Creating and formatting content with WordPress has become easy with the introduction of Gutenberg. It is one of the best things for WordPress users. Users, specifically developers, no longer need any foreknowledge and experience in coding to set up a professional website. The following Gutenberg Tips and Tricks further enhances the user or developer’s experience.
Table of Contents
Useful hotkeys
These are hotkeys for Windows users. If you are using a Mac, replace Ctrl with Command.
- Enter = Add a new block
- Ctrl + Shift + d = Duplicate the selected block(s)
- Alt + Shift + z = Remove the selected block(s)
- Ctrl + Alt + t = Insert a new block before the selected block(s)
- Ctrl + Alt + y = Insert a new block after the selected block(s)
- / = Change the block type after adding a new paragraph
- Esc = Clear selection
- Ctrl + Shift + z = Redo your last undo
- Ctrl + Shift + , = Show or hide the settings bar
- Alt + Shift + o = Open the block navigation menu
- Alt + Shift + n = Navigate to the next part of the editor
- Alt + Shift + p = Navigate to the previous part of the editor
- Alt + F10 = Navigate to the nearest toolbar
- Ctrl + Shift + Alt + m = Switch between Visual Editor and Code Editor
- Ctrl + c = Copy
- Ctrl + v = Paste
- Ctrl + b = Bold
- Ctrl + i = Italic
- Ctrl + x = Cut
- Ctrl + a = Select All
- Ctrl + z = Undo
- Ctrl + s = Save your changes
- Ctrl + p = Print
- Ctrl + u = Underline the selected text
- Ctrl + k = Convert the selected text into a link
- Alt + Shift + x = Display the selected text in a monospaced font
- Alt + Shift + h = Show keyboard shortcuts (Display this help)
Tips
Block content categories
The user can easily pick a block from the categories arranged systematically. The categories include:
- Most used
- Common blocks
- Formatting
- Layout elements
- Widgets
- Embeds
Undo/Redo Option
The feature allows you to go back or move forward to undo or redo a change. It saves the user the trouble of having to rewrite what you deleted without intending.
Document
The document area is where settings are located. The feature enables you to navigate the document to make changes and set your desired settings. Once you choose your default settings, the whole document will follow that format and you won’t have to waste time making changes to individual elements.
Preview and Publish
The two features allow you to make appropriate changes to your document before it reaches the consumers. The preview option lets you see your document’s layout before you hit the ‘save and publish’ button. Publishing means your content is now visible to the public.
Add block button
The add block button allows the user to add new content to their website. All you need to do is fill out the required areas such as the title and paste the rest of the content text in the larger box. If you don’t have ready content, you can start typing content in the box.
Block search
The feature consists of a ‘search for a block’ box where the user types in what they want to look for in the block categories. The block search option allows you to find a particular block fast.
Drag and drop images
With this feature, you don’t have to struggle including images in your content. All you need to do is open the image on your PC, drag it and drop on the exact place you want it to appear.
Alternate between the code editor and visual editor
Gutenberg allows users to switch between the two editors pretty quickly. You may ask why is the switching important. If you’re a technical writer, you will find this feature very useful if you want to add in some codes.
Copy several blocks
Users can copy multiple blocks using this feature. The feature saves much of your time moving content to another location within the website. All you need to do is to click on the ellipsis on the top right column and copy all content.
Spotlight mode
The spotlight mode enables the user to focus on one block at a time. Once you highlight the block you are working on, the rest of the blocks are shaded. You can then highlight another block to begin working on once you are done with the current one.