Create and manage reusable blocks (patterns)

Create and Manage Reusable Blocks (Patterns) in WordPress

If you frequently use the same content layout or design elements in WordPress, creating reusable blocks (also known as block patterns) can save you time and maintain consistency. This tutorial explains how to create, manage, and use reusable blocks in WordPress quickly and efficiently.

Quick Fix: How to Create Reusable Blocks in WordPress

1. Open the WordPress block editor (Gutenberg) on any post or page.
2. Create or select the block(s) you want to reuse.
3. Click the three-dot menu on the block toolbar and select Add to Reusable Blocks.
4. Name your reusable block and save it.
5. To insert the reusable block later, click the + Add Block button, go to the Reusable tab, and select your block.

Why This Happens

WordPress introduced reusable blocks to help users avoid repetitive work by saving blocks or groups of blocks as reusable components. This feature is especially useful for site-wide elements like call-to-action sections, disclaimers, or frequently used layouts. Without reusable blocks, you would have to recreate or copy-paste the same content repeatedly, which is inefficient and error-prone.

Requirements

• WordPress 5.0 or higher (Gutenberg block editor included by default)
• Access to the WordPress admin dashboard
• Basic familiarity with the block editor interface

Step-by-Step: Create and Manage Reusable Blocks in WordPress

1. Create a Reusable Block

1. Go to Posts > Add New or open an existing post/page.
2. Add the block(s) you want to reuse. For example, a paragraph, image, or group block.
3. Click on the block to select it. If you want to reuse multiple blocks, group them first by selecting all and clicking Group from the block toolbar.
4. Click the three-dot menu icon (More options) on the block toolbar.
5. Select Add to Reusable Blocks.
6. Enter a descriptive name for your reusable block and click Save.

2. Insert a Reusable Block

1. Open any post or page in the block editor.
2. Click the + Add Block button.
3. Switch to the Reusable tab.
4. Select the reusable block you want to insert.

3. Manage Reusable Blocks

1. In the WordPress admin sidebar, go to Manage All Reusable Blocks by clicking the Reusable tab in the block inserter and then Manage all at the bottom.
2. Here you can edit, delete, or export reusable blocks.
3. Editing a reusable block updates all instances of that block across your site.

Code Snippets: Registering Custom Block Patterns Programmatically

If you want to create reusable block patterns programmatically (for developers), add the following code to your theme’s functions.php or a custom plugin:

function mytheme_register_block_patterns() {
    if ( function_exists( 'register_block_pattern' ) ) {
        register_block_pattern(
            'mytheme/two-columns-text-image',
            array(
                'title'       => __( 'Two Columns: Text and Image', 'mytheme' ),
                'description' => _x( 'A two column layout with text on the left and image on the right.', 'Block pattern description', 'mytheme' ),
                'content'     => "
                    
                    

                        
                        

                            
                            
Insert your text here.
                            
                        
                        
                        
                        

                            
                            

                            
                        
                        
                    
                    "
            )
        );
    }
}
add_action( 'init', 'mytheme_register_block_patterns' );

This registers a reusable block pattern that users can insert from the block inserter under the Patterns tab.

Common Pitfalls When Creating Reusable Blocks

• Editing a reusable block changes all instances: When you edit a reusable block inside a post, it updates everywhere. To avoid this, convert the reusable block to regular blocks before editing by selecting it and clicking Convert to Regular Blocks.
• Reusing dynamic content: Reusable blocks store static content. If you want dynamic content (e.g., latest posts), consider using block patterns with dynamic blocks or custom blocks.
• Deleting reusable blocks: Deleting a reusable block from the management screen will remove it from all posts/pages where it is used.
• Compatibility: Older WordPress versions (before 5.0) do not support reusable blocks.

Works on

• Web servers: Apache, Nginx, LiteSpeed
• Hosting panels: cPanel, Plesk, and others
• WordPress 5.0+ with Gutenberg block editor enabled
• Compatible with most modern themes and plugins supporting the block editor

FAQ

Q1: Can I export reusable blocks and use them on another WordPress site?

A1: Yes. Go to Manage All Reusable Blocks, select the block, and use the export option to download a JSON file. Import it on another site via the block editor.

Q2: How do I update a reusable block without affecting existing posts?

A2: Convert the reusable block to regular blocks before editing. This breaks the link and edits only the current instance.

Q3: Can reusable blocks contain multiple blocks?

A3: Yes. You can group multiple blocks and save the group as a reusable block.

Q4: Are reusable blocks the same as