Gutenberg addresses these needs by introducing a block-based approach to content creation. Each piece of content (text, image, video, etc.) is treated as a separate "block." These blocks can be easily manipulated, rearranged, and customized to create complex page layouts without relying on custom code or plugins. It enables users to have more control over their content's appearance and layout without needing extensive technical knowledge. Try the Gutenberg live demo.
The Classic Editor was the traditional and straightforward editor that WordPress users were familiar with for many years before the introduction of the Gutenberg editor. It provided a simple, familiar interface, similar to word processing software, allowing users to create and edit content without the need for any coding knowledge.
Summary
| Features | Gutenberg | Classic Editor |
| Editor | Block Based | Text Based |
| Source Code Mode | Yes, it can. | Yes, it can. |
| Modularity | Yes. You can just install other plugins to add more blocks | It's just a text editor. You need to know about HTML and CSS. |
| User Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Newbie Friendly | Yes | Not really |
| Mobile Friendly | Little bit hard to edit on mobile | It works really well. |
| Media Handling | You can edit media attributes easily using block properties | You need to know HTML to edit more advanced features like changing width or height |
| SEO Capabilities | Using block properties, you can add alt title and more | You need to switch to source code mode to add them. You need to know HTML to do it. |
| Performance | Little bit lagging for old laptops | Works well with older laptops |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Easy |
| Theme Compatibility | Doesn't work well with older themes | Works very well with older and newer themes. |
| Copy & Paste | Could do copy & paste block by block | Copy & paste just like Microsoft Word |
We recommend using the Gutenberg editor because WordPress supports it and it works well with newer themes. You can always extend the Gutenberg blocks by installing new plugins.
Editor
Gutenberg
Block based. if you have ever used Elementor before Gutenberg was released, you will know how it works. Basically, everything you type is placed in a block. For example, if you type a heading, it will be placed in a block called Heading.
We are creating a special article to compare Elementor vs. Gutenberg in various aspects.
Classic Editor
Text based. If you have used Microsoft Word, then you will easily be able to use this editor. There's no need to worry about learning new things.
Modularity
Gutenberg
That's what makes Gutenberg special. You can always install new plugins to extend the block capabilities, so you don't need to know any HTML, and it works well.
Classic Editor
The Classic Editor doesn't have this feature, but you can always extend it by opening the source code mode. However, to do so, you need to know HTML and CSS.
Mobile Friendly
Gutenberg
Gutenberg does not work really well on mobile devices. It is a little bit laggy on mobile phones.
Classic Editor
The Classic Editor works really well and is fast enough to run on a mobile phone.
Block Handling & SEO Attribute
Gutenberg
Gutenberg has capabilities to change each block in a user-friendly way. You don't need to go to the source code to add it.
Classic Editor
You need to go to the source code to add some HTML attributes and more.
Performance
Gutenberg
Gutenberg is a little bit laggy on old laptops because this editor is complex enough but easy to use. So, you need to choose which one suits your needs.
Classic Editor
The Classic Editor works very well with older laptops, and it was released a long time ago. Therefore, yes, it should work smoothly on older laptops.
Theme Compatibility
Gutenberg
Gutenberg doesn't work really well with older themes. If you are not using a legacy theme, Gutenberg is your best choice.
Classic Editor
The Classic Editor works very well with both older and newer themes.
Copy & Paste Capability
Gutenberg
Gutenberg can copy & paste block by block, not just partial text.
Classic Editor
The Classic Editor copies & pastes just like Microsoft Word, text by text. There is nothing special about this feature.