Introduction to Gutenberg and Page Builders

WordPress is a versatile platform that offers a range of tools for creating websites. Over the years, it has seen the rise of various page builders such as Elementor, Beaver Builder, Brizy, and Divi. One new player on the scene is Gutenberg, the built-in page builder introduced by WordPress core. While some see Gutenberg as the future, others believe that popular page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder are here to stay.

The Current Scenario

Gutenberg is the default page builder in WordPress, but it is currently not as advanced or user-friendly as some of the established page builders like Elementor or Divi. These page builders offer a more polished and intuitive experience, which has made them the preferred choice for many WordPress users. However, it's important to understand that these page builders, while advanced, still struggle with user experience (UX) in certain areas. Many of them have rough previews and limited customization options, particularly in full-site editing.

Why Page Builders Prevail

The ease of use and advanced features of page builders like Elementor and Divi are a significant advantage over Gutenberg. These tools are constantly evolving and updating their features, which allows them to stay ahead of Gutenberg. Additionally, page builders like Elementor and Divi have a large user base and a robust developer community. This ensures that any issues or bugs are quickly addressed, leading to continuous improvement.

Future of WordPress: Gutenberg or Page Builders?

Despite the current limitations of Gutenberg, it is certainly part of the future of WordPress. As full-site editing comes into play, the role of traditional themes will diminish, and page editors will play a more significant role. In fact, with the introduction of Stackable or Kadence Blocks, users can already create impressive websites. However, it will take some time for Gutenberg to catch up with the level of advancement and user experience offered by established page builders.

The speed at which page builders evolve is an advantage they hold over Gutenberg. While Gutenberg is tightly integrated with the WordPress core, any major changes would need to be carefully implemented. On the other hand, page builders have more freedom in their updates, allowing for faster and more frequent improvements. This flexibility ensures that page builders will continue to outpace Gutenberg in terms of features and user experience.

The Case for Plugins

Many users prefer the stability and integration offered by page builders, especially when it comes to customizing their websites. While Gutenberg is constantly improving, the lack of a clear roadmap or specific goals has led some users to question its ultimate success. Nevertheless, in the future, Gutenberg may become a more popular choice, particularly for those who need a more integrated and seamless experience with the WordPress core.

However, sticking with page builders like Elementor or Divi is still a solid strategy for many users. These tools offer a wide range of features, user-friendly interfaces, and strong support communities. It would be fair to say that in the future, these page builders may remain as popular if not more popular than Gutenberg, unless Gutenberg makes significant improvements and catches up with the evolution of page builders.

Advice for New Users

Getting used to the Gutenberg editor can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips for new users:

Explore the Interface: When you first open the Gutenberg editor, it might look confusing. However, there is a plus sign in a circle that appears when you move your mouse around. Clicking this will reveal more options and help you navigate the editor. Use Mobile Devices: If you find the editor overwhelming on a larger screen, switch to a mobile device to access the same options more easily. Tap into Support: There is a large community of users and developers who can provide support and guidance as you get used to the new editor.

Conclusion

The future of WordPress page creation seems to be a mix of both Gutenberg and page builders. While Gutenberg is an essential part of the WordPress core, page builders like Elementor and Divi lead the way in terms of advanced features and user experience. As WordPress continues to evolve, it is likely that both options will continue to coexist, offering users a variety of choices. For now, the established page builders remain the go-to choice for many, but Gutenberg's potential and integration with WordPress make it worth keeping an eye on for future improvements.