8 Block Extension Plugins for WordPress

The rollout of WordPress 5.0 and the Block Editor introduced a new way to build content. However, this editor is very streamlined, and may not offer all the features you need.

Fortunately, plenty of helpful block plugins have already been created to expand the new editor’s capabilities. These extensions provide additional options for creating and designing content in a more versatile way.

In this post, we’ll explore eight of the best block extension plugins for WordPress. Let’s get started!

Why You Might Need a Block Extension Plugin

The Gutenberg Editor offers many advantages over its predecessor, the Classic Editor. For example, it lets you create multiple columns in a page or post, without the need for an additional plugin.

It also provides a simpler way to change font size and background colors within the editor. Additionally, blocks can be inserted or moved around on a page or post with ease, via the handy drag-and-drop feature.

Although it uses TinyMCE for rich text editing, just as the Classic Editor did, there are some drawbacks to the new editor that have elicited criticism.

A very common concern is the lack of block options, especially when compared to other page builder tools. Fortunately, there are plugins that can help fill in the gaps and expand your choices.

8 Block Extension Plugins for WordPress

If you feel limited by the editor’s existing block library, there are some plugins you can use to make creating content more flexible. Here are eight of the best block extension plugins for WordPress, in no particular order.

1. Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg

First on our list, Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg is designed to make page building easier. It’s created by the same Brainstorm Force team that built the popular Astra theme, Ultimate Addons for Beaver Builder, Ultimate Addons for Elementor, and more.

There are 23 blocks total in the bundle, offering developers a robust roundup of useful extensions. Some of the unique elements include the ‘infobox’ and ‘content timeline’ blocks.

The blocks included with this plugin are:

• Section
• Multi Buttons
• Advanced Heading
• Post Grid
• Post Masonry
• Infobox
• Google Map
• Team
• Content Timeline
• Social Share
• Testimonial
• Post Timeline
• Restaurant Menu
• Call To Action
• Advanced Columns
• Icon List
• Price List

Best of all, this is a free plugin. Also, because the blocks are already optimized for performance, you won’t have to worry about them slowing down your site’s speed.

2. Advanced Gutenberg

The Advanced Gutenberg plugin goes beyond traditional block extensions. In addition to the 16 new blocks the bundle includes, it also comes with features enabling better control over the Block Editor, as well as configuration and styling options.

This plugin lets you deactivate any Gutenberg blocks you don’t want or need on your site, and apply custom CSS styles on Gutenberg paragraph blocks. You can also create user edition profiles and assign certain users or groups to them. The activation status of each block can even be adjusted for each user.

The blocks included are:

• Advanced Button Block
• Advanced List Block
• Advanced Video Block
• Advanced Image Block
• Advanced Table Block
• Contact Form Block
• Counter Block
• Map Block
• Accordion Block
• Tabs Block
• Social Links Block
• Image Slider Block
• Recent Posts Block
• Summary Block
• Testimonial Block
• WooCommerce Products Block

This is another free plugin, created by JoomUnited. Since this tool is extensible, developers can use it to create and register their own blocks.

3. Atomic Blocks

Next up, Atomic Blocks is a popular solution that is 100 percent compatible with Gutenberg. The plugin, which includes 15 blocks, helps give WordPress users a more intuitive page building experience within the Block Editor.

The site-building blocks let users customize buttons and page layouts, as well as create custom content sections. Some of the elements make this tool particularly useful for bloggers, thanks to the author profile box and post grid blocks.

This plugin includes the following blocks:

• Advanced Columns Block
• Newsletter Block
• Pricing Block
• Author Profile Block
• Drop Cap Block
• Post Grid Block
• Container Block
• Testimonial Block
• Section & Layout Block
• Inline Notice Block
• Call-To-Action Block
• Customizable Button Block
• Spacer & Divider Block
• Accordion Block
• Share Icons Block

This free plugin was created by Array Themes, which was recently acquired by WP Engine.

4. Stackable

Stackable is a WordPress plugin that offers 22 new, fully-responsive blocks. It comes with a range of elements that can be helpful to everyone from bloggers to e-commerce sites.

One of the unique blocks included in this bundle is the ‘card’ block, which lets users showcase a page section with a card. Another is the video popup box, which can be used to show a pop-up video on your site that will open in full-screen when clicked on.

The Blocks included are:

• Feature Grid Block
• Accordion Block
• Image Box Block
• Feature Block
• Icon List Block
• Call to Action Block
• Card Block
• Team Members Block
• Notification Block
• Number Box Block
• Expand/Show More Block
• Container Block
• Posts Block
• Header Block
• Count Up Block
• Video Popup Block
• Pricing Box Block
• Testimonial Block
• Button Block
• Blockquote Block
• Divider Block
• Spacer Block

This is another free plugin, developed by Gambit Technologies Inc. However, there’s also a premium plan that includes more layout options.

5. Kadence Blocks

The Kadence Blocks plugin helps expand the design options and capabilities within the WordPress Block Editor. It includes a number of key elements that make it easier to design custom layouts, instead of relying on page builders.

This plugin can be used for just about any type of website. However, it is especially helpful for developers who want a more complex layout and flexible pages.

Let’s run through the block selection in this particular plugin:

• Row Layout Block
• Advanced Heading Block
• Advanced Button Block
• Tabs Block
• Icons Block
• Spacer/Divider Block
• Advanced Gallery Block
• Accordion Block
• Testimonials Block
• Info Box Block
• Icon List Block

The base version of Kadence Blocks is free to download, and there’s a premium version available for $45.

6. CoBlocks

Next, let’s look at CoBlocks. This is a WordPress plugin that provides a collection of blocks for page building with Gutenberg. In addition, it offers various customization features for each new block.

Another aspect that makes this plugin unique is that offers custom typography controls. All-in-all, CoBlocks is a very useful tool if you’re looking to create unique-looking content.

The blocks it includes are:

• Accordion Block
• Alert Block
• Author Profile Block
• Buttons Block
• Carousel Gallery Block
• Click to Tweet Block
• Dynamic Separator Block
• Food & Drinks Block
• Form Block
• Gif Block
• GitHub Gist Block
• Logos & Badges Block
• Masonry Gallery Block
• Resizable Row/Columns Blocks
• Shape Divider Block
• Social Profiles Block
• Stacked Gallery Block

CoBlocks is free, and was created by GoDaddy.

7. Ultimate Blocks

Ultimate Blocks is a WordPress plugin that was created with bloggers and marketers in mind. The blocks it provides are focused on helping you create attractive content using more complex functionalities than what’s offered in the Block Editor.

Users can change the text and background color for each block, and even modify overlay colors. This plugin also includes other elements that are useful to marketers, such as product reviews and ratings. Plus, you can enable or disable blocks as needed.

With this plugin, you’ll get access to the following blocks:

• Review (Schema Enabled) Block
• Table of Contents Block
• Tabbed Content Block
• Call to Action Block
• Content Toggle (Accordion) Block
• Feature Box Block
• Notification Box Block
• Number Box Block
• Image Slider Block
• Content Filter Block
• Testimonial Block
• Click to Tweet Block
• Social Share Block
• Countdown Block
• Progress Bar Block
• Star Rating Block
• Button Block
• Divider Block

This is a free plugin that was created by a handful of contributors using open-source software.

8. Otter Blocks

Last but not least, Otter Blocks is a lightweight WordPress plugin that comes with a dozen new blocks for creating and customizing complex pages. It is useful for bloggers, as well as for business owners and e-commerce sites.

One of the best parts of this extension is that it comes with a pre-built library of Block Editor-compatible templates. The templates are block-friendly, so users can customize them with ease.

This plugin includes various blocks, such as:

• Section Block
• Advanced Heading Block
• Button Group
• Service Block
• Pricing Block
• Testimonial Block
• Google Maps Block
• About Author Block
• Post Grid Block
• Font Awesome Block
• Sharing Icons Block
• Plugin Card Block

This free plugin was created by ThemeIsle.

Conclusion

Adjusting to the Block Editor can take some time, and some users will find it limiting. However, block extensions make the new editor more flexible and can help to streamline the development and design process.

Here are the eight-block extension plugins you’ll want to check out:

1. Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg
2. Advanced Gutenberg
3. Atomic Blocks
4. Stackable
5. Kadence Blocks
6. CoBlocks
7. Ultimate Blocks
8. Otter Blocks

Do you have any questions about using block extensions for WordPress? Let us know in the comments section below!

Image credit: Pexels.