After its initial launch in 2019, the Gutenberg editor changed WordPress’s editing experience and made blog posting hassle-free. The fantastic features it provided made thousands of people save hours by speeding up their editing process.
Now, Gutenberg is the default editor for WordPress that integrates with popular themes like Astra, Hestia, Zema, and plugins making page modification piece-of-cake! One word awesome.
Like cooking, today we covered every ingredient you need to know about the Gutenberg editor from top-to-bottom. Along with the elements, we list the best Gutenberg-ready themes to complete the recipe.
If you ever decide to use a block theme for your dish (website), our list got you covered.
- Revolutionize Your Content Creation with the New Gutenberg Block Editor in WordPress
- How does Block Editing Work and Integrate with Block Themes?
- Traditional Themes vs Block Themes
- 10 Stunning Gutenberg-Ready Themes!
- What Should You Consider Before Purchasing a Theme?
Revolutionize Your Content Creation with the New Gutenberg Block Editor in WordPress
The Gutenberg Editor is a block-based editor introduced in WordPress 5.0. It is named after Johannes Gutenberg, the printing press inventor, and it revolutionizes how users create and edit content in WordPress.
Assist you in content design
Before Gutenberg, WordPress relied on a Classic Editor based on a single content field. This made it difficult for users to create complex layouts and designs. With the Gutenberg Editor, users can create content using a variety of blocks. These are pre-designed and pre-formatted content elements like paragraphs, headings, images, galleries, videos, and more.
Facilitates content creation method
One of the main benefits of using the Gutenberg Editor is that it simplifies the content creation process, making it easier for users to create and edit content in real time. It also provides a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing users to customize and format their content more efficiently.
Flexible in customization
Another key advantage of Gutenberg is its greater flexibility and control over content design. Users can customize each block to create unique and engaging layouts and techniques that are tailored to their specific needs. Gutenberg is highly extensible, allowing developers to create custom blocks and extensions that can be used to add even more functionality and customization options to the editor.
In short, you can say it’s a compact bundle of years of research to solve the editing problem for writers.
How does Block Editing Work and Integrate with Block Themes?
When users start a new post or page in the Gutenberg Editor, they are presented with a blank canvas and a toolbar to access all available blocks. Users can select a block from the toolbar and drag it onto the canvas, where they can add content.
Each block has its own settings and customization options, allowing users to easily change text alignment, font size, and background color. Users can also directly add media, such as images or videos, to their content by selecting the appropriate block.
One of the most powerful features of the Gutenberg Editor is the ability to create reusable blocks. Users can select a group of blocks they have created and save them as a reusable block, which they can then use again in other posts or pages. It’s a great way to save time and maintain consistency across multiple contents.
Another useful feature of the Gutenberg Editor is the ability to create block templates. Users can create a custom template for a specific type of content, such as a recipe or product review, and then use that template whenever they create a new post or page.
Block Theme Integration
The new block themes perfectly sync with the new Gutenberg editor and other drag-and-drop builders. What we need to know about them,
- Block themes are WordPress themes that are specifically designed to work with the Gutenberg Editor. These themes take advantage of the block-based nature of the editor to provide a more seamless and intuitive content creation experience.
- These themes use a combination of custom block styles and templates to enable users to quickly create complex layouts and designs. Custom styles and templates are pre-designed and pre-formatted blocks that can be easily inserted into a post or page to create a specific design or layout.
- They also typically include a set of custom block patterns and pre-designed block arrangements that can be used to create more complex designs and layouts. These patterns can be easily inserted into a post or page, giving users a starting point for their design.
- You can use WordPress built-in block patterns and pre-designed patterns with the Gutenberg Editor. Just need to customize these patterns to fit the specific needs of a user’s content.
Additionally, there are many other functionalities in a block theme.
Traditional Themes vs Block Themes
Traditional and block themes have fundamental differences that can impact a WordPress website’s overall design and functionality. Here are some core differences:
Structure
Traditional themes are built with a series of template files that work together to create a website layout. On the other hand, block themes are built with blocks, which can be rearranged and customized as needed.
Customization
With traditional themes, customization options are typically limited to theme options or settings. In contrast, block themes provide a more flexible and granular approach to customization, allowing users to modify individual blocks and add new ones.
Design consistency
Traditional themes rely on a consistent design across all pages and posts. Block themes, however, allow for more variation and flexibility, allowing users to create unique layouts and designs for different types of content.
Block patterns
Block themes offer pre-designed block patterns that can be easily inserted into a page or post, allowing for quicker and more efficient content creation.
Code efficiency
Block themes use modern web development technologies such as React, Inferno, and Angular making them more efficient and performant than traditional themes.
Development time
Block themes typically take longer to develop than traditional themes since each block needs to be coded and tested separately.
Responsiveness
Block themes are typically more responsive than traditional themes since the blocks can be customized for different screen sizes and devices.
Page Speed
Block themes have been optimized for faster page load times, resulting in better site performance and user experience.
User Experience
Block themes offer a more intuitive and user-friendly editing experience, with the ability to easily create and customize content using drag-and-drop functionality.
Future-Proof
Block themes are designed specifically for use with the Gutenberg Editor and may not be compatible with older versions of WordPress or classic editors.
Make Your Website Stand Out with These 10 Stunning Gutenberg-Ready Themes!
Before starting the main course, here is a starter dish by going through the quick sneak peek of the best block themes, and we will serve the details later.
Best Block Themes at a Glance
| Themes | Installations | Positive Reviews | Version | Expert’s Word |
| Astra | 1 Million+ | 6800+ | 3.7.2 | Best |
| OceanWP | 1 Million+ | 2100+ | 3.1.1 | Best |
| Neve | 400,000+ | 4300+ | 3.1.1 | Best |
| Hestia | 100,000+ | 1100+ | 3.0.7 | Best |
| Schema Lite | 100,000+ | 400+ | 1.2.4 | Moderate |
| Hemingway | 100,000+ | 300+ | 1.7.4 | Moderate |
| Isabel | 10,000+ | 50+ | 1.1.1 | Moderate |
| Metro Magazine | 10,000+ | 100+ | 1.6 | Best |
1. Astra
The Astra-Wordpress block theme is a flexible and lightweight WordPress theme designed to work consistently with the new WordPress block editor (Gutenberg).
Highly customizable
Astra-Wordpress block theme provides a range of customization options, including various layout options, colors, typography, and more.
Fast loading speed
Astra-Wordpress block theme is optimized for speed, ensuring your website loads quickly, and providing an excellent user experience.
Responsive design
The theme is designed to work on all devices and screen sizes, ensuring that your website looks great on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Multiple pre-built website templates
The theme has several pre-built website templates to help you get started quickly.
Integrations with popular plugins
Astra-Wordpress block theme integrates well with popular plugins like WooCommerce, Yoast SEO, and more, making creating an online store easier, optimizing your website for search engines, and more.
Advantages
- Lightweight and fast-loading theme.
- Provides various customization options.
- Works seamlessly with the new WordPress block editor.
- Responsive design ensures your website looks great on all devices.
- Integrates with popular plugins like WooCommerce, Yoast SEO, and more.
Disadvantages
- Limited free features compared to the premium version.
- The learning curve may be steep for beginners.
Pricing information
The Astra-Wordpress block theme offers both a free and a premium version. The free version provides limited features, while the premium version costs $47 per year.
Expert’s opinion
I appreciate the flexibility and ease of use of the Astra-Wordpress block theme. The theme’s ability to work seamlessly with the new WordPress block editor makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to quickly create a modern and visually appealing website.
2. OceanWP
One of the leading WordPress themes for WooCommerce is the OceanWP theme. This plugin offers a variety of useful features, making block editing seamless.
Translation and RTL ready
The theme is fully compatible with translation plugins like WPML, Polylang, and Loco Translate, making it easy to create multilingual websites. It also supports RTL languages like Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian.
Pop-up builder
The theme has a built-in pop-up builder, allowing you to create attractive pop-ups to increase leads and conversions.
Multiple demos
OceanWP-WordPress block theme provides a range of pre-built website demos, including business, portfolio, blog, and more, to help you get started quickly.
Custom header and footer builder
The theme allows you to customize your website’s header and footer sections easily, providing more options for branding and personalization.
SEO-friendly
The OceanWP-WordPress block theme is designed to be SEO-friendly, with clean code, schema integration, and optimization options to improve your website’s search engine ranking.
Advantages
- Versatile and flexible customization options.
- Fast loading speed optimized for better user experience and SEO.
- SEO-friendly design to improve the website’s search engine ranking.
- Built-in WooCommerce integration.
- Fully responsive design for all devices.
Disadvantages
- Some features may require a premium version.
- Limited documentation and support for the free version.
Pricing information
The OceanWP-WordPress block theme offers both a free and a premium version. The free version provides basic features, while the premium version costs $39 annually.
Expert’s opinion
OceanWP’s extensive customization options, SEO-friendliness, and WooCommerce integration make it an excellent choice for any business or individual looking to create a professional-looking website easily.
3. Neve
Neve is a lightweight, fast, and fully customizable WordPress block theme that offers flexibility and ease of use for users of all levels.
It is optimized for performance and SEO, making it an ideal choice for bloggers, business owners, and developers alike.
One-click demo import
Neve offers several pre-built demo sites that can be easily imported with just one click, allowing you to quickly set up your website.
Customizable header and footer
With Neve, you can easily customize your website’s header and footer using a simple drag-and-drop interface.
AMP compatible
Neve is fully compatible with AMP, a Google-backed project that allows your website to load quickly on mobile devices.
WooCommerce ready
The theme has built-in support for WooCommerce, making it easy to create an online store without needing additional plugins.
Lightweight
Neve is designed to be fast and consumes less space, which not only enhances the user experience but also helps improve your website’s search engine ranking.
Advantages
- Customizable header and footer with a drag-and-drop interface.
- AMP is compatible with fast mobile loading.
- Built-in support for WooCommerce.
- Optimized for speed and SEO to improve the website’s ranking.
- One-click demo import for quick setup.
Disadvantages
- Limited customization options in the free version.
- Some advanced features may require upgrading to the paid version.
Pricing information
The Neve-WordPress block theme offers a free version with basic features. The premium version starts at $59 per year and provides additional customization options, priority support, and access to premium demo sites and extensions.
Expert’s opinion
The lightweight design and ease of use make Neve a perfect theme. Its compatibility with AMP and built-in support for WooCommerce are excellent compared to other themes.
Read More: 10 Latest Free WordPress Themes for Blogging
4. Hestia
The 4th plugin on our list is Hestia by Themeisle which comes with a clean and responsive design, various customization options, and seamless integration with popular WordPress plugins perfect for online agencies, portfolios, and eCommerce.
Customizable homepage sections
Hestia allows you to customize your homepage sections with a drag-and-drop interface to showcase your content visually appealingly.
Live customizer
The theme comes with a powerful live customizer that lets you preview changes to your website in real time, making it easy to customize your site without any coding.
WooCommerce ready
Hestia is fully compatible with WooCommerce, making it an ideal choice for businesses selling products online.
Responsive design
The theme is designed to be fully responsive, meaning it looks great on any device, from desktops to mobile phones.
SEO friendly
Hestia is optimized for SEO, with clean code and fast loading times that help improve your website’s search engine ranking.
Advantages
- Simple drag-and-drop interface.
- Retina ready with different elements.
- Live customizer for easy website customization.
- WooCommerce is ready for online businesses.
- Fully responsive design for a great user experience on any device.
Disadvantages
- Limited customization options for the free version.
- Some free features require upgrading to the paid version.
Pricing information
Hestia-WordPress block theme offers a free version with basic features. The premium version starts at $69 per year.
Expert’s Opinion
Hestia’s design, and small details sections like typography, testimonial, and blog section are incredible. Plus, for a yearly payment, their premium version costs less than many other theme premium versions making it a perfect option for website owners.
5. Schema Lite
Schema Lite is a popular WordPress block theme with a focus on performance and SEO optimization.
Lightweight and fast
Schema Lite is designed to be lightweight and fast, with optimized code for faster loading times and better performance.
Schema markup
The theme includes built-in schema markup for improved SEO and better search engine visibility.
Responsive design
Schema Lite is fully responsive and mobile-friendly, ensuring your website looks great on all devices.
Customization options
The theme offers several customization options, including multiple homepage layouts, color schemes, and custom widgets.
Translation ready
Schema Lite is translation ready and supports multiple languages, making it a great option for international websites.
Advantages
- Have almost 0 impacts on your site.
- Simple and less bulky design.
- Responsive design for a mobile-friendly experience.
- Has Unlimited color options.
- Ad-sense optimized.
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t have many options like Neve or Astra.
- It may require some technical knowledge for advanced customization.
Pricing information
Schema Lite is a free and premium version costing $49 a year.
Expert’s opinion
I like Schema Lite’s focus on performance and SEO optimization. Its built-in schema markup and responsive design make it a great option for websites looking to improve their search engine visibility
6. Hemingway
Hestia is a popular WordPress theme that’s great for creating beautiful and professional websites.
Many small functionalities
Hestia has functionalities like custom accent color settings, parallax scrolling effects, custom logo upload, and editor styles.
One-click demo import
With Hestia, you can easily import demo content with just one click, making it easy to get started with your website.
Perfect integration
Hestia is fully compatible with many popular plugins and WordPress core versions.
Responsive design
Hestia is fully responsive, which means it looks great on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
SEO friendly
Hestia is built with SEO, so you can easily optimize your website for search engines and improve your ranking.
Advantages
- Easy to use and set up, even for beginners.
- Lots of customization options to make your website unique.
- Great support from the developers.
- Mobile-responsive theme.
- Flexible customization.
Disadvantages
- The limited free version, some features are only available in the pro version.
- Limited documentation.
Pricing
Hestia has a free version with limited features and a pro version that starts at $69 for a single site license.
Expert’s opinion
I like Hemingway’s modern design and easy-to-use customization options. It’s an excellent choice for personal experience blog writers, travelers, and fiction writers.
7. Isabelle
Isabelle is a clean and minimalistic WordPress block theme suitable for bloggers, photographers, and professional web developers. It offers a variety of features.
Customizable design
Isabelle allows users to customize their website’s design through various color schemes, typography, and layout options.
Responsive layout
The theme is optimized for all devices, ensuring a seamless user experience for visitors.
Gutenberg ready
Isabelle is designed to work with WordPress’s Gutenberg editor, allowing users to create custom layouts and content easily.
SEO optimized
The theme is optimized for search engines, helping improve your website’s visibility and ranking.
Social media integration
Isabelle includes social media icons and sharing buttons, allowing users to promote their content across various platforms easily.
Advantages
- Clean and minimalistic design
- Easy customization options
- Responsive layout
- SEO optimized
- Gutenberg editor compatibility
Disadvantages
- Limited features compared to more robust themes
- May not be suitable for those needing more advanced customization options
Pricing
Isabel is available for free on the WordPress repository.
Expert’s opinion
I appreciate Isabel’s simplicity. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a clean, minimalistic design with basic customization options. However, consider a more powerful theme if you require more advanced features.
8. Metro Magazine
Metro Magazine a stylish block theme designed that is specialized for news and magazine websites. It offers some unique features.
Dynamic frontpage builder
This feature allows you to create custom front-page layouts using the available blocks and widgets.
Custom widgets
Metro Magazine has several custom widgets specifically designed for magazine-style websites, including a breaking news ticker, popular posts, and social media links.
Multiple color schemes
The theme offers a range of pre-designed color schemes that you can easily customize to match your branding.
Fully responsive
Metro Magazine is fully responsive and looks great on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Ad management
The theme offers multiple ad placement options, making it easy to monetize your website with advertisements.
Advantages
- Comes with a range of pre-designed color schemes.
- Custom widgets for magazine-style websites.
- Multiple ad placement options for monetization.
- Fully responsive design for all devices.
- Dynamic frontpage builder for creating custom layouts
Disadvantages
- Limited customization options compared to other block themes.
- Some users may find the design to be too flashy or busy for their taste.
- No built-in support for e-commerce functionality.
Pricing
The Metro Magazine theme is available for purchase on the official WordPress theme marketplace for $59.
Expert opinion
What amazes me the most is the news and magazine specialty this theme offers, perfect for news publishing companies.
What Should You Consider Before Purchasing a Theme?
Your dish will look bad even if one ingredient is bad. So select themes you understand and perfectly sync with your site is crucial.
a) Compatibility
Ensure the theme is compatible with the latest version of WordPress and the plugins you plan to use because nearly Incompatibility issues can cause serious problems. According to a recent study, 63% of website owners reported compatibility issues as a major concern.
b) Design and layout
Consider the design and layout of the theme and whether it matches your brand or website vision. A study by Adobe suggests 38% of people will only engage with a website if the content or layout is attractive.
c) Features
Look for important features like customizable headers, multiple widget areas, or premade page templates. Features play a vital role because it’s the core of any theme,
Some research shows that websites with interactive features such as videos and infographics have a 41% higher click-through rate than those without.
d) Support and documentation
Check the support and documentation provided by the theme developers to ensure that you can get help if needed. Support is a must! It indicates professional people or brands working behind the theme.
e) Responsiveness
Ensure the theme and its elements are fully responsive and work seamlessly across all different screen sizes.
f) Reviews and ratings
Reviews are a trademark of quality. Check reviews and ratings from other users to see their experiences and satisfaction levels.
g) Cost
Sometimes the expense determines a theme’s quality, which means you will get better if you spend more, so consider the cost of the theme and whether it fits within your budget.
h) Updates
Look for regularly updated themes to ensure compatibility with the latest version of WordPress and security fixes.
i) Demo content
Some themes offer demo content, which can help you see how the theme works in practice and save you time setting up your site.
From Blocks to Beauty: Enhance Your Website with Gutenberg-Ready Themes
In conclusion, Gutenberg-ready themes are an excellent choice for creating a modern, user-friendly website. Their advanced features and compatibility with the Gutenberg editor offer endless possibilities for customization and design.
Choosing a block theme can enhance your website’s functionality, usability, and overall aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re a professional developer or a beginner, there’s a theme out there that can suit your needs.
So, take the time to research and choose the suitable theme for your website, and watch as it transforms from blocks to beauty.
Thank you for reaching the end. I am pleased to provide information about the Gutenberg editor and block themes. If you have any further questions or concerns, please let us know.
Happy website cooking!