How to Create Patterns in WordPress (Reusable Blocks)
When creating a website, you may have a design you want to reuse over and over. For example, a hero section you may use for custom titles. This is where WordPress Patterns come into play (previously known as Reusable Blocks).
This document will guide you on creating and using Patterns in WordPress.
Creating Patterns
When using blocks, you can save your designs as Patterns and reuse them across your entire website. To create one, start by selecting a parent-level block (such as a Row Layout Block). Open the block toolbar and click the More Options menu (the three dots). From there, choose Create Pattern to begin.
When creating a new Pattern, you’ll be asked to give it a name and optionally assign it to a category for better categorization. You’ll also decide whether the pattern should be Synced or Non-Synced:
- Synced Pattern – Any edits you make to one instance will automatically update everywhere the pattern is used. This is great for global elements like banners or call-to-actions where you want consistency across the site.
- When working with a Synced Pattern, selecting any instance will give you the option to choose Edit Original from the block toolbar. This lets you update the pattern itself, and those changes will automatically apply everywhere the pattern is used.
- Non-Synced Pattern – Each instance is independent. You can reuse the same layout as a starting point, but customize it differently on each page without affecting the others.
Accessing Patterns
There are three main ways to access patterns:
- Once your pattern is created, you can access it in the block editor by searching for it by name.
- You can find all of your saved patterns by clicking Browse All when adding a new block. From there, open the Patterns tab and look under My Patterns to access them.
- You can also manage your patterns directly from the WordPress Dashboard by going to Appearance → Design. Then you can navigate to Patterns -> My Patterns.
