After the successful launch of the Gutenberg Templates Library, Gutenberg Hub announced the launch of the Gutenberg Template Builder last week.
The template builder lets users pick approximately 200 templates from the existing library. It is basically an online builder that allows users to mix and match various parts to create a full-page layout. Then, they can copy the output by clicking a button and pasting it on their websites to the editor.
Munir Kamal, the founder of Gutenberg Hub, said:
“I intend to speed up the workflow for WordPress users to spin up beautiful Gutenberg pages, even full websites, faster, So all I am trying to do is headed in that direction.”
Kamal also launched a Chrome browser extension to enable end-users to add templates from the growing library of options.
He also added:
“The idea is to help DIYers, freelancers, or anyone with creating new website pages faster, I have many feature ideas to make this builder great, but I want to hear out the feedback and suggestions from the community about it.”
Kamal is actually calling this builder version a “prototype,” as he wants to test the concept with the community before going ahead with new functionality.
The Gutenberg Template Builder
It is easy to create a prototype or a complete website. Users simply need to visit the Builder template page. The builder has an “Add Section” button on the page, which slides open the template library panel. From that point on, users can select from a large range of templates that includes designs for the hero segment, testimonials, sliders and more.
The idea is to combine multiple parts to create a complete page. Users would want to add new sections to their needs and arrange them accordingly. Using the available buttons every segment can be trashed, duplicated, or pushed up / down.
When all is in place, users can copy the complete template code and paste the block editor into it. They will edit it on their own pages, from that point on.
Sometimes, additional CSS can need to be copied and added through the WordPress customizer or a plugin such as the Blocks CSS. Certain options often allow users to install a plugin to use different blocks.
This is what kind of control you want in your hands. These plug-and-play template systems will move the technology into the future. These systems, therefore, need to be specifically incorporated into WordPress. Copying and pasting from a third-party website is just a step into the future, in the catering needs of users here and now.
The Future of the Builder
Long term, the work of Gutenberg Hub could be best suited to the pattern system that is to come. The team would able to release a plugin that would easily fit into the block editor. Therefore, end-users may create their templates without ever leaving the post-editing screen comfort, or at least avoid switching between browser tabs.
Patterns are however still months away from core WordPress inclusion. Meanwhile, feels like a solid stop-gap. Plus, on the most popular templates/patterns, the team can create a nice library and get user input and data.
Though Kamal wants to hear input before going forward, he has some major ideas for the builder that are his own.
“For example, this builder may let you create projects, and under projects, you may create multiple pages,” he said. “For each project, you may define custom branding (typography, color scheme, etc.), and all the templates from the library will adapt to that branding when you create pages under a specific project.”
The most important thing that he wants to do is create tools to speed up workflows for everyone.
Also, he would soon open the template library to developers and designers from third parties. There will be a method of making a public submission. When there are enough people interested, the library could provide a range of choices that will be immediately accessible as part of the builder.
He points out that the planning phase is still underway. If there is any indication of the previous work he has done so far, this could be an interesting project. He is also working on a form builder plugin for the block editor, which is currently being updated on a daily basis.
I hope you will find this post useful.
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