8 Block Extension Plugins for WordPress

• Updated on: 2019-11-06
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8 Block Extension Plugins for WordPress
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The rollout of WordPress 5.0 and the Block Editor introduced a new way to build content. However, this editor is very streamlined, and may not offer all the features you need.
Fortunately, plenty of helpful block plugins have already been created to expand the new editor’s capabilities. These extensions provide additional options for creating and designing content in a more versatile way.
In this post, we’ll explore eight of the best block extension plugins for WordPress. Let’s get started!
Why You Might Need a Block Extension Plugin
The Gutenberg Editor offers many advantages over its predecessor, the Classic Editor. For example, it lets you create multiple columns in a page or post, without the need for an additional plugin.
It also provides a simpler way to change font size and background colors within the editor. Additionally, blocks can be inserted or moved around on a page or post with ease, via the handy drag-and-drop feature.
Although it uses TinyMCE for rich text editing, just as the Classic Editor did, there are some drawbacks to the new editor that have elicited criticism.
A very common concern is the lack of block options, especially when compared to other page builder tools. Fortunately, there are plugins that can help fill in the gaps and expand your choices.
8 Block Extension Plugins for WordPress
If you feel limited by the editor’s existing block library, there are some plugins you can use to make creating content more flexible. Here are eight of the best block extension plugins for WordPress, in no particular order.
1. Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg
First on our list, Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg is designed to make page building easier. It’s created by the same Brainstorm Force team that built the popular Astra theme, Ultimate Addons for Beaver Builder, Ultimate Addons for Elementor, and more.
There are 23 blocks total in the bundle, offering developers a robust roundup of useful extensions. Some of the unique elements include the ‘infobox’ and ‘content timeline’ blocks.
The blocks included with this plugin are:
Section
Icon List
Price List
Best of all, this is a free plugin. Also, because the blocks are already optimized for performance, you won’t have to worry about them slowing down your site’s speed.
2. Advanced Gutenberg
The Advanced Gutenberg plugin goes beyond traditional block extensions. In addition to the 16 new blocks the bundle includes, it also comes with features enabling better control over the Block Editor, as well as configuration and styling options.
This plugin lets you deactivate any Gutenberg blocks you don’t want or need on your site, and apply custom CSS styles on Gutenberg paragraph blocks. You can also create user edition profiles and assign certain users or groups to them. The activation status of each block can even be adjusted for each user.
The blocks included are:
Testimonial Block
WooCommerce Products Block
This is another free plugin, created by JoomUnited . Since this tool is extensible, developers can use it to create and register their own blocks.
3. Atomic Blocks
Next up, Atomic Blocks is a popular solution that is 100 percent compatible with Gutenberg. The plugin, which includes 15 blocks, helps give WordPress users a more intuitive page building experience within the Block Editor.
The site-building blocks let users customize buttons and page layouts, as well as create custom content sections. Some of the elements make this tool particularly useful for bloggers, thanks to the author profile box and post grid blocks.
This plugin includes the following blocks:
Advanced Columns Block
Divider Block
Spacer Block
This is another free plugin, developed by Gambit Technologies Inc . However, there’s also a premium plan that includes more layout options.
5. Kadence Blocks
The Kadence Blocks plugin helps expand the design options and capabilities within the WordPress Block Editor. It includes a number of key elements that make it easier to design custom layouts, instead of relying on page builders.
This plugin can be used for just about any type of website. However, it is especially helpful for developers who want a more complex layout and flexible pages.
Let’s run through the block selection in this particular plugin:
Row Layout Block