How to Disable Gutenberg Editor on WordPress via functions.php

Gutenberg editor is the default visual editor that comes with WordPress 5.0 and above. While it offers a more modern way to create content, some users may find it challenging to use or not suitable for their needs. Fortunately, disabling the Gutenberg editor is easy and can be done via the functions.php file or a plugin such as the Classic Editor plugin. In this tutorial, we will show you how to disable Gutenberg editor on WordPress using either of these methods.

Disabling Gutenberg Editor via Functions.php

Step 1: Access the functions.php file

To disable the Gutenberg editor via the functions.php file, you need to access your WordPress theme’s functions.php file. You can do this by going to Appearance > Theme Editor and selecting the functions.php file from the list of files on the right.

Step 2: Add the Code

Once you’re in the functions.php file, you need to add the following code:

add_filter('use_block_editor_for_post', '__return_false');
Code language: PHP (php)

This code will disable the Gutenberg editor for all posts and pages on your WordPress site.

Step 3: Save the Changes

After adding the code, click on the “Update File” button to save your changes.

Disabling Gutenberg Editor via a Plugin

Step 1: Install the Classic Editor Plugin

The Classic Editor plugin is a free WordPress plugin that allows you to disable the Gutenberg editor and use the classic editor instead. To install the plugin, go to Plugins > Add New and search for “Classic Editor.”

Step 2: Activate the Plugin

Once you have installed the Classic Editor plugin, click on the “Activate” button to activate the plugin.

Step 3: Configure the Plugin Settings

After activating the plugin, go to Settings > Writing. Here, you can choose whether you want to use the Gutenberg editor or the classic editor.

That’s it! Disabling the Gutenberg editor on WordPress can help you create content more comfortably and efficiently. Whether you prefer the classic editor interface or have compatibility issues with certain themes or plugins, there are two easy methods for disabling Gutenberg editor on WordPress: via the functions.php file or a plugin. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can disable the Gutenberg editor and start creating content using the editor that best suits your needs.

If you’re interested in customizing your WordPress site even further, you may want to check out our tutorial on “How to Disable Gutenberg Widgets on WordPress via functions.php“. This tutorial will show you how to disable the new Gutenberg widgets and revert back to the classic widgets using PHP code. By using both of these tutorials, you can fully tailor your WordPress editing experience to your needs.