Block Pattern Builder

Description

Block Pattern Builder is a simple plugin that allows end-users to create custom block patterns within the WordPress plugin directory. The plugin currently requires Gutenberg 7.8+. Block patterns will be a part of core WordPress in the future. For now, Gutenberg is a hard requirement.

More information on block patterns can be found via the following links:

• Gutenberg 7.8 Adds Patterns API and Continues Interface Cleanup
• Block Patterns Will Change Everything

How to Use the Plugin

After installing and activating the plugin, you should see a new “Block Patterns” menu item in your WordPress admin. From that point, you can create a new pattern just like you would any post or page. The process is the same.

The idea with patterns is to create a reusable pattern or section of blocks that you will use later. Once you publish a pattern, it will be available within the pattern library.

Now, go to any post or page. Click on the pattern icon. At the time of writing, that icon is in the top right corner of the block editor, but this will surely change in future versions of Gutenberg and WordPress. After clicking on the icon, you should see your custom pattern in the pattern library/list. Click on it. It will be inserted into your post.

As of version 1.1.0, users can create a block pattern directly from the editor. Click on the “more options” button (ellipsis icon) in the editor toolbar with at least one block selected. Then, click the “Add to Block Patterns” option.

Screenshots

FAQ

Why was this plugin created?

I thought it would be fun to build block patterns from the admin instead of writing code for them.

Block pattern is invalid. What should I do?

If this happens, something is off in the pattern. See if you can resolve the issue. Currently, block patterns are very early in development, so there is a distinct possibility of breakage.

Can I use this to build patterns for my theme?

Yes, certainly. You can build the patterns via the admin. Then, go to the code editor and copy the code version of the pattern. Then, register in your theme’s functions.php via the register_pattern() function. This way, you can ship your custom patterns directly to your theme users.

Reviews

Very helpful

Martin Sauter January 11, 2022

This is a clean and simple, but very helpful plugin to create your own block patterns. If it had the option to manage block pattern categories as well, I’d consider even a 5 star rating… ??

Time saver making it super easy for clients

Richard-B May 19, 2021

Thanks Justin!! This plugin is just what was needed. Makes it super easy to save a pattern (template) and just reuse over and over on new pages. Love it!

Great time saver

pete3 December 23, 2020

The Block Pattern Builder allows me to quickly use blocks over and over again, which is really essential to create content quickly and consistently. The only issue I have right now is that the patterns in the bottom of my list of 13 patterns are not listed when I search for them in the Gutenberg editor. If I have two patterns with “h2” in their name, it only shows the to one, for example. Not sure what is causing that? I hope a future version allows to change the saved pattern and apply the changes site wide (structure and design, not the content obviously). That would make maintenance so much more efficient. But I think it’s a WordPress limitation at the moment, rather than a plugin limitation.

Great Plugin, But

LarryWEB December 3, 2020 2 replies

I REALLY like this plugin, but it is conflicting with Gutenberg Plugin v9.1.1 When inserting Block > choosing Browse All > then selecting Patterns …… It gets an error The editor has encountered an unexpected error. Just respond that you got this …. then it goes back to 5 Stars! Thanks, looking forward to using. ————————————- Due to “Bianca (@bianca205)”, putting this to 5 Stars … I hope she will forward this to the right people.

Useful addition that needs some work

Webtaurus November 26, 2020

Thanks Justin for creating such a useful nifty plugin. I does not seem perfect in the way of finding and inserting the patterns in posts, but I am sure you will solve that.

Very Good

aungzinphyo October 25, 2020

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Contributors & Developers

Changelog

The change log is located in the changelog.md file in the plugin folder. You may also view the change log online.