How to use WordPress block patterns?

Block patterns in WordPress are one of the latest functionality extensions that aim to make it easier to create attractive websites. Thanks to block patterns, users can assemble complex page layouts from ready-made blocks, instead of building them from scratch. The patterns are available in a variety of categories and styles, such as headlines, about us sections, team sections, testimonial sections, and more.

1. Using built-in WordPress block patterns

WordPress 5.5 introduced the concept of block patterns, which are available in the Gutenberg block editor. When you create a new post or page, you can browse and select from the predefined patterns that are available in the patterns section of the block editor.

To use these patterns:

1. Go to the “Add New” or “Edit” page in your WordPress admin panel.
2. Click the “Add Block” icon (plus in the upper left corner of the editor).
3. Switch to the “Patterns” tab and select the pattern you want to add to your page.

2. Create your own block patterns

Did you know you can create your own block patterns? This can be done using PHP code.

Below is a sample code snippet you can add to your theme's functions.php file:

register_block_pattern( &#039;your-theme/pattern-name&#039;, array( &#039;title&#039; =&gt; __( &#039;Pattern name&#039;, &#039;your-theme&#039; ), &#039;categories&#039; =&gt; array( &#039;category&#039; ), &#039;description&#039; =&gt; _x( &#039;Pattern description&#039;, &#039;Block description&#039;, &#039;your-theme&#039; ), &#039;content&#039; =&gt; &quot;<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&quot; . __( &#039;Block content&#039;, &#039;your-theme&#039; ) .&quot;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->",
    )
);

In this example, 'your-theme/pattern-name' is a unique identifier for the block pattern, and 'content' contains the contents of the block pattern. Categories determine where the pattern will be displayed in the block editor.

3. Using plugins to manage block patterns

Another approach is to use plugins to manage block patterns. One of the most popular is “Block Pattern Builder”.

This plugin allows you to create patterns directly from the block editor, which is much easier for people not familiar with PHP. After installing and activating the plugin, you can create, edit and delete block patterns as if they were normal entries.

4. Importing and exporting block patterns

You may also want to import and export block patterns between different WordPress sites. You can use the “Block Pattern Importer/Exporter” plugin for this purpose.

This plugin allows you to export patterns to a JSON file which can then be imported to another WordPress site. This is especially useful when you want to use the same patterns on multiple pages.

WordPress block patterns make it much easier to create attractive websites. Thanks to built-in templates, the ability to create your own templates, and template management plugins, we have at our disposal a powerful tool for building unique and personalized websites.

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