If you are using WordPress 5.0, you will have seen Gutenberg. It is the new standard block editor for the platform which allows you to customize your pages and content. The CMS has big plans for this editor, it is set to revolutionize customization on WordPress powered websites, changing standard pages to advanced, interactive designs. That is why there is no better time to migrate your building and editing functionality from WPBakery to Gutenberg.
WPBakery is also built for WordPress and has been around for quite some time. Over the years this page builder has been widely used in the CMS. As a result, users have become familiar with its functionality. Of course, moving away from a familiar interface presents its own set of problems.
However, as Gutenberg is the new standard, it is only a matter of time until it is widely adopted and utilized by all WordPress users. The fact that it is compatible with all plugins and themes largely serves in its favor, especially as WPBakery lacks integration with other page builders aside from using shortcodes. Many of the top WordPress page builders are now thinking of how they can offer integration with Gutenberg. Those who don’t risk a diminishing user database.
A More Affordable Option
At the moment, the WPBakery page builder does not offer its users a free version. Instead, it gives you two options when it comes to purchasing user licenses. The entry-level option costs $45 and only allows you to use the plugin on a single website. And even though the extended license costs $245, it is still only for use on a single SaaS application.
The single-use license includes free updates, access to the template library and premium support, while the extended license provides all the above but all also enables theme integration.
In contrast, the Gutenberg Editor can be downloaded by users that are working on WordPress version 4.8 and up for free. For anyone using WordPress version 5.0, Gutenberg is already pre-installed. Regardless of the CMS version, the editor is free of charge to install.
Consequently, it offers you more for less. There is no need to trial various page builders and read up on the pros and cons to find the right one, risking wasted license fees if it is not. It also saves time as you can use what is already installed to instantly build beautiful website pages.
Advanced Flexibility
When investing in a page builder plugin there is always that possibility that one day you will want to try a different one to help evolve your website. However, disabling page builder plugins like WP Bakery may affect your website’s ability to maintain its design in addition to losing advanced styling features that come with the plugin.
While other page builder plugins can be removed hassle-free, WP Bakery leaves behind a string of shortcodes which disables the functionality of your website. This means that when you commit to WP Bakery, you have limited options when it comes to freely changing your mind later on. You will need the help of professionals to make any sort of move away.
On the other hand, Gutenberg gives you more flexibility when it comes to changing the editor mode that you choose to work in. Seeing as it comes standard with WordPress version 5.0 and up, you can’t delete it. However, you still have the option of switching between Classic Editor mode and Gutenberg Editor until you are comfortable with the functionality.
Classic editor is the previous official WordPress plugin that will enable you to edit and create content without Gutenberg’s block-based editing. In conclusion, this option shows that Gutenberg is willing to put its users first when it comes to editing flexibility.
Intuitive Styling
As can be expected, Gutenberg offers some intuitive functionality when it comes to styling. Block designs can be saved and reused whenever you need them, making putting your content pages together easier. For example, if you come up with a great layout and call to action that you want to repeat in every blog post, you can simply save it and then insert it into place.
With a wide range of block styles to choose from, customizing your posts is easier than before. You can easily add quotes, headings, images, galleries, shortcode, lists, etc in a single distinct block. The good news is that the functionality and range of features are only going to improve as time goes on.
That being said, Gutenberg is not a specialized page builder like WPBakery. There are certain advanced design features it can’t achieve at the moment. However, this is expected to change as the developer community grows.