Until version 5.0, WordPress was using a TinyMCE based text editor interface called Classic Editor. This was a simple and super fast editor that you can quickly copy and paste content from Microsoft Word and publish articles. However, with the objective of drag and drop interface, WordPress introduced Gutenberg block editor with version 5.0 and replaced the old Classic editor. However, this move was not welcomed by many users and WordPress still need to support the old Classic editor interface in addition to new Gutenberg editor.
Classic Editor
It was a simple HTML editor based on TinyMCE WYSIWYG HTML editor. Using this editor, you can prepare the content online, format and publish. There are both text and visual modes using which you can view the formatted content and the source code easily. Though Classic editor was simple, it was missing many useful elements like buttons and tables. It is also not possible to insert social icons using Classic editor.
How to Use ClaSsic Editor?
Unfortunately, WordPress did not remove the Classic editor completely from the core. You still need to use Classic editor for many custom post types like bbPress and WooCommerce. In order to keep things in place, WordPress offers a plugin called “Classic Editor“. This plugin is actively installed on more than 5 million WordPress sites indicating the unwillingness of the users to use Gutenberg. You can install and activate this plugin on your site to keep using the old Classic editor interface.
You can create posts and pages similar to Gutenberg editor by navigating through “Posts > Add New” or “Pages > Add New” menu.
The plugin also allows you to choose Classic or Gutenberg editor for various user roles. You can toggle Classic interface directly from the Gutenberg editor.
Classic Editor Block in Gutenberg
One of the primary objectives of Gutenberg is to offer better user experience through drag and drop blocks. However, many users are familiar with page builder plugins like Elementor and WPBakery and not accepting the yet to finish kind of Gutenberg interface. This prompts WordPress to introduce Classic block inside Gutenberg editor. It offers all Classic editor interface elements as a single block within Gutenberg.
With this kind of progress, we do not see Classic editor will be removed from WordPress in near future.