Learn how to use the Classic Editor instead of Gutenberg in WordPress

In this tutorial:

Install Classic Editor
Enable Classic Editor

WordPress recently replaced their editor with Gutenberg but you may want to keep using the old one that you are familiar with. Can you use the Classic Editor instead of Gutenberg? Yes! While there are many editors available, the Classic Editor is an official WordPress plugin.

This means it is fully supported and compatible with WordPress. In this guide, we will show you how to install and enable the Classic Editor plugin so you can use it in place of the Gutenberg block editor.

(This article assumes you have a live WordPress website. Not quite there yet? That’s okay! We can get you up and running with WordPress Hosting.)

Install the Classic Editor Plugin

Log into your WordPress Dashboard.
Click Plugins then Add New.
Type ‘classic editor’ in the search field.
You will see the Classic Editor plugin by WordPress Contributors listed, click the Install Now button.
Once it has been installed click the Activate button.

Using the Classic Editor Instead of Gutenberg

Now that you have the Classic Editor plugin installed, you can enable it for all users or allow them to choose the editor they want. We will now show you how select the Classic Editor in your WordPress Dashboard.

In your WordPress Dashboard go to Settings, then Writing.
Next to “Default editor for all users” choose what editor you want your contributors to have. Options are Classic Editor and Block Editor.
Choose if you want to “Allow users to switch editors.”

If you let users switch editors, they will see options to “Edit (Block Editor)” or “Edit (Classic Editor)” when accessing Pages or Posts.
Click the Save Changes button. You are finished when you see a “Settings Saves” message.