The WordPress block editor, also known as Gutenberg, has transformed content creation by introducing a modular block-based editing experience. While WordPress offers a growing library of core blocks, there are times when you need more flexibility or want to build something tailor-made for your website or client. That’s where custom WordPress blocks come into play.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to create custom WordPress blocks from scratch using modern tools like @wordpress/scripts, React, and the Block API. Whether you want to add dynamic content, branding components, or interactive elements, this guide has got you covered.
What is a WordPress Block?
A block is a reusable unit of content in the WordPress editor—such as a paragraph, image, button, or gallery. Blocks are built using JavaScript (mostly React) and registered with PHP. Custom blocks let you define your own functionality and design to extend Gutenberg beyond the default blocks.
Why Create Custom Blocks?
Here’s why you might need to build a custom block:
Unique functionality: For example, a pricing table, testimonial slider, or product feature block.
Client branding: Delivering consistent styling and user experience across the editor.
Reusable elements: Empower content teams to insert complex layouts without touching code.
Enhanced UX: Provide a better editor interface tailored to your specific use cases.
Prerequisites
To follow along, ensure you have the following:
A local WordPress development environment (e.g., using Local, MAMP, or DevKinsta)
Node.js and npm installed
Familiarity with React and JavaScript ESNext
Basic understanding of WordPress themes/plugins
Step-by-Step: Creating a Custom WordPress Block
Let’s build a simple custom "Call to Action" block.
[LIST=1][*]Set Up a Custom Plugin
First, create a new folder in wp-content/plugins/ called custom-blocks. Inside, create a file named custom-blocks.php.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to create custom WordPress blocks from scratch using modern tools like @wordpress/scripts, React, and the Block API. Whether you want to add dynamic content, branding components, or interactive elements, this guide has got you covered.
What is a WordPress Block?
A block is a reusable unit of content in the WordPress editor—such as a paragraph, image, button, or gallery. Blocks are built using JavaScript (mostly React) and registered with PHP. Custom blocks let you define your own functionality and design to extend Gutenberg beyond the default blocks.
Why Create Custom Blocks?
Here’s why you might need to build a custom block:
Unique functionality: For example, a pricing table, testimonial slider, or product feature block.
Client branding: Delivering consistent styling and user experience across the editor.
Reusable elements: Empower content teams to insert complex layouts without touching code.
Enhanced UX: Provide a better editor interface tailored to your specific use cases.
Prerequisites
To follow along, ensure you have the following:
A local WordPress development environment (e.g., using Local, MAMP, or DevKinsta)
Node.js and npm installed
Familiarity with React and JavaScript ESNext
Basic understanding of WordPress themes/plugins
Step-by-Step: Creating a Custom WordPress Block
Let’s build a simple custom "Call to Action" block.
[LIST=1][*]Set Up a Custom Plugin
First, create a new folder in wp-content/plugins/ called custom-blocks. Inside, create a file named custom-blocks.php.