WordPress is launching guides and tools to aid publishers in moving towards their block-based editor, Gutenberg, and away from commercial WordPress page builders and proprietary closed-source content management systems, such as Wix. While it’s reasonable for WordPress to assist publishers and businesses in migrating away from Wix, some view it as somewhat contentious to create a guide that undermines software companies that are part of the WordPress ecosystem.
WordPress Page Builders Explained
WordPress’s mission has always been to simplify the process of creating stunning websites for publishers and businesses. Software developers like Elegant Themes (creators of Divi page builder) and Elementor have developed point-and-click alternatives that empower users to construct webpage templates using a visual interface, enabling even novices to build webpages effortlessly. Website builders, such as Elementor, have amassed over five million users, thus further propelling the popularity of WordPress.
Gutenberg: WordPress’s New Page Builder
Over time, WordPress introduced its Gutenberg Full Site Editor, replicating the visual block-based page builder experience. While Gutenberg initially fell short of the user-friendly interfaces of commercial website builders, it gradually improved, posing a threat to third-party website builders. This advancement has led some developers and publishers to believe that commercial page builders like Divi and Elementor might eventually lose significance in the WordPress ecosystem as Gutenberg achieves parity with them.
WordPress Launches Data Liberation Project
To expedite the transition from commercial page builders, WordPress is introducing new Data Liberation guides and tools to aid users in migrating to the Gutenberg full site editor. The project aims for a more open web where users can switch between platforms with ease, eliminating the concept of being tied to a system and prioritizing openness.
List of Guides and Tools on WordPress Data Liberation Page
The official WordPress Data Liberation page includes guides for transitioning from Squarespace, Tumblr, HTML, RSS, Wix, Drupal, Blogger to WordPress. The page also contains migration tools for transitioning from Figma, Divi, Classic Editor to Blocks. Additionally, there are several other migration guides under development.
The Impending Domination of Gutenberg in the WordPress Ecosystem
The future of website creation increasingly seems to be one where Gutenberg becomes the default method. This change is pushed by the new Data Liberation project. Third-party website builders are already adapting to this block-based future by releasing their own Gutenberg-compatible website layouts and blocks. For instance, GeneratePress has launched a WordPress plugin called GenerateBlocks that functions with the Gutenberg ecosystem.
While it’s uncertain whether Gutenberg will become the foundation of the WordPress website-building ecosystem, it’s clear that commercial solutions face a significant challenge. Many are already preparing for a Gutenberg-focused future, either by creating solutions that function within Gutenberg or by introducing Gutenberg-compatible blocks and templates.
If you’re starting out a new WordPress theme or a plugin, I would focus on Gutenberg.
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