A reusable block is a block you save once and use anywhere on your website. You create it from the block options menu, give it a name, and insert it from the Reusable list. It speeds up your work and keeps repeated content the same everywhere.
What a reusable block is
Some content shows up again and again. A call-to-action box, a contact note, or a row of buttons are good examples.
Instead of building it each time, you build it once and save it. The block keeps all of its formatting, so its colors and backgrounds come along too.
This saves time and keeps your pages looking the same.
Reusable blocks work in the block editor, which WordPress calls Gutenberg. Menu names can differ a little between versions, but the idea is the same.
Create a reusable block
Start with a block you already built in a post or page.
Select the block
Click the block in the editor so its toolbar shows above it.
Open block options
Click the three vertical dots at the top of the block. This is the options menu.
Add to Reusable blocks
Choose the option to add it to your reusable blocks. Newer versions may call this Create pattern.
Name the block
Type a clear name, like Contact call box. A good name makes it easy to find later.
Save it
Click Save. The block now sits in your library.
Insert a reusable block
Use it on any post or page of your WordPress website.
Click the plus sign
In the post, click the plus sign at the bottom to add a block.
Open the Reusable list
Click Reusable. Your saved blocks show in a list.
Pick your block
Click the block you want. It drops into your page, ready to publish.
Edit a reusable block
You have two options. Option one: click the edit button above the block and make your change.
Be careful here. An edit changes every copy of that block on your website. This is handy when a phone number or offer changes.
Option two: open the options menu and remove the block from being reusable. It turns back into a normal block, and you can edit this one copy alone.
Pick option two when only one page needs a different version.
Good ways to use them
Use a reusable block for any box that repeats, like a sign-up note or a row of icons. Keep one clear job per block.
A common mistake is editing a shared block when you meant to change one page. Check the name before you save a change.
If a block no longer fits, delete it from your library. Check first that no page still needs it.
Name your blocks in a plain way. A year from now, you will thank yourself.
Need help setting up blocks on your WordPress website? Websnoogie in Omaha can help. Call us at 402-813-4034 any day from 7 am to 10 pm.
Common questions
Does editing a reusable block change every page?
Yes. An edit changes all copies of that block on your website. Remove the reusable link first if you want to change just one.
Does a reusable block keep its colors?
Yes. It saves all of the formatting, including block colors and backgrounds.
AboutRod and Tami Atwood
Rod and Tami Atwood and other Websnoogie contributors write the Websnoogie blog. Rod has built websites since 2004 and founded Websnoogie, LLC in Omaha in 2012. Tami is co-owner, content editor and billing expert. Call us at 402-813-4034 or write to staff@websnoogie.com.
