How to Create a Block Pattern for WordPress

Creating Block Patterns for WordPress: A Beginner’s Guide

Want to streamline your website design process? Block Patterns offer pre-designed arrangements of blocks that you can easily insert into your pages and posts. Let’s learn how to create your own.

1. Understand Block Patterns:

• What are they? Block Patterns are reusable templates that combine multiple blocks into a cohesive design.
• Benefits: They save time, ensure consistency, and provide inspiration for your layouts.

2. Set Up Your Development Environment:

• Install WordPress: Get a fresh copy to test your block patterns.
• Choose a code editor: Consider Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text.

3. Create a Block Pattern Directory:

• Name it appropriately: Use a descriptive name (e.g., “my-block-patterns”).
• Add a PHP file: Create a PHP file (e.g., my-block-pattern.php) to register your pattern.

4. Register the Block Pattern:

• Use register_block_pattern(): This function registers your pattern and defines its attributes.
• Set properties: Specify the pattern’s title, description, and content.

5. Define the Content:

• Use block JSON: Write the JSON representation of the blocks and their attributes that make up your pattern.
• Structure your layout: Arrange the blocks in the desired order and style.

6. Test and Refine:

• Preview your pattern: Insert the pattern into a page or post to see how it looks.
• Make adjustments: Modify the block JSON to refine the layout and style.

7. Share Your Pattern:

• Include in your theme: Add the block pattern directory to your theme.
• Share with others: Consider sharing your pattern with the WordPress community or on your website.

Example:

PHP

register_block_pattern(
    'my-theme/featured-content',
    array(
        'title' => 'Featured Content',
        'description' => 'A featured content block with an image and text.',
        'content' => json_encode(
            array(
                array(
                    'blockName' => 'core/image',
                    'attrs' => array(
                        'url' => 'https://example.com/image.jpg',
                        'alt' => 'Featured Image'
                    )
                ),
                array(
                    'blockName' => 'core/heading',
                    'attrs' => array(
                        'content' => 'My Featured Content'
                    )
                ),
                array(
                    'blockName' => 'core/paragraph',
                    'attrs' => array(
                        'content' => 'This is a featured piece of content.'
                    )
                )
            )
        )
    )
);

Tips:

• Keep it simple: Start with basic patterns and gradually add complexity.
• Use existing blocks: Leverage the rich ecosystem of WordPress blocks.
• Share your patterns: Contribute to the community by sharing your creations.

By following these steps, you can create custom block patterns that enhance your website’s design and workflow.

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WordPress Block Patterns: Further Reading

Resources

• WordPress Developer Resources
• Learn WordPress
• Learn WordPress > How to Create and Register a Block Pattern
• WordPress.com Support > Create a Pattern (via the UI)

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Have any questions? Feel free to ask!