Gutenberg Editor Width: How To Customize It

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Hey there, WordPress newbies and seasoned pros! If you're anything like me, you've probably spent countless hours crafting the perfect content in WordPress. And if you're transitioning from the Classic editor to Gutenberg, you might be wondering how to tweak the editor's appearance to better suit your workflow. Specifically, you might be asking: How can I widen the Gutenberg editor and increase the height of the HTML block? Well, you've come to the right place! Let's dive into the ways you can customize the Gutenberg editor to make it feel more like home.

Understanding the Gutenberg Editor

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of customization, let's take a moment to understand what the Gutenberg editor is all about. Gutenberg, also known as the Block Editor, is the default editor in WordPress since version 5.0. It replaces the Classic editor with a more modular, block-based approach to content creation. Instead of one large text area, you now work with individual blocks for paragraphs, headings, images, and more. This allows for more flexibility and control over your content's layout and design.

The Gutenberg editor is designed to be user-friendly, but its default settings might not be ideal for everyone. For instance, the content area is often narrower than what you might be used to, especially if you're coming from the Classic editor. This can make it challenging to visualize how your content will look on the front end of your website. Additionally, the HTML block, which allows you to insert custom HTML code, might feel a bit cramped if you're working with larger code snippets. Customizing the width of the editor and the height of the HTML block can significantly improve your editing experience, making it more comfortable and efficient.

Adjusting the Gutenberg Editor Width

One of the first things many users want to adjust in the Gutenberg editor is the width of the content area. The default width can feel restrictive, especially if you're working on a wide-screen monitor. Here are a few methods you can use to widen the Gutenberg editor:

1. Using the "Full Width" Template

Some WordPress themes come with a "Full Width" page template. When you create a new page or edit an existing one, you can select this template from the "Page Attributes" panel in the editor's sidebar. Applying the "Full Width" template will remove the sidebar and allow the content to span the entire width of the screen. This is the simplest and often the most effective way to maximize the width of your content in the Gutenberg editor. However, keep in mind that this method depends on your theme supporting a full-width template.

2. Utilizing Theme Settings

Many modern WordPress themes offer built-in options to customize the Gutenberg editor's width. These settings are usually found in the theme's options panel, which can be accessed through the WordPress admin dashboard. Look for options related to "Layout," "Content Width," or "Editor Settings." By adjusting these settings, you can increase the width of the content area in the Gutenberg editor without having to write any code. This is a great option if you want a simple, code-free solution.

3. Employing Custom CSS

For those who are comfortable with CSS, you can use custom CSS to override the default width of the Gutenberg editor. This method involves adding CSS code to your theme's stylesheet or using a custom CSS plugin. Here's an example of CSS code you can use:

.wp-block {
 max-width: 1200px; /* Adjust this value to your desired width */
 margin-left: auto;
 margin-right: auto;
}

.wp-block[data-align="wide"] {
 max-width: 1080px; /* Adjust this value to your desired width */
}

.wp-block[data-align="full"] {
 max-width: none;
 width: 100%;
}

In this code:

  • .wp-block sets the maximum width for regular blocks.
  • .wp-block[data-align="wide"] sets the maximum width for blocks aligned as "wide."
  • .wp-block[data-align="full"] removes the maximum width for blocks aligned as "full," allowing them to span the entire screen.

To add this CSS code, you can use the WordPress Customizer (Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS) or a custom CSS plugin. Remember to adjust the max-width values to your desired width. Using custom CSS gives you the most control over the editor's appearance, allowing you to fine-tune it to your exact preferences.

Increasing the Height of the HTML Block

Now, let's move on to the second part of your question: How to increase the height of the HTML block in the Gutenberg editor. The default height of the HTML block can be quite limiting, especially when you're working with larger code snippets. Here are a couple of ways to address this:

1. Dragging the Resize Handle

The simplest way to adjust the height of the HTML block is by using the resize handle. When you hover over the bottom edge of the HTML block, you should see a small handle appear. Click and drag this handle to increase or decrease the height of the block. This is a quick and easy way to make minor adjustments to the block's height. However, it might not be precise enough if you need a specific height.

2. Custom CSS for HTML Block Height

For more precise control over the height of the HTML block, you can use custom CSS. This method involves adding CSS code to your theme's stylesheet or using a custom CSS plugin. Here's an example of CSS code you can use:

.wp-block-html textarea {
 min-height: 300px; /* Adjust this value to your desired height */
}

In this code:

  • .wp-block-html textarea targets the textarea element within the HTML block.
  • min-height sets the minimum height of the textarea. You can adjust the value to your desired height.

To add this CSS code, you can use the WordPress Customizer (Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS) or a custom CSS plugin. This method allows you to set a specific height for the HTML block, ensuring that you have enough space to work with your code snippets.

Plugins to Enhance Gutenberg Customization

If you're looking for even more control over the Gutenberg editor, you might want to consider using a plugin. There are many plugins available that can enhance the editor's functionality and customization options. Here are a few popular ones:

1. Gutenberg Customization Plugins

Plugins like "Gutenberg Blocks and Template Library by Otter" or "Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg" provide additional blocks and customization options for the Gutenberg editor. These plugins often include settings to adjust the editor's width, add custom styles, and more. They can be a great way to extend the functionality of the Gutenberg editor without having to write any code.

2. Advanced CSS Editor Plugins

If you're using custom CSS to customize the Gutenberg editor, you might want to consider using an advanced CSS editor plugin. These plugins provide features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and error checking, making it easier to write and manage your CSS code. They can also help you organize your CSS code and prevent conflicts with other styles on your website.

Optimizing Your Gutenberg Workflow

Customizing the Gutenberg editor's width and the HTML block's height is just one part of optimizing your workflow. Here are a few additional tips to help you get the most out of the Gutenberg editor:

1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

The Gutenberg editor comes with a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can help you speed up your workflow. For example, you can use Ctrl+Shift+Alt+M (or Cmd+Shift+Option+M on a Mac) to switch between visual and code editor modes. Learning and using these shortcuts can save you a lot of time when working in the Gutenberg editor.

2. Explore Different Blocks

The Gutenberg editor offers a wide range of blocks for different types of content. Take some time to explore the different blocks and experiment with how they can be used to create engaging and dynamic content. You might be surprised at what you can achieve with the Gutenberg editor's built-in blocks.

3. Create Reusable Blocks

If you find yourself using the same blocks or combinations of blocks frequently, you can save them as reusable blocks. Reusable blocks allow you to create a template that you can easily insert into any post or page. This can save you a lot of time and effort when creating consistent content across your website.

Conclusion

Customizing the Gutenberg editor to widen the content area and increase the height of the HTML block can greatly improve your editing experience. By using the methods and tips outlined in this article, you can tailor the Gutenberg editor to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you choose to use a full-width template, adjust theme settings, or employ custom CSS, the goal is to create a comfortable and efficient editing environment. So go ahead, give these techniques a try, and take your Gutenberg editing skills to the next level!