WordPress 5.0 roared in like a lion at the end of December and the most noticeable BIG change is the new Gutenberg block-style editor that now replaces the classic editor.  I was in the middle of a project when this happened and automatically updated on the site I was building.  Now, I mostly work in Text/Code mode in the classic editor so the simpler the interface, the easier my job is.  Most clients use the visual editor and I admit that there are challenges with what is a very simple interface.  But, for some of us, simple is good.

Most WordPress devotees knew this new editor was coming…it’s been available in beta (test) phase as a plugin for some time now.  We knew that this editor would be built into the big 5.0 upgrade but WordPress never gives exact dates for the rollouts…they just happen when they happen.

I DO plan to play with the new Gutenberg but for now, it is cramping my style.  It’s easy to temporarily disable the Gutenberg Editor and revert back to the Classic Editor but you will need to follow a few simple steps.

1. Log into your site and go to Plugins > Add New

Input Classic Editor in the search bar and press Enter.  (You may also download the plugin directly and then choose Upload Plugin instead.)

Click Install and after it installs click Activate

2. After the plugin activates, you will be directed back to your main Plugins page.

Click the Settings link on the Classic Editor plugin.

3) This will bring you to your WordPress Writing Settings page.

You can just leave the default settings or tweak the options (I just left the default settings)

4) When you go to edit or create a new page or post you should now see the old, Classic Editor. 

(Easy peasy, eh?)