{"id":5564,"date":"2020-03-18T15:00:58","date_gmt":"2020-03-18T14:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/?p=5564"},"modified":"2020-11-19T10:29:41","modified_gmt":"2020-11-19T09:29:41","slug":"gutenberg-vs-wordpress-page-builders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/gutenberg-vs-wordpress-page-builders\/","title":{"rendered":"WordPress Page Builders vs. Gutenberg – What’s Better?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On December 6, 2018, the 5.0 version of WordPress was released. The new default editor, Gutenberg, was introduced to the world, which stirred a lot of waves within the WordPress community. The idea behind it was to ensure easier content creation and to make an editor that could keep up or even entirely replace the ever-so-popular page builders.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Gutenberg has been around for a while now, so, when all\u2019s said and done, in the WordPress Page Builders vs. Gutenberg game, who\u2019s the winner? What\u2019s better for users? Let\u2019s compare their specifics and find out.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”68px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Understanding Gutenberg and Page Builders<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Gutenberg handles content with blocks<\/strong>. The more you get familiar with it, the more types of blocks you\u2019ll discover. There are blocks for texts, images, video and audio files, etc., and new ones are constantly being added.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]

\n
\n \"Gutenberg <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Gutenberg does let you create beautiful content, and it seemingly works like page builders. Many have even wondered if it could perhaps replace page builders altogether. But the reality is, Gutenberg still has a lot of room for improvement and there are quite a few differences between the two.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Page builders are based on the drag-and-drop method<\/strong>. Over the last few years, the most popular page builders have been the WPBakery<\/a>, Elementor<\/a>, and Beaver Builder<\/a>. They help users design and modify websites like true professionals, to an extent that Gutenberg and its predecessor, the Classic Editor, simply don\u2019t allow.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”68px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

The Main Differences Between Gutenberg and Page Builders<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Style Options<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This is the area where the differences are the most apparent. Content customization isn\u2019t exactly Gutenberg\u2019s forte. Each block comes with some settings you can play with, but overall, Gutenberg\u2019s customization power comes nowhere near to that of page builders. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]For instance, if you choose the Image block, Gutenberg will let you choose a block style, set image size and dimensions, and add some text, but for any additional styling and touch-ups, you\u2019ll have to add custom CSS or install third-party plugins to augment the editor\u2019s functionality<\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]

\n
\n \"Block <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Among the most popular Gutenberg plugins are Ultimate Blocks<\/a> and Kadence Blocks<\/a>, that add custom blocks and more editing options to Gutenberg.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]In general, the block editor won\u2019t let you significantly change the style of the WordPress theme<\/a> you decide to use<\/strong>. And if you\u2019re not really computer savvy or you\u2019re an absolute WordPress beginner, you may not know how to customize your site via CSS. Also, you probably don\u2019t want to spend your time trying to find appropriate plugins to boost Gutenberg\u2019s editing options. In that case, your possibilities for altering the content to your taste are quite limited.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]On the other hand, page builders let you modify your content far more, as well as modify the styles of your WordPress theme without any coding knowledge<\/strong>. Depending on which page builder you choose, you can adjust virtually anything, from background types, colors, and border styles, to animation intensity, image opacity, text shadows, etc<\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
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\n \"Block <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]You can amend the slightest of details on your website, and the alterations you make become immediately visible, thanks to the WYSIWYG experience the builders provide.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”72px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Drag-and-Drop Feature<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Gutenberg does allow users to drag-and-drop blocks, to rearrange them. To move blocks, click and hold the handle containing the arrows at the left side of the block.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]

\n
\n \"Drag <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Thanks to the columns block, you can also create multi-columned rows and add content anywhere on your page. However, this functionality still doesn’t provide the flexibility most modern page builders do.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Page builders ensure a drag-and-drop experience with some extra options on the side<\/strong>. Apart from adding elements and widgets to any section of your website, you can also adjust their height, width, etc. Elementor, for instance, also allows you to drag new widgets and add them within already existing widget sections. In the example below we\u2019ve added a text widget to a video section, and now we can edit both as a single section.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
\n
\n \"Elementor <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]To add these features to Gutenberg, again, you\u2019d have to install third-party add-ons.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”72px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Custom Layouts<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It seems that layout editing is yet another segment where Gutenberg is outdone. Unless you activate some additional plugins (again, Kadence Block could do the trick) to increase its customization power, Gutenberg alone won\u2019t give you a lot of options to create layouts to your taste<\/strong>. The Layout Elements category includes Button, Columns, Media & Text blocks, etc. that you can add to your layout.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]

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\n \"Gutenberg <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Of course, the WordPress theme of your choice comes with its own set of predesigned page layouts<\/strong>. But if you\u2019d like to revamp them at some point or adjust them to fit the tone of your business, you might not be able to do it, regardless of the theme being fully customizable. And that\u2019s because Gutenberg won\u2019t provide you with too many editing options.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Page builders let you adjust templates entirely to your requirements and style<\/strong>. For starters, you can choose the structure of each section, and then adjust its height, width, etc. You can alter each section, and change its style, content, colors, \u2026 Furthermore, if you don\u2019t like any of the prebuilt templates, you can create your own from scratch. You can do this in Gutenberg, too, but with less customizing options at disposal.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”72px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Frontend Editing<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Gutenberg is supposed to be a proper WYSIWYG kind of editor, but it\u2019s still not able to ensure an entirely visual design. Sure, you can see what columns, quotes, and buttons will look like in the frontend, but that\u2019s kind of it<\/strong>. Plus, every time you want to check what a piece of content would look like to your website visitors, you need to click on the Preview button. Imagine making minuscule changes to an image. You\u2019re trying to tweak it to perfection, but each time you want to see a live preview, you need to press that button.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Most page builders provide an entirely visual experience, which means you immediately get to see how your website will look like at the frontend. <\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]

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\n \"Elementor <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Not only is this energy-saving but it also helps you easily notice which areas of your website need improvement. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”72px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Responsiveness<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In this day and age, it goes without saying just how important it is to have a fully responsive website. That\u2019s why you should choose your WordPress theme wisely, especially if you\u2019re using Gutenberg as your WordPress editor. The block editor won\u2019t let you easily adjust your content and its style to a certain device. The responsiveness of your website depends solely on how responsive the WordPress theme you\u2019ve purchased is.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Now, regardless of the theme you\u2019re using, page builders enable you to further edit the responsiveness of your website<\/strong>. Take a look at Elementor. This page builder allows you to control which widgets and parts of your website will be displayed on different devices, but also style them depending on the device they\u2019ll be viewed on. To do that, select the Responsive mode, and you\u2019ll be able to set specific alignments, margins, paddings, content order, as well as choose the content size, etc.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]

\n
\n \"Elementor <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”82px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Blocks vs Shortcodes<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Blocks are Gutenberg\u2019s cornerstones<\/strong>. There\u2019s a myriad of them to choose from. There are blocks for quotes, cover images, calendars, RSS feeds, and many, many more. As we mentioned earlier, there are also numerous plugins you can activate, to add more practical blocks to your website for free.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Gutenberg blocks come with two amazing features. One, you can reuse a block as many times as you like, and two, you can reuse them on different WordPress websites<\/strong>. If you add the same type of content to your pages more often than not (e.g. calling people to like and share your content on social media), reusable blocks would surely come in handy to you. Also, if you know your way around its API (Application Program Interface), Gutenberg gives you the option to create your custom block.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]No matter how vast Gutenberg\u2019s block collection is, it still falls short to the immense number of shortcodes, widgets, or modules page builders pack.\u00a0Page builders feature elements that let you add all types of content to your website, like audio & video carousels, price tables, countdowns, etc..<\/strong> Some of these features may be available in Gutenberg too, but that largely depends on the WordPress theme that\u2019s installed. Some page builders also include the possibility of creating a custom widget or an element, to enhance the functionality of the page builder.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”81px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#f0f0f0″][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”top-picks-banner”][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#f0f0f0″][vc_empty_space height=”80px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Verdict?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]At the end of our Gutenberg vs. Page Builders research, we can deduce that page builders are currently definitely better for users<\/strong>. They allow far more flexibility and fluidity when building a website, and they stand as proper boons for WordPress beginners and casual users. Not only do they come with an endless stream of customization options, but they are easier to use, and also help eliminate the common pain points anyone who wants to build a website may run into.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]If you like some of the Gutenberg\u2019s options better though, it\u2019s good to know most page builders integrate with the block editor. This means you can choose how to edit a specific section of your website, and switch between Gutenberg and page builders, depending on the action you\u2019d like to perform. Gutenberg will surely improve in the future, and its editing power will rise, but for now, page builders are the winners of this contest.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When all\u2019s said and done, in the WordPress Page Builders vs. Gutenberg game, who\u2019s the winner? We got the answer\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5769,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[14,15,4,13],"class_list":["post-5564","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-resources","tag-core","tag-plugins","tag-tips","tag-wordpress"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5564","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5564"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5564\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5769"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5564"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5564"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5564"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}