Disable Gutenberg
View on WordPress.orgScores higher than 98% of indexed plugins
About
Disable Gutenberg Block Editor and restore the Classic Editor and original Edit Post screen (TinyMCE, meta boxes, etc.).
What It Does
Disable Gutenberg removes the block editor introduced in WordPress 5.0 and restores the Classic Editor with TinyMCE and the original Edit Post screen, including meta boxes. It works across posts, pages, and custom post types, with options to disable Gutenberg site-wide or on specific post types. The plugin also removes related REST API endpoints and front-end block assets that are no longer needed.
Who It's For
This plugin is best for site owners, agencies, and content teams who have built workflows around the Classic Editor and are not ready or willing to move to blocks. It is particularly useful for sites with heavy custom field usage, legacy shortcodes, or third-party editor plugins that depend on TinyMCE. Small businesses with non-technical editors who are comfortable with the classic interface will also benefit.
Who Should Skip It
If you are building a new site and want to take advantage of block patterns, theme.json, or modern block-based themes like Twenty Twenty-Four, this plugin will hold you back. Developers investing in the block editor ecosystem, including block patterns and site editing, should also skip it.
The Bottom Line
Disable Gutenberg is a focused, well-maintained plugin that does exactly what it promises, with an impressive install base of 500,000 and a perfect user rating. The 50/15 support score is the only weak spot, but with zero reported issues and active maintenance against WordPress 7.0, the plugin appears stable and reliable. If you need the Classic Editor back and want a lightweight, set-it-and-forget-it solution, this is a strong choice.
Related Plugins
Choose Elementor if you want a full visual page builder with frontend editing rather than simply restoring the Classic Editor.
Pick Spectra if you want to embrace the block editor but need a richer library of blocks and templates than the core offering.
Pick Shortcodes Ultimate if you are transitioning away from Gutenberg but still need content elements that can be inserted via shortcodes in the Classic Editor.
Pick Kadence Blocks if you prefer the block editor but want stronger design controls, including custom typography and spacing.
Pick Starter Templates if you need ready-made site templates and want to launch quickly using either Elementor or Gutenberg.