How to Activate the Classic Editor in WordPress Without Using Plugins

If you’re looking to bring back the classic editor in WordPress but don’t want to use plugins, you can easily do this with a simple code snippet. Many users prefer the classic editor for its simplicity and user-friendly interface, especially when compared to the newer block-based Gutenberg editor. Here’s how to switch back to the classic editor without installing any extra plugins.

Steps to Activate the Classic Editor Manually

1. Access Your Theme’s Functions File
   To deactivate the Gutenberg editor and enable the classic editor, you’ll need to add a simple line of code to your theme’s functions.php file. Here’s how you can do it:
   • Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
   • Navigate to Appearance > Theme File Editor.
   • In the right-hand menu, look for the functions.php file and click to open it.
   • Add the following line of code at the end of the file:
   php

   add_filter('use_block_editor_for_post', '__return_false');


   This code disables the block editor (Gutenberg) and reverts all posts to the classic editor.

2. Save Your Changes
   After adding the code, click the Update File button to save your changes.

Benefits of Reverting to the Classic Editor

• Simpler Interface: The classic editor offers a straightforward text area for creating and editing content, which can be easier for users who are familiar with traditional word processors.
• Compatibility: Some older themes or custom shortcodes might not work correctly with Gutenberg, and reverting to the classic editor can resolve such issues.
• Faster Loading: The classic editor generally loads faster than the block editor, especially for websites with heavy content or slower servers.

SEO Benefits of Using the Classic Editor

• Improved Focus on Content: Without the distraction of blocks and other elements, the classic editor allows users to focus entirely on writing high-quality, SEO-optimized content.
• Better Control over HTML: For SEO purposes, having control over HTML tags is crucial. The classic editor provides easier access to the HTML view, allowing users to ensure clean, SEO-friendly code.
• Ease of Adding Keywords: With the classic editor, adding meta descriptions, keywords, and heading tags (H1, H2, etc.) is more intuitive, making it simpler for SEO-focused writers to ensure their content is optimized.

Conclusion

Switching back to the classic editor in WordPress without using plugins is a quick and simple process that can offer many benefits for users who prefer a more traditional writing interface. By adding a single line of code to your theme’s functions.php file, you can enjoy a smoother, more efficient content creation experience while also improving the SEO-friendliness of your website.

If you ever want to re-enable Gutenberg, simply remove the line of code you added to the functions.php file.