Using the block editor in the forums

In this article

The block editor makes it quick and easy to post support requests and reviews in the WordPress.org forums. If you’re already familiar with the block editor from using it on a WordPress site, using it in the forums is very similar.

The forums include a more a limited set of blocks than a regular WordPress site, which are outlined below, along with some general tips.

Default block: paragraph

Each chunk of content in your post consists of a block. The default block is a Paragraph, so you can begin typing in the message box without needing to insert a block first.

block editor message window
Message box with default paragraph block

The Paragraph block comes with several formatting options that you can access by selecting the icons on the toolbar above the block. These include bold and italic formatting, link insertion, and other options found under the little arrow, such as strikethrough and inline code.

Paragraph block formatting options

More about the Paragraph block.

Inserting a block

There are several ways to insert a block in the forums. You can click either one of the two block inserter icons:

  • The inserter at the top left of the editor is a white plus sign inside a blue circle.
  • The inserter to the right of your cursor is a black plus sign.
block inserter icons
Block inserter icons

Here’s what the list of blocks looks like after clicking the top left block inserter icon:

Partial list of blocks

You can also type the / character (forward slash) in the message to bring up a list of blocks.

block insertion with slash
Some of the blocks available in the forums

If you need to add content other than basic text, select the block you need from the pop-up list by clicking on it.

Code block

If you need to paste or type in code, insert a Code Block first, and then type or paste your code inside the block. If you forget to use a Code block, your content may not appear at all.

Code block example
Code block

More about the Code block.

List block

You can use the list block to quickly create a bullet or numbered list. Toggle between the different types of lists via the two icons on the block toolbar.

List block
List block

More about the List Block.

Quote block

The Quote block is very handy for quoting text that you need to reference. More about the Quote block.

Sharing images

While it’s not possible to upload images directly in the support forums, it is possible to share images in a few different ways.

For screenshots or other images, Snipboard is a handy, free tool. Imgur is another free service you can use for any type of graphic. You can also upload an image in your own site’s Media Library, at Media > Add New.

Once you’ve uploaded your image, you can share it in the forum in several different ways:

  • Paste the image link directly in the forum post, using the default Paragraph block
  • For an Imgur link, select the Imgur block
  • Use the Image block
    • Select the Image block
    • Select Insert from URL
    • Paste the image URL in the text field and click the bent-arrow icon. Keep in mind that the image URL must end in a standard image extension, such as JPG or PNG.
Image block with "Insert from URL" button circled
Image block

Using the Image block will embed the image directly in the forum.

More about the Image block.

Embed blocks

It’s possible to embed video, polls, posts, and other content from sources including YouTube, Vimeo, Crowdsignal, WordPress.tv, VideoPress, and even WordPress itself. Select the block you need and paste in your URL.

Embeds section of block editor showing various options including YouTube, WordPress, Vimeo.
Embed blocks

Moving blocks

Use the up and down arrows to move blocks to a different position within a forum post.

Move icons on a block
Move block icons

Other block options

By clicking the three dots at the end of the formatting toolbar, you’ll find useful options, such as the ability to duplicate a block, or insert a new block above or below an existing one. The option to remove a block is always at the bottom.

Block options
Block options

Opting out

If you prefer to opt out of using the block editor in the forums, follow these steps:

  • Head to your forum user account at https://wordpress.org/support/users/YOUR-USERNAME while replacing YOUR-USERNAME with your WordPress.org username.
  • Click Edit Forum Profile at the bottom left.
  • Scroll down to the User Options section and check the box next to “Disable the Block Editor for new topics and replies.” Click the Update Profile button at the bottom right when you’re done.
User Options checkbox showing the checkbox next to "Disable the Block Editor for new topics and replies." checked

Bug and enhancement reports

If you come across an issue using the block editor in the forums, please report it so someone can have a look. Two good places to bring your report are:

  • In Meta Trac: Log in with your WordPress.org account to create a new ticket. Select “Support Forums” as the component. and include a detailed description of the issue.
  • In the #forums channel in WordPress.org Slack. If you’re not already part of the Slack instance, check out the guide for joining.