Patterns in WordPress 5.5

WordPress 5.5 patterns header image

The latest release of WordPress includes patterns that were first available through the Gutenberg editor updates. Patterns are typical groups of blocks that are commonly and easily used (and seen) by simply adding the block to a post. This article will show how to access, use, and describe all of the patterns that you will find in WordPress 5.5.

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How to Access Patterns

Patterns are easily accessible using the default WordPress visual editor (Gutenberg) available with any WordPress 5.5 installation. Follow the steps below and you’ll see how simple it is to access the patterns.

  1. Log in to the WordPress Administrator.
  2. Click on Posts.
  3. Edit or create a new post.
  4. Click on the + button in the top left corner or in the body of the post. This will bring up the block list. There are 10 patterns in WordPress 5.5.
Find Patterns in WordPress visual editor
Patterns in the WordPress visual editor

Patterns are basically commonly used blocks or groups of blocks that are pre-populated with filler text or graphics. You can then simply replace the filler with your own content. It’s a really quick way of seeing your post with formatting or content applied. Note that all patterns are still subject to the colors and fonts used within the theme that you are using.

Patterns can be accessed by clicking on the plus sign, but you may not immediately see them if you click on the plus sign under an existing block. This is because the editor displays the most commonly used blocks by default. You can find the patterns section again by clicking on the Browse all button at the bottom of the list.

Description of the Patterns in WordPress 5.5

Blocks are currently grouped into 5 categories:

  • Buttons
  • Columns
  • Headers
  • Gallery
  • Text
Image TitleDescription
Two ButtonsTwo clickable buttons block
3 buttonsThree buttonsThree clickable buttons block
2 columns of textTwo columns of textFormatted paragraph that uses 2 columns of text
2 columns text with imagesTwo columns of text with imagesFormatted paragraph that uses 2 columns and includes an image for each column
3 columns of text with buttonsThree columns with buttonsParagraph formatted to use 3 columns and includes buttons at the bottom of each column
Gallery with 2 images side by sideTwo images side by sideGallery formatted to display 2 images side by side
Large header with headingLarge header with a headingLarge header with a heading. The header can use image or color with text on top
Large header with buttonLarge header with a heading and a buttonLarge header with heading and a button. the header uses an image or color background and includes the heading and button
Text heading and paragraphHeading and paragraphGroup of text blocks ( heading and paragraph)
quote with imageQuoteGroup of text block with an image

As you become familiar with the patterns you will see that many of them are simply groups of commonly used blocks. Using the patterns is simply another way to help speed up the content creation process.

How to Use a Pattern

Using patterns in WordPress 5.5 is really simple! It’s just a matter of creating or editing a post and then selecting the pattern. The pattern is added like any block. Follow the steps below to learn how to add a pattern when working within a post. Note that these instructions follow the access steps from earlier in the article.

  1. Now that you can see the patterns, scroll through them until you find the one you want to use. Click on the pattern you want to use.
  2. Note that as soon as you click on the pattern it will be added to your post. The filler content in the pattern will also be added. At this point, you simply need to click on each element and then replace it with your own.
  3. Once you’re done with editing the filler content make sure to save your post so you don’t lose your changes.

And that’s it! You can see how powerful, simple, and quick it is to use patterns. They will help you quickly add content while providing another way to add creative elements that you may frequently use.

Congratulations! You are now familiar with the WordPress 5.5 patterns! For more information, please see our WordPress Education Channel.

AC
Arnel Custodio Content Writer I

As a writer for InMotion Hosting, Arnel has always aimed to share helpful information and provide knowledge that will help solve problems and aid in achieving goals. He's also been active with WordPress local community groups and events since 2004.

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