How to Create Custom WordPress Gutenberg Blocks: A Comprehensive Guide

The Gutenberg block editor has revolutionized how WordPress users build websites, offering a drag-and-drop interface that simplifies content creation. But for developers and advanced users, the true power of Gutenberg lies in its ability to create custom blocks. These blocks allow you to extend the editor’s functionality, add unique design elements, and streamline content workflows. Whether you want to build a custom button, a complex form, or a unique layout, this guide will walk you through the process of creating custom Gutenberg blocks step by step.

Why Custom Gutenberg Blocks Matter

Custom Gutenberg blocks are more than just a technical exercise—they’re a way to tailor WordPress to your specific needs. Here’s why they’re important:

• Enhanced Flexibility: Create blocks that match your exact requirements, from unique design elements to interactive features.
• Consistency: Use reusable blocks across your site to maintain a cohesive design and structure.
• Efficiency: Reduce the need for custom code in every project by building blocks that can be reused and shared.
• Control: Take full control over how content is displayed and structured, beyond what default blocks offer.

Whether you’re a developer looking to streamline workflows or a designer aiming to add unique elements, custom blocks empower you to unlock Gutenberg’s full potential.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving into block development, ensure you have the following tools and knowledge:

1. A Local or Live WordPress Installation

You’ll need access to a WordPress environment, either locally (using tools like Local by Flywheel or XAMPP) or on a live server. This will serve as your testing ground for block development.

2. Node.js and npm Installed

Node.js and the Node Package Manager (npm) are essential for running the scaffolding tool @wordpress/create-block. Visit https://nodejs.org to download and install the latest version.

3. Basic Knowledge of JavaScript and PHP

While you don’t need to be an expert, familiarity with JavaScript (especially ES6+ syntax) and PHP is crucial. JavaScript powers the block’s frontend and backend, while PHP handles server-side integration.

4. The WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg)

Ensure your WordPress installation includes the Gutenberg block editor. It’s enabled by default in WordPress 5.0 and later, but you can check by navigating to the editor and looking for the block interface.

Scaffolding Your Block: The First Step in Development

The @wordpress/create-block tool is a powerful scaffolding solution that generates the foundational code for your custom block. It streamlines the setup process, saving you time and reducing errors. Here’s how to use it:

Interactive Mode: Customizing Your Block Step by Step

Running @wordpress/create-block in interactive mode allows you to configure your block through a series of prompts. This is ideal for beginners or when you want granular control over your block’s settings.

Steps to Use Interactive Mode:

1. Open your terminal or command prompt.
2. Navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory of your WordPress installation.
3. Run the following command: npx @wordpress/create-block awesome-button-block
4. Follow the prompts to customize your block’s name, description, and other settings.
5. Wait for the scaffolding process to complete. This may take a few minutes.

Once the process finishes, a new directory named awesome-button-block will be created. Inside, you’ll find a collection of files that form the basis of your block, including:

• src/block.json: Metadata file defining your block’s properties.
• src/index.js: The main JavaScript file for your block’s frontend and editor.
• style.css: Styles for your block’s frontend.
• README.md: Documentation and setup instructions.

Quick Mode: Generating a Block in Seconds

If you prefer a faster setup, use the quick mode. This method requires you to specify the block’s slug directly in the command line, skipping the interactive prompts.

Steps to Use Quick Mode:

1. Open your terminal or command prompt.
2. Navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory.
3. Run the following command: npx @wordpress/create-block awesome-button-block --quick
4. Wait for the scaffolding process to complete.

Quick mode is ideal for experienced developers who know exactly how they want their block to be structured. The resulting directory will be identical to the one created in interactive mode, with the same set of files.

Key Differences Between Modes:

Feature	Interactive Mode	Quick Mode
Customization	Step-by-step prompts	Direct configuration
Time	Longer (due to prompts)	Shorter
Flexibility	Greater control	Limited to predefined options

Building Your First Custom Block: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that your scaffolding is set up, it’s time to create your first custom block. Let’s walk through the process using the example of an “awesome button block.”

1. Understanding the Block Structure

The block’s core files include block.json, index.js, and style.css. These files define the block’s behavior, appearance, and layout.

block.json contains metadata such as the block’s name, description, category, and attributes. For example:

{
  "name": "awesome-button-block/button",
  "title": "Awesome Button",
  "description": "A stylish button for your website.",
  "category": "widgets",
  "icon": "button",
  "attributes": {
    "text": {
      "type": "string",
      "default": "Click Me"
    },
    "link": {
      "type": "string",
      "default": "#"
    }
  }
}

index.js handles the block’s frontend and editor logic. It uses React to render the block’s visual interface in the editor and on the frontend.

style.css contains the block’s styling, ensuring it looks consistent across your site.

2. Adding Custom Attributes

Attributes allow users to customize your block. For the “awesome button,” you might add attributes for text, link, and color.

Example:

attributes: {
  text: {
    type: 'string',
    default: 'Click Me'
  },
  link: {
    type: 'string',
    default: '#'
  },
  color: {
    type: 'string',
    default: 'blue'
  }
}

These attributes can be accessed in your block’s JavaScript to dynamically render content.

3. Creating the Frontend and Editor UI

The frontend UI is what users see on the website, while the editor UI is what they interact with in the block editor. Use React to define these interfaces.

Frontend Code Example:

const { registerBlockType } = wp.blocks;
const { RichText, URLInput } = wp.editor;

registerBlockType('awesome-button-block/button', {
  title: 'Awesome Button',
  icon: 'button',
  category: 'widgets',
  attributes: {
    text: { type: 'string', default: 'Click Me' },
    link: { type: 'string', default: '#' },
    color: { type: 'string', default: 'blue' }
  },
  edit: (props) => {
    const { attributes: { text, link, color }, setAttributes } = props;

    return (
      

        
           setAttributes({ text: value })}
            placeholder="Enter button text"
          />
        
      
    );
  },
  save: (props) => {
    const { attributes: { text, link, color } } = props;

    return (
      

        
          {text}
        
      
    );
  },
});

This code defines the block’s appearance in both the editor and on the frontend. The edit function renders the UI in the block editor, while save defines how the block is rendered on the website.

Advanced Features: Extending Your Block’s Capabilities

Once your basic block is working, you can enhance it with advanced features to make it more versatile. Here are some options:

1. Adding Block Variations

Block variations allow users to choose different styles or layouts for your block. For example, you could create variations for a “Primary Button,” “Secondary Button,” and “Outline Button.”

Example:

variations: [
  {
    name: 'primary',
    title: 'Primary Button',
    attributes: { color: 'blue' },
    isDefault: true
  },
  {
    name: 'secondary',
    title: 'Secondary Button',
    attributes: { color: 'gray' }
  },
  {
    name: 'outline',
    title: 'Outline Button',
    attributes: { color: 'transparent', borderColor: 'black' }
  }
]

Users can select these variations from the block’s settings panel in the editor.

2. Incorporating Block Icons

Custom icons improve the block’s discoverability in the editor. Use the icon property in block.json to assign an icon. You can use built-in icons or custom SVGs.

Example:

"icon": {

  "src": "https://example.com