WordPress pattern builder is now available

In 2021, WordPress launched the to make it even easier to create a website with the Gutenberg editor.

The directory consisted of pre-made block layouts created by developers that any user could copy and apply to their site.

The pattern builder is now available to all WordPress.org users. No coding knowledge is required to use this tool, so all WordPress users can contribute and help expand the pattern directory.

We’ll walk you through how to use the pattern builder and show you how easy it is to contribute to WordPress by submitting your patterns.

What is the WordPress pattern builder?

The WordPress pattern builder is a block editing platform accessible from the pattern directory.

The pattern builder is similar to the block editor in the WordPress admin panel. The main differences are the pattern settings panel for specifying the pattern’s title, description, categories, and keywords, and the button Send instead of the button Post.

Use the editor to create a block pattern for a specific section of the website by combining various blocks and customizing your visual design. While you don’t have to design a full page template, the pattern shouldn’t be too simple, as you won’t add any value to other users.

Here are some great patterns created with the WordPress builder:

How to use the pattern maker to submit your patterns

Once you’ve entered the pattern builder, start designing new patterns by adding and customizing blocks. If you need guidance, check out our tutorials on using the and .

We recommend creating a suitable pattern for more than one of the available categories: buttons, columns, Gallery, header, images Y text.

For example, let’s create a subscription call-to-action section that we can send in the buttons or text category.

1. Add a block of front page and write the CTA text. You can add a block of paragraph inside the cover to write additional text.
2. insert a block of buttons inside the cover block area to create the CTA button.
3. Use the block toolbar and layout tool to customize the color, font, or layout of each block.

Don’t forget to add the pattern’s title, description, categories, and keywords. Click the button Send in the top right corner of the page once you’ve finished designing and follow the instructions on the shipping notice.

The WordPress team reviews all submitted patterns to ensure there are no copyright or trademark issues and that the patterns work as intended. Therefore, it may take a few days for your pattern to be approved. You will receive an email notification once it is published in the pattern directory.

Tips for creating a good WordPress pattern

Since the pattern builder is available to anyone with a WordPress.org account, the WordPress team carefully decides which patterns deserve to be included in the pattern directory. Therefore, please read the guidelines to ensure that you meet the standards.

Here are some tips for creating a great WordPress pattern:

• Combine various blocks. A great pattern should help save users time as they won’t need to create a complex section from scratch. Design a pattern using multiple blocks to make sure it’s a great starting point for content customization.
• Put all the root level blocks together inside a group block. Makes moving the pattern around the block editor easier.
• Avoid placeholder texts. Don’t use too many “Lorem ipsum” or “Put your text here” placeholders. Write usable text so users don’t have to create it from scratch.

What to expect from the pattern maker

The pattern directory should grow faster than ever with the WordPress pattern builder. In addition, the patterns directory may become one of the main resources for site creation, as the next one will emphasize the use of patterns in site editing.

However, this new feature still has some limitations. There are still some open issues in the patterns directory. For example, there is a bug that prevents the query loop block from working properly.

As more user feedback comes in, we hope that the developers will continue to improve the pattern builder.

Try the pattern builder now, and if you find any issues or have ideas on how to improve it, please file an issue on the tool’s GitHub repository.

Stefany is a marketing professional, lover of good grammar. She enjoys writing about technology and SEO. In her free time, she likes to watch movies and make cookies.