For faster processes and simplification of daily work on the website, provide block patterns in WordPress. They are predefined block layouts that can be inserted and customized with little effort in various places. In this article we will introduce you to the WordPress pattern directory and the block pattern creator.

Most websites consist of recurring structures. These so-called patterns are predefined blocks in WordPress, which find a spot in different places on the website. If necessary, they can also be customized, completely uncomplicated and fast.

What is the difference between recurring blocks and patterns?

Recurring blocks, like patterns, can be used as needed in different places on the website. However, they differ significantly from each other with regard to one point - as soon as a recurring block is changed, all links change as well. Thus, the block can be adjusted in a central place and the change is then transferred to all pages where the block was used.

This is exactly not the case with the patterns. After insertion, the patterns are no longer linked to the actual template. This can be adapted accordingly without problems at any time without changing the already inserted blocks. 

This difference is a great relief for all website operators who have worked with the recurring blocks so far. Due to the missing link, adjustments are less complicated and make daily work much easier.

Since when does the WordPress pattern directory exist?

Since the WordPress update 5.5 website owners can find the patterns next to the recurring blocks. The patterns are a separate category, under which users can see numerous templates including a preview. 

Together with the WordPress update 5.8 also the pattern directory of WordPress went online. This is similar to the plugin or theme directory of WordPress. Users get an overview of numerous block templates for the Gutenberg editor. 

What is the block pattern directory of WordPress?

Website owners can find a large selection of templates directly on the WordPress website. The patterns are sorted by different functions, including buttons, categories or footer. There is either the possibility to display the newest or the most popular templates. Using the search function, you can also search for a specific keyword and find all patterns that fit exactly to this topic.

As soon as website operators have found a suitable pattern for their website, they can take a closer look at the layout by clicking on the preview image. The block editor allows an individual design completely without code. Here, interested parties have the option to copy the pattern directly by clicking on the "Copy Pattern" button. Directly after that, the layout can be copied to any WordPress post or to any WordPress website. 

To get a better feel for whether the pattern really fits on the website, the size can be moved individually. The default sizes are 320px, 480px, 960px and 1200px. However, you can also move the pattern to any other size with the mouse pointer. This is especially important to see if the pattern is also suitable for mobile display. 

At the bottom, if available, further patterns of the designers are displayed. If the website owner likes one of them directly, it is possible to copy it using the "Copy" button without even calling up the pattern. 

Three useful patterns that facilitate daily work

For a better insight into the different templates in the block pattern directory, we present three practical patterns below.

The price table

One is the "Pricing table" pattern. This template is especially useful for all website owners who sell products or services and want to display the different plans with a pricing table. There are three columns in the template, each with a different color.

About me - pattern

Or the "About Me Cards" pattern. With this template website owners have the possibility to make the "About Me" site more graphically beautiful. Many people use plain text here to introduce themselves. However, with the help of the pattern, three subpages can be linked, such as your own story, a contact option and social media channels. 

The quotes pattern

With the pattern "Quote" you also have the possibility to include quotes clearly and easily on your site or in your posts. Above the quote itself you have the possibility to insert an image and below the quote the name of the quoted person is inserted. So you don't have to mark your most important quotes with quotation marks only, but you can display them graphically.

Why does it make sense to use WordPress' block patterns?

By using suitable block patterns that match the respective topic and site, website operators have the opportunity to present their content visually. This makes it easier for visitors to understand the content directly. Especially for inexperienced people, the templates are an easy and quick way to visualize content. 

Many WordPress themes already come with matching patterns or give you the option to create your own patterns (more on that in a moment). Nevertheless, the block pattern directory offers a wide range of templates to support your daily work. If a suitable pattern is already available in the directory, it does not need to be reprogrammed, but can be used directly with a few clicks.

Since the patterns are also easily customizable, website owners can also individualize them as needed. Users have the option to customize all patterns in the directory until they fit their website or brand.

Easily design your own block patterns with the block pattern creator

The selection of block patterns in the directory of WordPress is already very large. And if a template fits in principle, but you still need to make changes, this is possible without any problems. But if website owners either do not find a suitable pattern for a particular purpose or basically would like to create templates, that is possible. 

Creating patterns used to be done in the block editor, to then copy the created code and paste it in the desired location in the code of the theme. Since March 2022, this process has become much easier with the release of the WordPress block pattern creator. 

This is a tool to easily create your own block patterns and share them directly in the block pattern directory with other users. And this, in contrast to the original approach, completely without code. 

The advantage is that especially inexperienced users, who are not familiar with code, can create their own patterns and then copy them easily for their own website.

WordPress has set some guidelines for creating your own patterns in the block pattern creator. To submit own patterns, the creators must own the copyright of the created content. Furthermore, illegal content will be removed immediately. All patterns must be created and submitted in English and must be given an appropriate descriptive name. For example, if creators use the names "Test" or "My Pattern", the pattern registration will be rejected immediately. 

WordPress gives creators some tips to create good patterns. For example, good patterns combine several blocks together. This has the background that the templates would normally be complicated to create from scratch. A good pattern also highlights the capabilities of the blocks it contains and provides an ideal starting point for customizing the content. A good pattern also has a clearly defined purpose and keeps placeholder text to a minimum.

At the same time, patterns should never take up an entire site or blog article. Very simple patterns, such as a simple paragraph with colors, is usually not a time saver for users. Also, the pattern should not be limited to one topic, but should be applicable to different topics and pages.

Conclusion - The block pattern directory of WordPress saves time

The block pattern directory can help with daily work. Especially when website owners are looking for a specific layout, but do not have the time to create on their own. In the directory, users can see all patterns sorted by purpose, copy them with a single click, and then paste them into the desired location on site or in the article.

If you want to create your own block patterns and share them with other users, you can do so easily with the block pattern creator. What's special is that it is not necessary to work in the code at any point. Users simply log in to the block pattern creator and can create their own templates. These are then, as long as they meet the guidelines of WordPress, permanently available for their own use.