Creating Custom Gutenberg Blocks: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Mastering Custom Gutenberg Blocks: A Comprehensive Guide

In the ever-evolving landscape of WordPress development, the Gutenberg block editor has revolutionized the way we create and manage content. While the block editor comes with a robust set of pre-built blocks, there are often instances where you need custom functionality that isn’t available out of the box. This guide will walk you through the process of creating custom Gutenberg blocks, covering both manual and plugin-based methods.

Why Create Custom Gutenberg Blocks?

Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s important to understand the benefits of creating custom Gutenberg blocks. Here are a few key reasons:

• Custom Functionality: Sometimes, the default blocks just don’t cut it. By creating custom blocks, you can add specific functionalities that are tailored to your needs or the needs of your clients.
• Reusability: Custom blocks can be reused across multiple pages and posts, saving you a significant amount of time in the long run.
• Flexibility: Custom blocks offer the flexibility to design and structure content in ways that aren’t possible with the default blocks.

Manual Creation of Custom Gutenberg Blocks

Creating custom Gutenberg blocks manually involves several steps, but it provides a deep understanding of how the Block API works.

Step 1: Create a Plugin to Enqueue Your Block Scripts & Styles

To start, you need to create a new plugin. Navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory of your WordPress installation via SFTP using a client like FileZilla. Create a new folder for your plugin, e.g., custom-block-plugin.

Inside this folder, create a plugin.php file and add the following code:

<?php
/*
Plugin Name: Custom Gutenberg Block
Description: A custom Gutenberg block plugin.
Version: 1.0
Author: Your Name
Author URI: https://yourwebsite.com
*/
function enqueue_block_editor_assets() {
    wp_enqueue_script(
        'custom-block-script',
        plugins_url( 'block.js', __FILE__ ),
        array( 'wp-blocks', 'wp-element' )
    );

    wp_enqueue_style(
        'custom-block-style',
        plugins_url( 'block.css', __FILE__ ),
        array( 'wp-edit-blocks' )
    );
}
add_action( 'enqueue_block_editor_assets', 'enqueue_block_editor_assets' );

This code enqueues the necessary JavaScript and CSS files for your block.

Step 2: Register the New Block Type

Next, create a block.js file in the same directory and add the following code:

import { registerBlockType } from '@wordpress/blocks';
import { RichText, InspectorControls, ColorPalette } from '@wordpress/block-editor';
import { Button } from '@wordpress/components';

registerBlockType('custom-block/custom-block', {
    title: 'Custom Block',
    icon: 'admin-users',
    category: 'common',
    attributes: {
        content: { type: 'string' },
        borderColor: { type: 'string' },
    },
    edit: EditComponent,
    save: SaveComponent,
});

function EditComponent(props) {
    const { attributes, setAttributes } = props;
    const { content, borderColor } = attributes;

    const onChangeContent = (newContent) => {
        setAttributes({ content: newContent });
    };

    const onChangeBorderColor = (newBorderColor) => {
        setAttributes({ borderColor: newBorderColor });
    };

    return (
        <div>
            <RichText
                value={content}
                onChange={onChangeContent}
                placeholder="Enter your text here"
            />
            <InspectorControls>
                <ColorPalette
                    value={borderColor}
                    onChange={onChangeBorderColor}
                />
            </InspectorControls>
        </div>
    );
}

function SaveComponent(props) {
    const { attributes } = props;
    const { content, borderColor } = attributes;

    return (
        <div style={{ border: `1px solid ${borderColor}` }}>
            <RichText.Content value={content} />
        </div>
    );
}

This JavaScript code registers the block and defines its attributes and editing interface.

Using Plugins to Create Custom Gutenberg Blocks

While manual creation provides a deep understanding, using plugins can significantly simplify the process.

Block Lab Plugin

The Block Lab plugin allows you to create custom blocks directly from your WordPress dashboard without extensive coding.

• Install and activate the Block Lab plugin.
• Go to the Custom Blocks section in your WordPress dashboard and click Add New.
• Configure the block settings, such as name, category, icon, and fields.
• You can add various field types like text, numbers, email addresses, and more.
• Once configured, publish the block and it will be available in the block editor.

Genesis Custom Blocks Plugin

Another popular plugin is the Genesis Custom Blocks plugin, developed by the team behind WP Engine hosting.

• Install and activate the Genesis Custom Blocks plugin.
• Navigat to Custom Blocks > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
• Set up the block name, categories, and fields as needed.
• Create a block template using HTML, CSS, and optionally PHP.
• Upload the template files to your theme directory and start using the custom block.

Tools for Streamlining Block Development

For developers who prefer a more automated approach, there are tools like @wordpress/create-block and create-guten-block.

@wordpress/create-block

This is an official zero-configuration tool for creating Gutenberg blocks.

• Run the command npx @wordpress/create-block in your terminal to set up a new block plugin.
• This tool generates all the necessary files and folders, including PHP, JS, and CSS code, to get you started quickly.

create-guten-block

This is a third-party development toolkit based on create-react-app.

• Run the command npx create-guten-block in your terminal to generate the plugin scaffolding.
• This tool provides a preconfigured setup for React, webpack, ESLint, and more, making it easy to develop modern WordPress plugins.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

Testimonials Block

A common use case for custom blocks is creating a testimonials block. Here’s how you can do it using the Genesis Custom Blocks plugin:

• Create a new block named “Testimonials” and add fields for the reviewer’s name, image, and testimonial text.
• Create a block template using HTML and CSS to style the testimonial output.
• Upload the template files to your theme directory and use the block in your posts or pages.

Custom Notice Block

Another example is a custom notice block that allows users to add arbitrary text input and display it in a notice box.

• Create a plugin to enqueue the block scripts and styles.
• Register the new block type using JavaScript and define its attributes and editing interface.
• Use the edit() and save() functions to handle the block’s backend and frontend rendering.

Best Practices and Hosting Considerations

When creating and using custom Gutenberg blocks, it’s crucial to follow best practices to ensure stability and performance.

• Testing Environment: Always test your custom blocks in a staging or local environment before deploying them to a live site. Tools like Local by WP Engine can be very helpful for this purpose.
• Hosting: Choose a reliable hosting provider that supports the latest versions of WordPress and PHP. Providers like Kinsta, known for their optimized WordPress hosting, can ensure your site runs smoothly with custom blocks.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Creating custom Gutenberg blocks can significantly enhance your WordPress site’s functionality and user experience. Whether you choose to go the manual route or use plugins and tools, the key is to understand the Block API and how to leverage it effectively.

If you’re looking for professional help in creating custom Gutenberg blocks or need assistance with any other WordPress development tasks, consider reaching out to Belov Digital Agency for expert solutions.

For more resources and tutorials on WordPress development, you can visit our blog at Belov Digital Agency Blog. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to Contact Us.

By following these steps and best practices, you’ll be well on your way to mastering custom Gutenberg blocks and taking your WordPress site to the next level.