Wednesday, April 15, 2020

11 Best Block Plugins for WordPress to Extend the Block Editor

Now that Gutenberg has morphed into  the WordPress Block Editor  as of WordPress 5.0, many people are excited to start building content with this new tool. In fact, there are already a lot of solutions available to expand the new editor’s capabilities. Let’s check out ten of the best block plugins for WordPress! Atomic Blocks Gutenberg Blocks Collection Author(s): atomicblocksCurrent Version: 2.1.0Last Updated: September 11, 2019atomic-blocks.2.1.0.zip 90%Ratings 271,718Downloads WP 5.0+Requires Most of the best block plugins for WordPress are turning out to be collections of elements, rather than single-block additions. Atomic Blocks is a perfect example of this trend in action. This plugin adds 15 new blocks that offer functionality currently missing from the WordPress editor.Blocks included:Section Layout BlockAdvanced Columns BlockNewsletter BlockPricing BlockPost Grid BlockContainer BlockTestimonial BlockInline Notice BlockAccordion BlockShare Icons BlockCall-To-Action BlockCustomizable Button BlockSpacer Divider BlockAuthor Profile BlockDrop Cap BlockBest for: This is an excellent plugin for bloggers, providing plenty of features you’ll find handy (such as author profile boxes and post grids). There’s also an Atomic Blocks theme you can try out, which offers styles designed to take full advantage of the new blocks.Price: Free2. Stackable Stackable Gutenberg Blocks Author(s): Gambit Technologies, IncCurrent Version: 1.17.3Last Updated: September 13, 2019stackable-ultimate-gutenberg-blocks.1.17.3.zip 98%Ratings 182,250Downloads WP 4.8+Requires If you’re looking for a comprehensive package, Stackable is one of the best block plugins for WordPress. It includes 22 new blocks, ranging from simple elements to complex features (such as headers and testimonials). In addition, all of this plugin’s blocks are designed to be fully responsive.Blocks included:Container BlockPosts BlockFeature Grid Block Accordion BlockImage Box BlockFeature BlockIcon List BlockCall to Action BlockCard BlockHeader BlockCount Up BlockVideo Popup BlockPricing Box BlockTestimonial BlockTeam Members BlockNotification BlockNumber Box BlockExpand/Show More BlockButton BlockBlockquote BlockDivider BlockSpacer BlockBest for: This plugin is a strong all-purpose tool, providing functionality that’s useful for bloggers, e-commerce site owners, and small businesses. You can also pick up the Stackable theme, which is created to work seamlessly with both the Block Editor and this plugin’s added features.Price: Free, though theres a ~$34 premium plan that adds more layouts3. Otter Blocks Gutenberg Blocks and Template Library by Otter Author(s): ThemeIsleCurrent Version: 1.2.5Last Updated: September 10, 2019otter-blocks.zip 96%Ratings 113,328Downloads WP 5.0+Requires Next up, Otter Blocks is our very own take on a WordPress blocks plugin. It’s a lightweight addition to your site, with m inimal impact on performance. At the same time, it provides 12 new blocks for you to play with and customize to your heart’s content.Blocks included:Section BlockAdvanced Heading BlockButton GroupService BlockPricing BlockTestimonial BlockGoogle Maps BlockAbout Author BlockPost Grid BlockFont Awesome BlockSharing Icons BlockPlugin Card BlockBest for: Otter Blocks is another strong pick for bloggers, as well as for business owners in need of features such as pricing and service modules. However, it also offers general-purpose blocks to help you build better headings and pages on any type of site.Price: Free4. Advanced Gutenberg Advanced Gutenberg Author(s): JoomUnitedCurrent Version: 2.1.5Last Updated: October 4, 2019advanced-gutenberg.2.1.5.zip 90%Ratings 210,415Downloads WP 5.0+Requires Advanced Gutenberg is another large collection, featuring 16 new blocks. However, it’s also one of the best block plugins for WordPress because it improves the way the Block Ed itor functions. For example, it lets you filter available blocks based on user role, and includes new customization options for some of the existing WordPress blocks.Blocks included:Recent Posts BlockWooCommerce Products BlockAdvanced Button BlockContact Form BlockAdvanced List BlockMap BlockAccordion BlockTabs BlockCounter BlockAdvanced Image BlockAdvanced Table BlockSocial Links BlockAdvanced Video BlockImage Slider BlockSummary BlockTestimonial BlockBest for: If you’re looking to push the boundaries of content design, this plugin can be a very useful tool. It provides advanced versions of several of the more fundamental WordPress blocks, offering you additional configuration and styling options. Plus, it adds new settings to some of the Block Editor’s existing functionality.Price: Free5. Kadence Blocks Kadence Blocks – Gutenberg Page Builder Toolkit Author(s): Kadence WPCurrent Version: 1.6.18Last Updated: October 17, 2019kadence-blocks.zip 100%Ratings 509,049Downloads WP 5.2+Requires The WordPress Block Editor can do a lot of things, but it’s a bit limited when it comes to designing layouts. This is especially true when it’s compared to popular page builders. This is why Kadence Blocks offers a few key elements to let you expand your options for building dynamic, flexible pages.Blocks included:Row Layout BlockAdvanced Heading BlockAdvanced Button BlockTabs BlockIcon BlockSpacer/Divider BlockAdvanced Gallery BlockAccordition BlockTestimonials BlockInfo Box BlockIcon List BlockBest for: While the number of blocks on offer in this plugin is small, they’re general-purpose enough to be useful for just about any website. If you’re looking to create pages with complex layouts – and want a lot of control over columns, rows, spacing, and more – Kadence Blocks is worth a look.Price: Free6. Block Gallery Block Gallery Photo Gallery Gutenberg Blocks Author(s): GoDaddyCurrent Version: 1.1.6Last Updated: May 16, 2019block-gallery.zip 96%Ratings 30,305Downloads WP 5.0+Requires Unlike all of the previous selections on this list, Block Gallery has a very specific purpose. It includes three new blocks, each focused on helping you design better WordPress galleries. It also offers a drag-and-drop builder tool within the blocks themselves, making it a breeze to add images to your galleries and customize them.Blocks included:Masonry GalleryFullscreen Stacked GalleryCarousel SliderBest for: Without a doubt, this is one of the best block plugins for WordPress if you’re a photographer or artist – or you otherwise need to showcase a lot of high-quality imagery. While few in number, the blocks provided greatly expand WordPress’ capabilities when it comes to building photo galleries.Price: Free7. Orbit Fox Orbit Fox by ThemeIsle Author(s): ThemeisleCurrent Version: 2.8.10Last Updated: September 13, 2019themeisle-companion.zip 94%Ratings 4,283,244Downloads WP 4.7+Requires Orbit Fox is another of our own plugins, and has a number of strings to its bow. First and foremost, it adds 22 new blocks to your site, providing you with all sorts of new features and customization options. What’s more, this plugin bundles a variety of other features – including an integrated Content Delivery Network (CDN), Google Analytics integration, and a social sharing module.Blocks included:About Author BlockAccordion BlockPie Chart BlockFont Awesome Icons BlockGoogle Map BlockNotice BlockPlugin Card BlockPosts Grid BlockPricing Table BlockOur Services BlockSharing Icons BlockTestimonials Area BlockClick to Tweet BlockAdvanced Heading BlockSection BlockSection Column BlockButton Group BlockAccordion Item BlockTestimonial BlockPricing BlockService BlockBest for: Orbit Fox is a handy all-in-one tool. It’s useful if you’re looking for some new blocks, along with additional functionality to help you run your site more effectively and enhance its performance. This one solution does the job of several plugins – saving you from having to add a lot of extra tools to your site. There are also plenty of excellent free themes that work seamlessly with Orbit Fox.Price: Free8. Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg Gutenberg Blocks – Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg Author(s): Brainstorm ForceCurrent Version: 1.13.6Last Updated: July 8, 2019ultimate-addons-for-gutenberg.1.13.6.zip 98%Ratings 768,706Downloads WP 4.7+Requires Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg does a pretty good job of living up to the name. This plugin bundles together 23 new blocks, ranging from layout options to specific advanced features. It covers a lot of the same bases as other blocks plugins, but also includes some more unusual elements (such as the info box and content timeline blocks).Blocks included:Section BlockMulti Buttons BlockAdvanced Heading BlockPost Grid BlockPost Carousel BlockPost Masonry BlockInfo Box BlockGoogle Map BlockTeam B lockContent Timeline BlockSocial Share BlockTestimonial BlockIcon List BlockRestaurant Menu BlockPost Timeline BlockCall To Action BlockAdvanced Columns BlockBlockquote BlockContact Form 7 Styler BlockGravity Forms Styler BlockMarketing Buttons BlockPrice List BlockTable of Contents BlockBest for: Small businesses should find this particular plugin useful, as it includes plenty of features that are invaluable for company sites (testimonials, team member profiles, etc). There’s also a block specifically designed for restaurants, which is a handy option if you’re in the food industry.Price: Free9. Premium Blocks for Gutenberg Premium Blocks for Gutenberg Author(s): Leap13Current Version: 1.7.8Last Updated: October 3, 2019premium-blocks-for-gutenberg.zip 100%Ratings 139,006Downloads WP 4.5+Requires Despite the name, Premium Blocks for Gutenberg is another completely free tool. It offers 12 blocks, all of which were built to have a minimal impact on website perform ance. You can even disable blocks you don’t intend to use, in order to reduce the plugin’s impact further.Blocks included:Banner BlockButton BlockCounter BlockDual Heading BlockIcon BlockMaps BlockPricing Table BlockSection BlockTestimonials BlockAccordion BlockIcon Box BlockVideo Box BlockBest for: Premium Blocks for Gutenberg is a solid well-rounded solution, offering essentials such as accordion tabs, icons, and pricing sections. It’s  one of the best block plugins for WordPress if you’re looking for a tool to give you access to a few additional features, while staying lightweight and avoiding unnecessary ‘frills’.Price: Free10. WooCommerce Blocks WooCommerce Blocks Author(s): AutomatticCurrent Version: 2.4.3Last Updated: October 14, 2019woo-gutenberg-products-block.2.4.3.zip 44%Ratings 3,222,499Downloads WP 5.0+Requires This last plugin is a little different, as its only for WooCommerce stores. However, WooCommerce Product Block s is worth making note of, as it smoothly combines WooCommerce’s product functionality with the new Block Editor.Blocks included:Featured Product BlockProducts by Attribute BlockHand-picked Products BlockBest Selling Products BlockTop Rated Products BlockNewest Products BlockOn Sale Products BlockProducts by Category BlockFeatured Category BlockProducts by Tag BlockProducts by Attribute BlockProduct Categories Lists BlockBest for: If you’re running a WooCommerce store, this is one blocks plugin you’ll want to consider. It enables you to display hand-picked products, items from specific categories or related to particular terms, best sellers or top-rated products, and more.Price: Free11. Ultimate Blocks Gutenberg Blocks Plugin Ultimate Blocks Author(s): Ultimate BlocksCurrent Version: 2.1.5Last Updated: September 30, 2019ultimate-blocks.2.1.5.zip 100%Ratings 27,820Downloads WP 5.0+Requires Ultimate Blocks is a plugin that operates with blocks for blogger s and marketers. So this is a niche tool, unlike most of the alternatives in this list, which are multipurpose. It provides 18 nice blocks entirely for free. If you want to try it out before downloading, it has a great demo where you can explore and play with all its features.Blocks included:Review (Schema Enabled) BlockTable of Contents BlockTabbed Content BlockCall to Action BlockContent Toggle (Accordion) BlockFeature Box BlockNotification Box BlockNumber Box BlockImage Slider BlockContent Filter BlockTestimonial BlockClick to Tweet BlockSocial Share BlockCountdown BlockProgress Bar BlockStar Rating BlockButton BlockDivider BlockBest for: Content creators, bloggers, and writers who want to optimize their websites for marketing. You can also use it for product reviews and ratings. The goal of this plugin is to help you, the writer or the blog owner, create engaging content with Gutenberg.Price: FreeHow to use the best block plugins for WordPressNo matter which of the best block pl ugins for WordPress you choose, its super easy to get started with your new blocks.Once you install and activate your chosen plugin(s), you should get a new accordion section for each plugin in your block list:Or, if you dont see a section, you can search for blocks by name.ConclusionThe WordPress Block Editor can do quite a bit on its own. However, its block-based system offers endless possibilities for expansion and creativity. Each of the best block plugins for WordPress featured above can help you create more original, dynamic content for your website.Are you looking for any specific type of block? Share it in the comments! If one of the best block plugins for WordPress doesnt have it, another option might Check out the 11 best block plugins for the new #WordPress editor (#Gutenberg)