Sometimes you just need a classic: car, burger, or in this case, a editor. I won’t go on a diatribe about WordPress woes with the . WordPress loves it and is pushing it, but throughout the internet you’ll find people who aren’t as enthused, disability or not.WordPressGutenberg block editor
With all that in mind, let me tell you how to get the classic WordPress editor back. As of this writing, the Classic Editor plugin is still fully supported and has over 5 million active installations. Take them stats, Gutenberg!
Note: The following will not apply if you are blogging via the platform. For this to work, you must have a self-hosted WordPress site or blog, meaning one not controlled by wordpress.com.wordpress.com
What Is the Classic Editor?
The is the old-style editor where there are no blocks to worry about moving around to put your post together. It is also less cluttered and makes it easier to find really important things like post options, categories, and tags. This is especially true if you happen to be using a screen reader.Classic Editor
The Classic Editor plugin is an official plugin maintained by WordPress contributors that restores the previous WordPress editor and the “Edit Post” screen. It makes it possible to use plugins that extend that screen, add old-style meta boxes, or otherwise depend on the previous editor.
The Classic Editor plugin was originally described as being supported “until at least 2022.” That deadline has been extended repeatedly, and as of 2026, WordPress continues to fully support and maintain the plugin. That said, the broader WordPress ecosystem is increasingly building for the block editor, so new plugins and themes may not work perfectly with the Classic Editor going forward. Something to keep in mind for the long term.
At a glance, the Classic Editor plugin adds the following:
Administrators can select the default editor for all users.
Administrators can allow users to change their default editor.
When allowed, users can choose which editor to use for each post.
Each post opens in the last editor used regardless of who edited it last. This is important for maintaining a consistent experience when editing content.
By default, this plugin hides all functionality available in the block editor.
How to Install the Classic Editor
Here are the steps to get this classic:
From your WordPress dashboard, find Plugins, then Add New.
Type “Classic Editor” without quotes in the search box.
You don’t need to press Enter. Just below the search box should be the plugin.Classic Editor
Check the description to be sure it’s the same one (by WordPress Contributors, 5+ million active installations).
You’ll notice an Install option just below the title of the plugin. Activate it once it’s done installing.
After activating the plugin, go back to your dashboard, then navigate to Settings and then Writing. Under Default Editor for All Users, make sure Classic Editor is selected.
You may also want to set Allow Users to Switch Editors to Yes if you want the flexibility.
When you’re done, make sure you hit that all-important Save Changes button.
FAQ
Is the WordPress Classic Editor plugin still supported in 2026?
Yes. The Classic Editor plugin continues to be fully supported and maintained by WordPress contributors. It has been repeatedly extended past its original 2022 support deadline.
Does the Classic Editor work with screen readers?
Yes. The Classic Editor is generally more accessible than the Gutenberg block editor for screen reader users, with a simpler, less cluttered interface.
Can I switch between the Classic Editor and the Block Editor?
Yes. If an administrator enables the “Allow Users to Switch Editors” option, you can choose which editor to use for each post.
Will new WordPress plugins work with the Classic Editor?
Most existing plugins still work with the Classic Editor. However, newer plugins and themes are increasingly built for the block editor, so some features may not be available in the Classic Editor.
Is the Classic Editor available on wordpress.com hosted sites?
No. The Classic Editor plugin requires a self-hosted WordPress installation. If your site is hosted on wordpress.com, this plugin is not available.
Conclusion
The Classic Editor remains a solid choice for anyone who prefers the simpler, more streamlined editing experience, especially screen reader users. Just keep in mind that as WordPress continues to evolve around the block editor, you may eventually want to explore the newer interface. But for now, classic is still classy.
That’s it for this time around. May all your editing be quick and easy!
Qapla!
What’s even worse about this situation is that it’s tyranny of the minority. The 5%-10% of users with the most computer experience are shoving this down the throat of the rest of us. I predict, and I have sent this to WordPress several times, that they will lose 20% of their bloggers when the Classic Editor is no longer available. It is highly unlikely I will continue when I have to use the awful Block Editor; I have written more than 1,000 posts (>500,000 words) and I love blogging.
Thanks for writing this.
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Thank you, Casey, for this valuable information. Unfortunately, as you said, the classic editor will only be supported for another year. So, as I understand it, all WordPress users will need to learn how to use Mr. Blockhead, as I like to call the Gootenberg editor. It’s a shame that WordPress isn’t listening to its customers. If we bloggers move to a different platform, we risk losing followers. So, they’ve got us where they want us, and they know it.