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Block Patterns

Block Patterns

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Block Patterns are a collection of blocks that you can insert into posts and pages and then customize with your own content. Using a Block Pattern can reduce the time required to create content on your site, as well as being a great way to learn how different blocks can be combined to produce interesting effects.

To find more patterns, you can also use the Block Pattern Directory.

Since WordPress 6.3, you can create your own patterns. Patterns work exactly the same as predefined patterns stored in the Patterns Directory. Also, with the “Sync” option enabled, the synced pattern will behave in exactly the same way as a reusable block. Editing the synced pattern will update it anywhere it is used. After creating a synced pattern, you can ‘Detach’ it to a regular block, and edit the block without affecting your already saved synced pattern.

WordPress 6.3 renamed Reusable Blocks to Patterns. A synced pattern will behave in exactly the same way as a reusable block.

How to use a Block Pattern

  1. Click the + icon to add a new block from the top toolbar in the WordPress Block editor.
  2. Click on the Patterns tab or Synced Patterns tab.
  3. For Patterns tab, use the dropdown to choose which category of patterns you want to use or click Explore to open a modal that allows you to have a larger view of each pattern.
  4. Either click on the pattern you wish to insert or drag and drop the pattern into your content. If you click on the pattern, it will be inserted at the location of your cursor.

How to create a Block Pattern

Since WordPress 6.3, you can create your own patterns.

  1. Select the block or blocks you want to turn into a pattern.
  2. Click on the three dot menu that opens up the additional settings.
  3. Click on “Create pattern/reusable block“.
  4. Enter the name of pattern.
  5. To synchronize patterns, turn on the Sync option. Editing the pattern will update it anywhere it is used.
  6. Click Create.

You’ll then be able to locate the created patterns at Patterns -> My Pattern or Synced Patterns (overlapping rhombus icon) of Block Inserter.