How to Use the Default WordPress Editor

If you are new to WordPress, one of the first tools you’ll interact with is the default WordPress editor. Whether you’re writing blog posts, building pages, or managing content for a business website, understanding how this editor works is essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use the default WordPress editor step by step, explain its core features in plain language, and show you how to create clean, structured, and professional content—without touching a single line of code.

This article is designed for beginners, non-technical users, and business owners who want to confidently manage their WordPress websites.

What Is the Default WordPress Editor?

The default WordPress editor is the built-in content editing tool that comes with every WordPress installation. Since WordPress 5.0, this editor is known as the Block Editor (also called Gutenberg).

Instead of one large text box like older editors, the default WordPress editor uses blocks. Each piece of content—paragraphs, images, headings, videos, buttons—is added and managed as an individual block.

This block-based system gives users more flexibility and visual control, making content creation easier and more intuitive.

Why WordPress Uses a Block Editor

Before blocks existed, WordPress relied on a classic text editor that felt similar to Microsoft Word. While simple, it limited layout control and required plugins or custom code for advanced designs.

The default WordPress editor solves this by:

• Separating content into manageable blocks
• Allowing visual layout control without coding
• Making pages easier to edit and reorganize
• Reducing reliance on third-party plugins

For most users, especially beginners, this editor strikes a good balance between simplicity and power.

Accessing the Default WordPress Editor

To start using the default WordPress editor:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard
2. Go to Posts → Add New (for blog posts)
3. Or go to Pages → Add New (for static pages)

Once opened, you’ll see a clean interface with a title field at the top and a large content area below—this is the block editor workspace.

Understanding the Editor Layout

Before creating content, it helps to understand the main areas of the editor.

1. Title Field

At the top, you’ll enter the title of your post or page. This title is important for both readers and SEO.

2. Content Area

This is where blocks are added. Each time you click or press “Enter,” WordPress creates a new block.

3. Block Toolbar

When you click on a block, a small toolbar appears above it. This toolbar changes depending on the block type.

4. Settings Sidebar

On the right side, you’ll find settings for the selected block and the overall page or post.

What Are Blocks in WordPress?

Blocks are the foundation of the default WordPress editor. Each block serves a specific purpose.

Common block types include:

• Paragraph
• Heading
• Image
• List
• Quote
• Button
• Video
• Spacer
• Columns

Instead of formatting everything inside one editor box, WordPress lets you build content piece by piece.

How to Add a New Block

There are several easy ways to add blocks:

• Click the “+” button in the editor
• Press Enter to create a new paragraph block
• Type “/” followed by a block name (for example: /image)

This makes content creation fast and intuitive—even for beginners.

Using Paragraph and Heading Blocks

Paragraph Blocks

Paragraph blocks are used for regular text. Simply start typing, and WordPress automatically creates one.

You can adjust text alignment, bold, italic, links, and more using the block toolbar.

Heading Blocks

Headings help structure your content and improve readability and SEO.

Best practices:

• Use H1 only for the page title
• Use H2 for main sections
• Use H3 for sub-sections

Clear heading structure makes your content easier to scan and understand.

Adding and Editing Images

Images play a big role in content engagement.

To add an image:

1. Insert an Image block
2. Upload a new image or select one from the Media Library

You can:

• Resize images
• Align them left, center, or right
• Add alt text for accessibility and SEO

Well-optimized images improve both user experience and search performance.

Creating Lists and Structured Content

Lists are perfect for instructions, features, and key points.

WordPress supports:

• Bullet lists
• Numbered lists

Lists improve readability and help readers quickly understand important information.

Using Columns for Simple Layouts

The Columns block allows you to place content side by side.

Common use cases:

• Text + image layouts
• Feature comparisons
• Call-to-action sections

This is one of the most powerful features of the default WordPress editor—no page builder required.

Embedding Media and External Content

You can easily embed content from platforms like:

• YouTube
• Vimeo
• Twitter (X)
• Instagram

Just paste the link into a block, and WordPress automatically converts it into an embedded display.

Saving, Previewing, and Publishing

Before publishing:

• Click Preview to see how the page looks on desktop or mobile
• Click Save Draft if you’re not ready

When ready:

• Click Publish to make your content live

WordPress also allows scheduling posts for future dates.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

When learning how to use the default WordPress editor, beginners often make these mistakes:

• Using too many different fonts or styles
• Ignoring heading hierarchy
• Forgetting to add alt text to images
• Overloading pages with unnecessary blocks

Keeping layouts clean and structured leads to better results.

When the Default Editor Is Enough—and When It Isn’t

For many websites, the default WordPress editor is more than enough.

It works well for:

• Blogs
• Business websites
• Landing pages
• Content-driven sites

However, for highly customized layouts, advanced animations, or complex eCommerce experiences, professional design support or advanced tools may be needed.

Why Understanding the Default Editor Matters for Business Websites

For business owners, knowing how to use the default WordPress editor means:

• Faster content updates
• Lower maintenance costs
• Better SEO control
• More flexibility without developers

This is especially important for cross-border businesses, where content often needs frequent updates, localization, and optimization.

Final Thoughts: Build Smarter with the Default WordPress Editor

Learning how to use the default WordPress editor gives you real control over your website. You don’t need technical knowledge to create professional, structured, and search-friendly content.

That said, knowing the tool is only part of the equation.

At AIRSANG, we specialize in cross-border website design and WordPress solutions. We help global brands build scalable WordPress websites that balance clean structure, strong visuals, and conversion-focused layouts—while still remaining easy to manage using the default editor.

If you want a WordPress website that looks professional, performs well globally, and stays easy to update, AIRSANG is here to help.