Adding CTAs, forms, or banners to multiple posts can be time-consuming for content creators and WordPress website managers. Gutenberg editor’s Reusable Blocks, now known as Patterns, offer a powerful solution. These Synced and Unsynced patterns allow you to save and reuse content blocks across your WordPress site, improving efficiency and consistency.
This guide covers everything you need to know about creating, managing, and exporting Patterns to streamline your content workflow.
Patterns are pre-designed block layouts in Gutenberg editor that can be saved and reused. With Synced Patterns, you can edit once and apply changes globally. Unsynced Patterns allow you to insert a block layout without linking the updates, keeping them independent.
One of the main advantages of using patterns is their flexibility. If you frequently use elements such as web forms, CTAs, affiliate banners, social media links, or comment sections, patterns can save you time by allowing you to design them once and reuse them across different pages. They are also useful for designing layout templates for blog posts or landing pages, ensuring consistency in your content presentation.
To create a pattern, open a Post or Page in Gutenberg editor and add your content blocks you need. Customize the text, images, buttons, and other elements according to your design preference. Once your layout is ready, select the block you want to save.
Click on the three-dot menu (⋮) in the block toolbar and select “Create Pattern”. A window will appear, prompting you to name the pattern and categorize it for better organization. You also have the option to toggle Synced on or off. If the pattern is synced, any edits made to it will be reflected across all instances where it is used. If left unsynced, each instance will be independent and editable separately. Click Add to save the pattern.
Once you’ve created a pattern, inserting it into your content is straightforward. Open a Post/Page and click the + (Add Block) button. Navigate to the Patterns tab and select “All” or browse “My Patterns” to find the saved pattern. Clicking on the pattern will insert it into your content immediately.
Patterns are stored in an easy-to-access library, allowing you to organize and reuse them without having to recreate elements manually. This helps maintain consistency in your designs while also reducing content duplication.
Managing synced patterns ensures that your updates apply globally across all instances. If you want to edit a synced pattern, select it and click Edit Original. Any modifications made in this mode will automatically update every instance of the pattern throughout your site. If you need to customize an instance without affecting others, convert the pattern to a regular block, making it independent.
Patterns can be exported and imported as JSON files, making it easy to reuse them across different sites. This feature is useful when migrating content or sharing designs between multiple projects.
To export a pattern, navigate to Appearance > Editor > Patterns. Locate the pattern you want to export, click on the three-dot menu, and select Export as JSON. The file will be downloaded to your computer.
To import a pattern, go to Appearance > Editor > Patterns, click Add New Pattern, and select Import Pattern from JSON. Upload the JSON file you previously saved and confirm the import. The pattern will now be available in your Gutenberg library.
To make the most of patterns, use clear and descriptive names to make them easier to locate in WordPress editor. Organizing patterns into categories also helps streamline access. If you frequently update your site, consider backing up your patterns by exporting them as JSON files. Additionally, combining patterns with Premium Blocks can enhance the design flexibility of your layouts, making them more visually appealing and functional.
Patterns are a powerful tool in Gutenberg editor for improving workflow, ensuring consistency, and reducing repetitive tasks. Whether you manage a personal blog or a large website, using Synced and Unsynced Patterns will make content management easier and more efficient. By leveraging patterns, you can maintain a cohesive site design, save time, and simplify content updates across your site. Start using Patterns today and enhance your editing experience!
