Settle in, class. Today we’re learning the secret handshakes of the WordPress block editor. Once you know them, you’ll build pages faster, fumble less, and look suspiciously like you’ve been doing this for years. No flashcards required, though you’re welcome to make some.
Professor’s note: Shortcuts below use Windows/Linux keys. On a Mac, swap Ctrl for Cmd and Alt for Option (a few use Ctrl+Option instead). Shortcuts occasionally change between WordPress versions, so press Shift+Alt+H (Ctrl+Option+H on Mac) at any time to see the current list for your install.
Speedy Block Insertion
1. The slash command
In an empty paragraph, type / followed by a block name, such as /image or /columns, and press Enter. It’s the single biggest time-saver in the editor.
2. Markdown-style shortcuts
Type ## (with a space) at the start of a line to create a Heading 2, ### for Heading 3, – or * for a bulleted list, 1. for a numbered list, and > for a quote. Your fingers never leave the keyboard.
3. Insert before or after
With a block selected, Ctrl+Alt+T inserts a new block before it and Ctrl+Alt+Y inserts one after it.
4. Paste a URL to embed
Paste a YouTube or other supported link on its own line and WordPress will usually turn it into an embed automatically.
Editing Like a Pro
5. Duplicate a block
Ctrl+Shift+D duplicates the selected block, which is ideal for repeating a styled button or card.
6. Quick linking
Select text and press Ctrl+K to add a link. Even better: select text and paste a URL directly, and WordPress links it for you. You can also type [[ to search and link to your own posts and pages.
7. Command palette
With no text selected, press Ctrl+K to open the command palette. Search for commands, pages or templates and jump straight there. It feels a bit like magic the first time.
8. Select multiple blocks
Hold Shift and click to select a range of blocks, then move, group or delete them together. Pressing Esc switches to navigation mode, where arrow keys move between blocks.
9. Move blocks without dragging
Use the up and down arrows in the block toolbar to reorder blocks. It’s far more precise than drag-and-drop, especially on long pages.
Staying Organised
10. List View is your map
Open List View from the top toolbar (or press Shift+Alt+O). You’ll see every block as a tree, which makes it easy to select tiny nested blocks, rename them, and drag them around.
11. Group, then style
Select a few blocks, open the block options (the three-dot menu), and choose Group. Now you can give the whole group a background colour, padding or border in one go.
12. Copy and paste styles
In a block’s options menu you’ll find Copy styles and Paste styles. Style one button perfectly, then apply the same look to others in seconds.
Tip: Rename important groups in List View, such as “Hero” or “Pricing table”. Future you will thank present you when the page has sixty blocks.
Patterns and Reuse
13. Use built-in patterns
Open the inserter (the blue plus icon) and switch to the Patterns tab. Your theme and WordPress include ready-made layouts for headers, calls to action, testimonials sections and more. Drop one in, then swap in your own content.
14. Create your own patterns
Select blocks, open the options menu and choose Create pattern. Make it synced if you want edits to update everywhere it’s used (great for a newsletter signup box), or unsynced if each copy should be independent.
15. Lock important blocks
The block options menu includes a Lock setting that can prevent a block from being moved or removed. Handy when you hand a site to a client or collaborator.
Warning: Editing a synced pattern changes it on every page where it appears. Double-check before you tweak one on a busy site.
Focus and Fine-Tuning
16. Distraction-free mode
From the options menu at the top right, turn on Distraction free mode to hide toolbars and sidebars while you write. Perfect for drafting without being tempted to fiddle with colours.
17. Code editor for quick fixes
Ctrl+Shift+Alt+M toggles between the visual editor and the code editor, where you can see the block markup directly. Useful for spotting a stray empty block or copying a layout between sites, but tread carefully.
Putting It All Together
Here’s a pro workflow: draft your text quickly in distraction-free mode using Markdown shortcuts, then switch back, insert a pattern for your hero section, and use List View to tidy up. Once you’re comfortable, check out our design secrets to make those layouts shine, and our course for deeper editor lessons.
Want to practise without touching a live site? Spin up a sandbox in WordPress Playground and try each shortcut in turn.
Homework
Pick five shortcuts from this list and write them on a sticky note by your screen. Then build a simple page using only the keyboard for inserting blocks: slash commands, Markdown shortcuts and duplicate. Time how long it takes, and try again tomorrow to beat your score. Want more practice? Try our quizzes.
