How to Bulk Convert Classic Blocks to Gutenberg in WordPress

Understanding the Transition from Classic Editor to Gutenberg (Block Editor)

The introduction of the Gutenberg block editor in WordPress 5.0 marked a significant shift in how content is created and managed. While the classic editor relied on a single text area for content creation, often requiring shortcodes or custom HTML for complex layouts, Gutenberg introduces a modular approach. Each element, such as paragraphs, images, headings, and even more complex components, is treated as a distinct “block.” This change brings several advantages:

• Improved visual editing experience.
• Greater flexibility in layout design.
• Enhanced content organization and structure.
• Simplified creation of complex and dynamic content.
• Easier integration of third-party plugins and services.

However, the transition also presents challenges. A key concern is how to seamlessly convert existing content created with the classic editor into the new block-based format. This article will guide you through various methods for bulk converting classic blocks to Gutenberg in WordPress, outlining the pros and cons of each approach.

Preparing for Bulk Conversion: Essential Pre-Conversion Steps

Before initiating a bulk conversion, it’s crucial to take several preparatory steps to ensure a smooth and successful transition. These steps minimize potential issues and safeguard your content.

1. Back Up Your WordPress Website

This is paramount. A full website backup protects your data in case anything goes wrong during the conversion process. Use a reliable backup plugin like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or BlogVault to create a complete copy of your files and database. Store the backup in a secure location, preferably offsite.

2. Update WordPress, Themes, and Plugins

Ensure that your WordPress core, themes, and plugins are updated to the latest versions. Updates often include bug fixes and compatibility improvements that can prevent conflicts during the conversion.

3. Test Conversion on a Staging Environment

Never perform bulk conversions directly on your live website. Create a staging environment, which is a duplicate of your live site, where you can safely experiment with different conversion methods without impacting your visitors. Most hosting providers offer easy staging environment creation tools.

4. Audit Your Existing Content

Before converting, take the time to audit your existing content and identify any potential issues. Look for:

• Broken shortcodes or outdated plugins.
• Custom HTML that might not render correctly in Gutenberg.
• Inconsistent formatting or styling.

Addressing these issues beforehand will streamline the conversion process and minimize manual adjustments later on.

5. Deactivate Unnecessary Plugins

Temporarily deactivate plugins that are not essential or known to cause conflicts with Gutenberg. This can help prevent unexpected errors during the conversion.

Methods for Bulk Converting Classic Blocks to Gutenberg

Several methods can be employed for bulk converting classic blocks to Gutenberg. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the complexity of your content and your technical expertise.

1. The Default WordPress Converter (Automatic Conversion)

The simplest approach is to rely on the built-in WordPress converter. When you open a classic post or page in the Gutenberg editor for the first time, WordPress automatically wraps the entire content area in a single “Classic” block. To convert this block to individual Gutenberg blocks:

1. Open the post or page in the Gutenberg editor.
2. Click on the three vertical dots (Options) within the “Classic” block.
3. Select “Convert to Blocks.”

This action attempts to automatically split the content into individual Gutenberg blocks, such as paragraphs, headings, lists, and images. Pros:

• Simple and straightforward.
• Requires no additional plugins.
• Suitable for basic content with minimal formatting.

Cons:

• May not accurately convert complex layouts or content with custom HTML.
• Can result in messy or incorrectly formatted blocks.
• Requires manual review and adjustments for each post or page.
• Not truly a bulk conversion as it needs to be done per post.

While this method isn’t a true bulk conversion, it’s a good starting point for simpler sites, and can be combined with other methods below for specific tasks.

2. Using the “Bulk Block Converter” Plugin

Dedicated plugins offer more robust bulk conversion capabilities. The “Bulk Block Converter” plugin is a popular option. To use the “Bulk Block Converter” plugin:

1. Install and activate the plugin.
2. Navigate to the plugin’s settings page (usually found under “Tools” or “Settings”).
3. Select the post types (e.g., posts, pages) you want to convert.
4. Configure any available options, such as whether to create a backup before conversion.
5. Initiate the bulk conversion process.

The plugin will then automatically convert all selected classic posts and pages into Gutenberg blocks. Pros:

• Offers a true bulk conversion capability.
• Often provides options for fine-tuning the conversion process.
• Can save significant time and effort compared to manual conversion.

Cons:

• Relies on a third-party plugin, which may not be actively maintained.
• May not handle complex content perfectly.
• Can be resource-intensive, especially for large websites.
• Plugin might require payment for enhanced features.

Always test thoroughly on a staging environment before running a bulk conversion on your live site.

3. Using WP-CLI (Command Line Interface)

For technically proficient users, WP-CLI provides a powerful command-line interface for managing WordPress websites. It can be used to perform bulk conversions programmatically. To use WP-CLI for bulk conversion:

1. Access your WordPress website’s server via SSH.
2. Use WP-CLI commands to query the database and identify classic posts and pages.
3. Use WP-CLI commands to update the `post_content` field in the database, converting the classic content to Gutenberg blocks. This typically involves using regular expressions or custom PHP code.

This method requires a strong understanding of WP-CLI, database queries, and PHP programming. Pros:

• Highly customizable and flexible.
• Efficient for large websites.
• Can be automated with scripts.

Cons:

• Requires advanced technical skills.
• Can be risky if not executed correctly, potentially leading to data loss.
• Steep learning curve.

Using WP-CLI is best suited for developers or experienced WordPress users who are comfortable working with the command line and database. Here’s a very basic example of the type of command that might be used (this is a simplified example and requires much more customization and thorough testing): “`bash wp post list –post_type=post –format=ids –posts_per_page=-1 | xargs -I % wp post meta update % _wp_blocks_to_convert 1 “` This would flag all “post” post types to be converted. You would then need to build the functionality that executes the conversion.

4. Programmatic Conversion Using PHP

You can develop a custom PHP script to programmatically convert classic content to Gutenberg blocks. This approach offers maximum control over the conversion process. To create a custom PHP conversion script:

1. Create a new PHP file (e.g., `convert-to-blocks.php`).
2. Use WordPress functions like `WP_Query` to retrieve classic posts and pages.
3. Use PHP code to parse the content and generate Gutenberg blocks. This may involve using regular expressions or HTML parsing libraries.
4. Update the `post_content` field in the database with the converted content.
5. Run the script, either from the command line or through a web browser.

This method requires strong PHP programming skills and a deep understanding of the Gutenberg block structure. Pros:

• Maximum control and customization.
• Can be tailored to specific content requirements.
• Suitable for complex or highly customized websites.

Cons:

• Requires significant development effort.
• Can be time-consuming to implement.
• Requires thorough testing to ensure accuracy and avoid errors.

This option is best for developers or those with access to developer resources. A simple example (greatly simplified) looks like this: “`php post_content; // Very basic conversion: wrap content in a paragraph block. $block_content = “n

” . $content . “

n”; $update_post = array( ‘ID’ => $post_id, ‘post_content’ => $block_content, ); wp_update_post($update_post); } // Example usage: convert post with ID 123 convert_classic_to_gutenberg(123); ?> “`

5. Hybrid Approach: Combining Methods

In many cases, a hybrid approach that combines different methods is the most effective. For example, you might use the default WordPress converter for simple content, a plugin for bulk conversion of basic posts, and a custom PHP script for more complex layouts. This allows you to leverage the strengths of each method and address the specific needs of your content.

Post-Conversion Tasks: Reviewing and Refining the Converted Content

After the bulk conversion process is complete, it’s essential to review and refine the converted content. This ensures accuracy, consistency, and optimal presentation.

1. Manually Review Each Post and Page

Carefully examine each converted post and page in the Gutenberg editor. Look for any errors, inconsistencies, or formatting issues. Pay particular attention to:

• Heading levels (H1, H2, H3, etc.).
• Image alignment and sizing.
• List formatting (bullet points, numbering).
• Code blocks.
• Embedded media (videos, audio).
• Custom HTML blocks.

2. Adjust Block Settings

Use the Gutenberg block settings to fine-tune the appearance and behavior of each block. This includes:

• Changing text alignment.
• Adjusting font sizes and colors.
• Adding or removing block borders.
• Configuring image captions and alt text.
• Setting block-specific CSS classes.

3. Correct Any Conversion Errors

Address any conversion errors that you identify. This might involve:

• Merging or splitting blocks.
• Reformatting text.
• Re-inserting images or media.
• Removing unnecessary HTML tags.

4. Optimize for Performance

Ensure that the converted content is optimized for performance. This includes:

• Compressing images.
• Using appropriate image sizes.
• Minimizing the use of complex blocks.
• Caching frequently accessed content.

5. Test on Different Devices and Browsers

Test the converted content on various devices and browsers to ensure that it renders correctly and provides a consistent user experience.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Conversion Method

Selecting the right method for bulk converting classic blocks to Gutenberg depends on the complexity of your website’s content, your technical skills, and the resources available to you. The default WordPress converter is a good starting point for simple content, while dedicated plugins offer more robust bulk conversion capabilities. For complex layouts or highly customized websites, a programmatic approach using WP-CLI or PHP might be necessary. Regardless of the method you choose, thorough testing and review are crucial to ensure a successful transition. Remember to always back up your website before making any significant changes.