Reusable Blocks – Synced Patterns

Posted on by Martin

Introduction to Reusable Blocks

WordPress Reusable Blocks are a powerful feature designed to save time and maintain consistency across your website. They allow you to create a block once and use it in multiple places. When you update the block, the changes automatically apply everywhere it’s used. This feature is especially useful for content that you need to repeat on different pages or posts, such as contact information, call-to-action buttons, or special announcements.

Creating Reusable Blocks

Step by Step Process

  1. Create a Block: In the WordPress editor, create the block you want to reuse. This can be any type of block, like a paragraph, image, or a custom layout.
  2. Add to Reusable Blocks: Once your block is ready, click on the block’s menu (three dots) and choose ‘Add to Reusable Blocks’.
  3. Name the Block: Give your block a descriptive name. This name will be used to identify the block when you want to reuse it.

Using Reusable Blocks

Inserting into Posts or Pages

  1. Open the Block Inserter: While editing a post or page, click on the ‘+’ button to open the block inserter.
  2. Find Your Reusable Block: Navigate to the ‘Reusable’ tab, where you’ll see all your saved blocks. Select the one you want to insert.
  3. Place the Block: Click on the block, and it will be inserted into your post or page.

Managing Reusable Blocks

Editing and Updating

  1. Edit a Reusable Block: To edit, simply insert the block into a post or page and make your changes. Once you save the post or page, you’ll be prompted to update the block.
  2. Apply Changes: Choose ‘Save’ to apply changes across all instances where the block is used.

Accessing All Reusable Blocks

  1. Access from the Dashboard: Go to the WordPress dashboard, click on ‘Manage All Reusable Blocks’. This takes you to a screen where you can see all your blocks.
  2. Edit or Delete: From here, you can edit names, contents, or delete blocks you no longer need.

Synced Patterns

Understanding Synced Patterns

Synced Patterns are similar to Reusable Blocks but are more complex and can include multiple blocks arranged in a specific layout or pattern. These are useful for creating sections of a website that are consistently formatted but contain different content, like a team member section or a product display.

Creating Synced Patterns

  1. Build a Pattern: Arrange multiple blocks to create your desired layout.
  2. Save as a Pattern: Instead of adding to reusable blocks, save this arrangement as a pattern. This allows you to reuse the layout while changing the content within it.

Using Synced Patterns

  1. Inserting a Pattern: When editing a post or page, open the block inserter and navigate to the ‘Patterns’ tab. Find and insert your saved pattern.
  2. Customize Content: You can change the content within the pattern without affecting the layout.

Best Practices

Consistency and Efficiency

  • Use Reusable Blocks for content you repeat often.
  • Synced Patterns are best for sections where layout remains the same, but content changes.

Regular Updates

  • Periodically review and update your Reusable Blocks and Patterns to ensure they remain relevant and accurate.

Organize and Name Clearly

  • Give clear, descriptive names to your blocks and patterns for easy identification.

Conclusion

WordPress Reusable Blocks and Synced Patterns are efficient tools for managing and maintaining consistency in your website’s content. By understanding how to create, manage, and use these features, you can greatly enhance your website’s functionality and user experience.