TL;DR
- Your site is WordPress plus your theme, your page builder, and your plugins. Those change how your editor looks. Tutorials show someone else’s mix.
- There are three main editing screens: the block editor, the classic editor, and page builders. They look nothing alike.
- Find out which one you have before you follow a tutorial.
- The fastest fix: a training session on your own site.
Why Does My WordPress Editor Look Different From Tutorials?
Because every site is built from a different mix. Your theme, your page builder (a drag-and-drop design tool), and your plugins all change what you see when you edit. When one client asked which “version” they had, Beth explained, “It isn’t a ‘version’ that you have that is different. You have a theme. Every theme, builder and plugin are different.”
A tutorial made on a plain WordPress site, or with a different builder, won’t match your screen. Neither is wrong. They’re just different setups.
How Do I Tell Which Editor I Have?
- Log in and open any page to edit it.
- Look at the screen:
- Block editor: a + button in the top left, and content split into blocks you can click one at a time.
- Classic editor: one big text box with a toolbar like a word processor, and Visual and Text tabs.
- Page builder: a separate drag-and-drop screen, often opened with a button that says “Edit with” and the builder’s name.
- Get help that matches your screen. Training on your own site is best. If you use tutorials, pick ones made for your exact editor or builder.
What Is the Classic Editor?
It’s the older WordPress editor. WordPress still offers it as an official plugin. Some owners find it easier for simple text changes. On one client’s site, Beth explained, “I switched it from the Block editor to the Classic because it’s more user friendly.”
Rather Learn on Your Own Site?
Book a training session focused on your setup and your questions. As Beth told one client, “Yes, we can schedule a training session for your specific questions.” For hard-to-find features, we send short screen recordings you can replay. See Do You Offer WordPress Training for Me and My Staff?
Or skip the learning curve and send us your changes on your Webmaster Retainer.
What Webmaster For Hire Recommends
- Know which editor your site uses.
- Get trained on your own site instead of piecing it together from videos.
:: Common Questions ::
Can I Switch Editors?
Sometimes. Switching between the block and classic editors takes a plugin, and pages built with blocks may not look right in the classic editor. Switching away from a page builder usually means rebuilding those pages. Ask us before you switch anything.
Why Did My Editor Change After an Update?
WordPress, page builders, and themes all update their editing screens over time. Buttons move and labels change. If something you used is suddenly gone, ask us where it went.
Want Training on Your Setup?
See our Webmaster Retainer, or request a consultation.
