editor Tricks You Need to Know

The Gutenberg block editor is packed with powerful features, but many of its best tricks remain hidden from everyday users. Whether you're a content creator, developer, or site owner, mastering these techniques will transform your WordPress workflow.

We've compiled the 10 most impactful Gutenberg tricks that will save you hours of work. Each trick includes step-by-step instructions and visual demonstrations to help you implement them immediately.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Keyboard Shortcuts
2. Hidden Features in the Interface
3. Block Management Techniques
4. Content Organization Tips
5. Time-Saving Workflows
6. GIF Demonstrations

1. Master the Slash Command for Instant Blocks

The Trick: Type / followed by the block name to instantly insert any block without clicking.

How It Works: 1. Place your cursor where you want the block 2. Type / 3. Start typing the block name (e.g., /image, /heading, /button) 4. Press Enter to insert

Pro Tips: - /h2 creates a Heading 2 - /ul creates an unordered list - /quote adds a quote block - /hr inserts a separator

Why It's Powerful: This single trick can speed up your content creation by 50%. No more hunting through the block inserter!

2. Transform Blocks with a Single Click

The Trick: Convert any block type to another compatible type without losing content.

How It Works: 1. Select the block you want to transform 2. Click the block icon in the toolbar 3. Choose the new block type from the menu

Common Transformations: - Paragraph → Heading - List → Paragraphs - Quote → Pullquote - Image → Cover - Group → Columns

Hidden Gem: Select multiple paragraphs and transform them into a list instantly!

3. Multi-Select Magic with Shift+Click

The Trick: Select multiple blocks at once for bulk operations.

Three Methods: 1. Shift+Click: Click first block, hold Shift, click last block 2. Click and Drag: Click in the margin and drag to select 3. Select All: Use Ctrl/Cmd + A within a container

What You Can Do: - Move multiple blocks together - Apply formatting to several blocks - Create a group from selection - Delete blocks in bulk - Convert to reusable block

4. The Power of Block Patterns Shortcuts

The Trick: Access pre-built layouts instantly without leaving your content.

Quick Access Methods: 1. Type /pattern to browse all patterns 2. Click the + button and switch to Patterns tab 3. Use the Pattern Explorer (Shift + Alt + P)

Time-Saving Pattern Uses: - /pattern testimonial - Add testimonial sections - /pattern pricing - Insert pricing tables - /pattern team - Add team member grids - /pattern cta - Call-to-action sections

Pro Tip: Create your own patterns for frequently used layouts!

5. Navigate Like a Pro with Arrow Keys

The Trick: Use arrow keys and modifiers for lightning-fast block navigation.

Navigation Shortcuts: - ↑/↓ - Move between blocks - Tab - Navigate toolbar options - Escape - Deselect current block - Enter - Create new block below - Alt + F10 - Jump to nearest toolbar

Advanced Navigation: - Ctrl + Alt + ↑/↓ - Move blocks up/down - Shift + Alt + ↑/↓ - Duplicate and move - Alt + Shift + Z - Delete selected block

6. Instant Duplication for Repeated Elements

The Trick: Duplicate any block or group of blocks with a single shortcut.

Methods: 1. Keyboard: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + D 2. Toolbar: Three dots menu → Duplicate 3. Copy Style: Copy formatting without content

Smart Uses: - Duplicate complex layouts - Create consistent sections - Copy styled buttons - Replicate custom groups

Power Move: Duplicate, then use "Copy Styles" and "Paste Styles" to maintain consistency across different blocks.

7. The Hidden List View for Complex Pages

The Trick: Use List View for bird's-eye navigation of complex layouts.

Access List View: - Click the List View icon (three horizontal lines) - Or press Shift + Alt + O

List View Superpowers: - Drag and drop blocks to reorganize - See nested block structure - Jump to any block instantly - Select multiple blocks easily - Rename blocks for clarity

Pro Tip: Right-click blocks in List View for quick actions!

8. Quick Block Settings with the Sidebar

The Trick: Master the settings sidebar for rapid customization.

Sidebar Shortcuts: - Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + , - Toggle settings sidebar - Tab through settings quickly - Use number inputs for precise control

Hidden Settings: 1. Advanced Panel: Custom CSS classes, HTML anchors 2. Color Settings: Often have opacity controls 3. Typography: Line height, letter spacing 4. Dimensions: Margin, padding per side

9. Paste Content Like a Pro

The Trick: Gutenberg intelligently converts pasted content into appropriate blocks.

Smart Paste Features: - From Word/Google Docs: Maintains headings, lists, and basic formatting - URLs: Automatically creates embed blocks for YouTube, Twitter, etc. - Images: Drag and drop or paste directly - Markdown: Converts to blocks automatically

Advanced Paste Options: 1. Paste as Plain Text: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + V 2. Paste Without Formatting: Removes all styling 3. Paste and Match Style: Maintains destination formatting

10. Reusable Blocks for Ultimate Efficiency

The Trick: Convert any block configuration into a reusable template.

Creating Reusable Blocks: 1. Build your block or group 2. Select it 3. Click three dots → "Create Reusable block" 4. Name it descriptively

Management Tips: - Access all reusable blocks at /wp-admin/edit.php?post_type=wp_block - Convert back to regular blocks when needed - Export/import between sites - Use for headers, CTAs, disclaimers

Advanced Technique: Combine reusable blocks with block patterns for maximum flexibility!

Bonus Tricks for Power Users

11. Code Editor Mode

Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Alt + M Switch to code view for direct HTML editing when needed.

12. Distraction-Free Writing

Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + \ Hide all UI elements for focused writing.

13. Block Locking

Prevent accidental edits by locking blocks: - Disable movement - Prevent removal - Lock all attributes

14. Custom Block Styles

Many blocks have style variations: - Buttons: Fill, Outline - Quotes: Default, Large - Tables: Stripes, Fixed width

15. Global Styles Preview

Preview how changes affect your entire site before applying.

Quick Reference Cheatsheet

Essential Shortcuts

Block Insertion

Implementation Tips

For Content Creators

1. Start with slash commands for common blocks
2. Master multi-select for formatting
3. Use List View for long posts
4. Create reusable blocks for signatures/bios

For Developers

1. Utilize code editor mode for quick fixes
2. Lock blocks in client projects
3. Create custom patterns for clients
4. Use advanced CSS classes

For Site Owners

1. Learn keyboard navigation basics
2. Master the transform feature
3. Use patterns for consistent design
4. Implement reusable blocks for CTAs

Common Workflows Enhanced

Blog Post Creation

1. Type /h2 for headings
2. /image for quick image insertion
3. Multi-select paragraphs → transform to list
4. Duplicate formatted sections
5. Use reusable block for author bio

Landing Page Building

1. Start with patterns for sections
2. Duplicate and modify groups
3. Use List View for organization
4. Lock completed sections
5. Preview in different devices

Documentation Writing

1. Use heading shortcuts for structure
2. Transform text to different formats
3. Create reusable blocks for warnings/notes
4. Use code editor for tables
5. Implement keyboard navigation

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Shortcuts Not Working?

• Check for plugin conflicts
• Ensure you're in the editor (not preview)
• Try different browsers
• Reset keyboard shortcuts in preferences

Blocks Not Transforming?

• Not all blocks can transform to all types
• Check block compatibility
• Try ungrouping first
• Update to latest Gutenberg

Performance Issues?

• Disable unused plugins
• Clear browser cache
• Use List View for complex pages
• Break very long posts into pages

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Speed Building

Create a blog post using only keyboard shortcuts: 1. Add title with /h1 2. Insert image with /image 3. Add paragraphs 4. Transform to list 5. Duplicate sections

Exercise 2: Pattern Mastery

1. Insert 3 different patterns
2. Modify colors and content
3. Save one as reusable block
4. Create your own pattern

Exercise 3: Advanced Navigation

1. Build a complex layout
2. Navigate using only keyboard
3. Reorganize via List View
4. Apply bulk formatting

Conclusion

These 10 essential Gutenberg tricks are just the beginning. The block editor continues to evolve with each WordPress release, introducing new features and refinements. By mastering these techniques, you'll work faster, create better content, and enjoy the WordPress editing experience.

Your Next Steps: 1. Practice one new trick each day 2. Create your own reusable blocks library 3. Share these tips with your team 4. Explore advanced block development

Remember, efficiency in Gutenberg isn't about knowing every feature—it's about mastering the ones that matter most for your workflow.

Ready to dive deeper into WordPress's block editor? Explore our comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Gutenberg and Full-Site Editing for advanced techniques and development insights.