One of the remarkable aspects of the Gutenberg editor is its inherent flexibility.
To begin with, if you haven’t delved into the plethora of hidden features within Gutenberg designed to streamline content creation, you’re missing out on a lot. Once I unearthed these features, I was captivated.
Moreover, the Gutenberg editor transcends being a mere collection of default blocks for inserting paragraphs, images, buttons, and lists into your site’s content.
In fact, Gutenberg’s flexibility extends to specialized WordPress Gutenberg block plugins that can enhance your content creation endeavors.
In this article, I’ll share the best of these plugins with you.
Before diving in, let’s first explore the distinction between single-purpose Gutenberg blocks and Gutenberg block libraries.
Single purpose block plugins
These are WordPress plugins that have been transformed into dedicated Gutenberg blocks, each concentrating on a specific feature. They offer site owners the ability to incorporate individual blocks into their posts or pages.
An illustrative instance of this is the WPForms block, derived from the WPForms contact form plugin:
This specialized block offers an easy method to integrate a contact form into any post or page through the Gutenberg editor.
In essence, single-purpose block plugins provide website owners with a thorough solution tailored to a specific use case, even though they focus on just one feature.
Gutenberg block library plugins
Unlike Gutenberg single-purpose block plugins, block library plugins consist of a compilation of plugins that amalgamate various Gutenberg elements into a single, unified plugin.
A notable example is Atomic Blocks, which includes blocks such as:
- Sections and layouts
- Pricing
- Testimonials
- Call-to-action
- Spacer and divider
- Author profile
A plugin of this nature offers the flexibility to cater to multiple use cases.
However, they may not be as potent as single-purpose Gutenberg block plugins. Moreover, certain block library plugins may present an abundance of block options, potentially causing overwhelm, especially if you only require a select few key blocks for your site’s content.
Now that you understand the distinction between single-purpose block and block library plugins, let’s explore the top Gutenberg block plugins for your WordPress website (excluding those already mentioned, such as Atomic Blocks).
The best WordPress Gutenberg block plugins
Kadence Blocks
Kadence Blocks stands out as a widely-used block plugin that offers more than just commonly used content blocks for seamless content creation. One of the standout features of Kadence Blocks is the exclusive Row Layout block.
This unique block empowers you to craft fully customized row and column layouts, stepping in when the default Gutenberg editor falls short. With a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, simply select the desired column structure and manually adjust the width of each column.
Don’t worry though, Kadence Blocks has a lot more than row blocks for you to use:
- Tabs
- Column
- Buttons
- Headings
- Spacer
- Accordion
- Icon lists
- Testimonials
- Image galleries
- Information boxes
Concerned about clutter from unused blocks in your frequently accessed block section? No need to worry. Kadence Blocks allows you to deactivate blocks that you know you won’t use, aiding in keeping the Gutenberg editor organized.
Spectra – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks
Spectra – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks is crafted by the same team of developers who assist website owners in enhancing their preferred website page builders, Beaver Builder and Elementor. Hence, it’s safe to assume they possess expertise in creating addons like this.
This WordPress Gutenberg block plugin offers a combination of new content blocks and layout blocks. For instance, you can experiment with various headings, incorporate a block quote, or craft an eye-catching timeline on your website for users to explore.
Some additional blocks include:
- Info box
- Call to action
- Multi-buttons
- Post carousel
- Google Maps
- Team
- Price list
- And so much more…
However, the primary reason this block plugin earns a spot on my list is its inherent compatibility with the Astra Theme and all the starter sites provided by the team. This means you can effortlessly import a starter site and leverage the Gutenberg block editor to craft unique layouts.
Curious to explore Spectra – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks before incorporating it into your website? No worries!
You can explore demos, such as this table of contents example, showcasing all the blocks and assessing how they’ll appear on your site:
Otter Blocks
Otter Blocks proves to be an excellent block plugin for those seeking a collection of over 10 new content blocks and built-in Gutenberg-compatible templates, facilitating faster website development.
Ideal for crafting intricate posts and pages optimized for eCommerce product pages, social media posts, and blogs, this Gutenberg blocks plugin is a valuable tool. Create an About Author section, integrate social share buttons, or showcase your online business services with the Otter Blocks and Template Library.
To highlight what distinguishes this Gutenberg blocks plugin, here are some standout features:
- Plugin block lets you import details about a WordPress.org plugin you’ve created for others to see
- Google Maps block comes with drag and zoom functionality making it interactive for site visitors
- Add custom CSS within the Gutenberg editor and block you’ve chosen
As an additional bonus, Gutenberg Blocks and Template Library features one-click import templates, a unique offering not commonly found in many WordPress plugins, whether Gutenberg-related or not:
Gutenberg Blocks Plugin – Ultimate Blocks
Tailored with bloggers and marketers in mind, Ultimate Blocks strives to assist site owners in effortlessly and swiftly creating truly exciting and engaging content.
Here are some of its best blocks:
- Review Block – Add a review block, complete with product name, features, summary, button, and star rating. Even better, it’s schema markup enabled.
- Click to Tweet Block – Add tweetable content to your site and engage your social media followers.
- Countdown Block – Instil a sense of urgency and tap into FOMO on posts or pages.
- Image Slider Block – Add a simple image slider to your posts.
If you’re seeking assistance in enhancing conversions, gathering more email addresses, and retaining visitors on your site, this Gutenberg blocks plugin provides the ideal solution.
Stackable – Gutenberg Blocks
Stackable presents a set of pre-designed custom blocks that seamlessly integrate with the existing Gutenberg editor, aptly earning its name. Employ the Stackable blocks as they are or tailor them to your preferences. With its responsive design, you can rest assured that your site’s content will appear seamlessly on all screen sizes.
Beyond the 20+ blocks this plugin provides, know that Stackable also comes with a set of neat of effects and features such as:
- Image or video backgrounds
- Fixed images
- Single or gradient tinted background effects
- Hover box options
But in case you’re intrigued by Stackable’s distinctive Gutenberg blocks, here are some of my favorites: Team Members, Video Popup, Feature Grid, and Container.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Five of the top WordPress Gutenberg block plugins to enhance the functionality and design of your site’s content through the default Gutenberg editor.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive, and there are numerous other plugins available to assist you in creating visually appealing site content that resonates with your visitors.
That being said, regardless of the Gutenberg blocks plugin you choose, a solid understanding of the default Gutenberg editor is essential for optimal plugin performance.
