Gutenberg is a new page builder for WordPress that will replace the default TinyMCE editor, designed to simplify and enhance content creation through block-based layouts. Currently in beta as a plugin, it is set to be included in the upcoming WordPress 5.0 release, although many features are still under development and there are several unresolved issues. Users are encouraged to test Gutenberg, provide feedback, and remain patient as it evolves.

1. An Introduction to Gutenberg
(WordPress’s New Editor)

2. Misconception: It is NOT named after Steve Guttenberg

3. Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg

4. What is the Gutenberg WordPress Editor?
A new page builder that is being designed to integrate
with WordPress core
• It will add content blocks and page builder-like functionality
• It will replace TinyMCE as the default content editor
• It is slated to be released with WordPress 5.0

6. The Purpose of Gutenberg
• “The goal of the block editor is to make adding rich content
to WordPress simple and enjoyable.”
- From the Gutenberg plugin description on WordPress.org.
• “Gutenberg is an important step forward for WordPress.
Gutenberg enables WordPress to build content layouts, not
just write articles. It is one of the many transitions happening
in WordPress toward a more simplified user experience.”
– Zack Katz, speaking at WordCamp Denver 2017

7. Matt Mullenweg is Completely Behind It
• In The State of the Word 2016, Mullenweg
announced that the visual editor would be one of
three core focuses for 2017.
• Matt took over as project lead for Gutenberg
earlier this year and assigned Automattic
employees Matias Ventura and Joen Asmussen to
lead the development.

8. Gutenberg is Currently a Plugin
• You can add Gutenberg to any WordPress site
today as a plugin downloaded from the
WordPress plugin directory.
• The Gutenberg plugin is usually updated weekly
as new features are included.
• As noted in the plugin description… this is beta
software. Use with care.

9. Gutenberg Will Be Included in WordPress 5.0
The revised Gutenberg roadmap was published in August.
• Nov 2017: 4.9 release
• Dec 2017: Begin merge proposal for Gutenberg
• Jan 2018: Gutenberg / Customizer crossover
No date for WordPress 5.0 has been officially set based on the
official WordPress roadmap.

10. Gutenberg is Definitely Not Finished Yet
• Many of the features of Gutenberg are still being implemented
• Don’t panic because it doesn’t work well right now
• Gutenberg is currently written using REACT javascript. With
Facebook’s recent move to relicense the project under the MIT
license, Matt Mullenweg announced that WordPress.com and
Gutenberg would be rewritten using a different library.

11. Gutenberg Blocks

12. Gutenberg Embeds

13. Some of the Good with Gutenberg
• It’s a move forward for the WordPress visual editor.
• Using HTML comments to store block info is clever.
• Disabling Gutenberg won’t break your site.
• The copy and paste routine is well executed.
• Solid HTML 5 output
• You can write your own blocks.

14. Some of the Bad with Gutenberg
• No more composing in the browser.
• The UI is a bit clunky.
• No shortcodes in paragraphs.
• No images or other embeds in paragraphs.
• Significant accessibility issues (at least currently)
• Older themes don’t style HTML 5 output.

15. What’s Unresolved with Gutenberg?
A Lot.
• The relationship between the Gutenberg editor
and themes.
• How will it be integrated into the WordPress
core?
• When will the Gutenberg WordPress Editor be
released?

16. What Should You Be Doing about Gutenberg?
• Give it a try
• Submit feedback
• Don’t panic (yet)
• gutenfree.com (Classic Editor plugin)