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WordPress Create Block: Easy Guide to Custom Block Develo…

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever wondered how WordPress brings its flexible, customizable layouts to life? If you’ve been curious about creating blocks—the building pieces of modern WordPress pages—you’re not alone. Understanding how WordPress creates these blocks unlocks a new world of design freedom and functionality for your site.

In this article, you’ll discover what goes into making a WordPress block, step-by-step guidance, and practical tips to help you start building engaging content with ease. Let’s demystify the process together!

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Understanding How WordPress Creates Blocks

WordPress revolutionized content creation with the introduction of the Block Editor (also known as Gutenberg). Instead of writing content in a single chunk, you use “blocks”—modular components for everything: paragraphs, images, galleries, buttons, and much more. But how are these blocks actually created? And how can you build custom ones for your unique needs?

Let’s break down everything you need to know about how WordPress creates blocks, including the tools involved, the step-by-step process, and expert tips for success.

What Is a WordPress Block?

A WordPress block is a distinct unit of content in the Block Editor. Each block focuses on a specific purpose, such as a heading, a paragraph, an image, a video, or even a custom widget. This modular system allows users to build custom layouts quickly and efficiently, with full flexibility over every section of a page or post.


How to Create a Custom Block With The @wordpress/create-block Build Tool - wordpress create block

The Two Main Ways to Create WordPress Blocks

There are two main pathways for creating WordPress blocks:

  1. Using the @wordpress/create-block Tool
  2. Building Blocks Manually

Let’s explore these methods in detail so you can choose the one that fits your skills and project scope.

1. Using the @wordpress/create-block Tool

The easiest and most popular approach to creating custom blocks is by using the official @wordpress/create-block tool. This developer-friendly command-line utility helps you scaffold (generate) all the necessary files and code for a custom block, saving hours of setup time.

What Is the @wordpress/create-block Tool?

  • A Node.js-based command-line tool.
  • Generates all required files, ensuring best practices and compatibility with the Block Editor.
  • Ideal for developers new to block development or those who want to skip repetitive boilerplate coding.


@wordpress/create-block - npm - wordpress create block

Why Use This Tool?

  • Fast setup: Get started in minutes.
  • Consistent structure: Adheres to WordPress standards.
  • Scalable: Easily extend or modify your blocks.
  • Beginner-friendly: Reduces technical hurdles for newcomers.

Step-by-Step: How to Create a Block With @wordpress/create-block

1. Meet the Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) installed.
  • Basic familiarity with the command line/terminal.

2. Run the Block Creation Command

Open your terminal and enter:

npx @wordpress/create-block my-custom-block


How to Create a Custom WordPress Block (Easy Way) - WPBeginner - wordpress create block

Replace my-custom-block with the name you want for your block.

  • This command generates a new folder with all the code required for your block.
  • You can also provide additional options to customize your block’s features (such as title, description, or namespace).

3. Review the Generated Files

After running the tool, you’ll find a new folder structure similar to:

  • block.json (the block’s metadata)
  • src/ (source code for your block, including JavaScript and CSS)
  • build/ (compiled output, ready for WordPress)

4. Customize the Block

  • Edit the JavaScript files (commonly edit.js and save.js) to define how your block appears and behaves both in the editor and on the front end.
  • Adjust styles in accompanying CSS or SCSS files to match your site’s look.

5. Build and Test Your Block

  • Run npm run build or npm run start (for live reloading) inside your new block directory.
  • WordPress will use the compiled code to integrate your custom block into the Block Editor.

6. Install the Block (as a plugin)

The tool creates a plugin structure. Install this plugin on your WordPress site (either by uploading the folder or using symlink during development).

  • Once activated, your custom block will appear in the Block Editor, ready for use.

2. Building Blocks Manually

For advanced users, you can build a block from scratch without scaffolding tools. This method is more involved but gives you full control over every detail.

Steps for Manual Block Creation

  1. Set Up Your Plugin

    • Create a new folder in your wp-content/plugins directory.
    • Add a core plugin file with basic metadata.

  2. Register the Block

    • Use register_block_type in PHP or WordPress Block APIs in JavaScript to let WordPress know your block exists.

  3. Create the Block’s Code

    • Write your block’s editing interface (React-based JavaScript).
    • Set up the block’s save behavior for front-end display.

  4. Enqueue Block Scripts and Styles

    • Make sure your assets are properly enqueued in WordPress using enqueue_block_editor_assets and related hooks.

  5. Test and Refine

    • Activate your plugin and test the block in the Block Editor.
    • Refine its design and functionality as needed.

Why Build Manually?

  • Deep customization: You can implement highly specialized UI or integrate with external APIs.
  • Granular control: Choose what JavaScript libraries to include, or integrate unique build processes.
  • Learning opportunity: Get hands-on with how WordPress communicates between PHP and JavaScript.

Benefits of Creating Custom WordPress Blocks

Why go through the trouble of creating a custom block? Here are some game-changing benefits:

  • Tailored Content: Control exactly how your content appears and behaves.
  • Reusable Components: Streamline content creation by reusing blocks across multiple posts or pages.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Make life easier for site editors, reducing technical barriers and mistakes.
  • Scalability: Add more features as your needs grow—custom blocks are designed for extension.
  • Stand Out: Create unique layouts or elements not possible with standard blocks.

Challenges in Block Creation

Building custom blocks unlocks a new level of power, but keep these challenges in mind:

  • Learning Curve: Requires familiarity with modern JavaScript (especially React).
  • WordPress Updates: The Block Editor evolves rapidly; you must keep your blocks compatible.
  • Testing: Custom blocks should be carefully tested to avoid breaking content layouts.
  • Performance: Poorly optimized blocks can impact site speed.
  • Cross-Browser Compatibility: Blocks should work seamlessly across different browsers and devices.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

To ensure a smooth block creation process, keep these expert tips in mind:

1. Stick to WordPress Block Standards

  • Always use the official APIs and follow the recommended coding patterns to ensure compatibility with future WordPress updates.

2. Start Simple

  • Build a basic version of your block first. Add advanced features incrementally.

3. Leverage Existing Blocks

  • Review core WordPress blocks for inspiration and practical code examples—don’t reinvent the wheel.

4. Test Thoroughly

  • Check your block on both the backend (editor) and frontend (live site).
  • Verify that saving and reloading works as expected.

5. Keep Accessibility in Mind

  • Use semantic HTML and ARIA labels.
  • Make sure interactive elements are keyboard-navigable.

6. Optimize for Performance

  • Write efficient code and load only what’s needed.
  • Avoid large dependencies unless absolutely necessary.

7. Document Your Block

  • Maintain clear documentation within your code. Include usage examples to aid team members or future you.

8. Plan for Internationalization

  • Use translation functions so your audience can use your block in their own language.

9. Secure Your Block

  • Validate and sanitize data inputs.
  • Protect against unauthorized access, especially if your block manipulates sensitive data.

Cost Considerations

Creating WordPress blocks—especially with the official creation tool—is free, as it uses open-source software. Your costs mainly involve:

  • Developer time: Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring someone.
  • Development environment: If you don’t already have Node.js and npm, you may need time to set these up (they are also free).
  • Hosting: Your block will be part of your site’s plugin files; no extra hosting is required unless you’re developing a SaaS integration or extra services.

Remember, there is no additional shipping or delivery cost—everything is digital and runs on your existing WordPress website.

Summary

Creating custom blocks in WordPress empowers you to expand what’s possible with your website. Whether you use the efficient @wordpress/create-block tool or build your own solution from the ground up, the process opens doors to bespoke content, streamlined workflows, and memorable web experiences.

With a bit of patience and curiosity, any developer or advanced site owner can create blocks tailored precisely to their needs, ensuring their site stands out in both looks and functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a WordPress block, and why should I use custom blocks?

A WordPress block is a modular content element in the Block Editor. Custom blocks let you add new layouts, widgets, or features that the default blocks don’t provide, making your site more unique and easier to manage.

Do I need to know React to create WordPress blocks?

While WordPress blocks use React under the hood, tools like @wordpress/create-block let you create basic blocks with minimal React knowledge. For advanced blocks, understanding React and JavaScript is helpful.

Can I create a WordPress block without writing any code?

Yes, some plugins (like block builders or ACF) allow non-developers to assemble custom blocks visually. However, coding gives you the most flexibility and control.

Will custom blocks break when I update WordPress?

If you use official APIs and best practices, your blocks should remain compatible after updates. It’s essential to keep your custom blocks tested and updated alongside WordPress releases.

Can I share my custom blocks with others or use them on multiple sites?

Absolutely! Blocks created as plugins can be installed on any WordPress site you manage. You can also distribute them to others or even submit them to the WordPress plugin repository if you wish.

Empower your WordPress site. Dive into block creation, and watch your ideas transform into interactive, reusable content components—exactly how you imagine them!

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