WordPress block patterns are ready-made groups of blocks that give you a reusable layout or content starting point. Insert one from the block inserter or Pattern Directory, then edit the blocks for your page. When saving your own pattern, decide whether it should be a normal (unsynced) pattern that each page can change independently or a synced pattern whose edits appear everywhere it is used.
What a WordPress block pattern is
A pattern is a group of WordPress blocks arranged into a useful design, such as a hero section, pricing grid, testimonial, newsletter prompt or call-to-action. Inserting a pattern adds its blocks to your post or page; it does not lock you into the original wording or layout.
Patterns are different from template parts. A pattern is usually a reusable content or layout arrangement inside a page. Template parts are block-theme site-structure elements, such as headers and footers, managed as part of templates. Use a template part for global site structure rather than treating it as an ordinary page pattern. See WordPress’s comparison of these features at Comparing Patterns, Template Parts, and Synced Patterns.
Insert a pattern from the WordPress editor
- Open a post or page in the block editor.
- Click the + button in the top toolbar to open the block inserter.
- Select Patterns.
- Browse categories, search, or choose Explore for a larger browsing view.
- Click a pattern to insert it at the cursor, or drag it into the document.
After insertion, select individual blocks to replace text, images, colors, spacing and alignment. A normal pattern becomes ordinary editable blocks in that location, so you can tailor each use to its page.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
Menu names and placement can vary by WordPress version and editor context. If your interface looks different, use the inserter’s search and Patterns category rather than relying on an exact icon position. The official walkthrough is in WordPress Block Patterns documentation.
Copy a pattern from the official Pattern Directory
- Open the WordPress Block Pattern Directory.
- Search by a phrase or browse a category.
- Open a design you want and select Copy.
- Return to the post or page editor and paste it where you want it.
- Replace the sample content and adjust the blocks to match your site.
A copied directory pattern has no continuing link to the directory original. If the directory design later changes or disappears, your pasted copy does not automatically change.
Check external images
Images shown in directory patterns may be external references rather than files in your Media Library. They can be changed or removed by their source. Replace them with your own media, or use Upload external image when that control is available to store a local copy. This avoids relying on an image you do not control. WordPress documents this behavior in Block Patterns.
Rank #2
Choose between a standard and synced pattern
The critical decision is whether later edits should affect only one insertion or every use of the saved pattern.
| Pattern type | What happens after insertion | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (unsynced) | Each insertion is an independent copy. Editing one page does not change the others. | Reusable layouts whose text, images or calls to action will differ by page. |
| Synced | The saved content stays connected. Editing the synced pattern updates its other uses. | Repeated information that must remain identical, such as contact details, business hours, social links or a standard legal call to action. |
Synced patterns are the feature formerly called reusable blocks. WordPress 6.3 renamed Reusable Blocks to Patterns and added the editor workflow for creating custom patterns; the synced behavior remains. The current explanation is in Synced Patterns (Reusable blocks).
Detach one synced instance
If one page needs different content, select the inserted synced pattern and choose the option to Detach or Detach pattern in its options. That instance becomes independent; future edits to it no longer update the saved synced pattern or its other instances. Detach only the copy that needs an exception, not the master pattern.
When content-only editing appears
Some patterns expose a content-only editing mode that limits changes to intended content fields. If you need to edit the underlying blocks and the control is available, choose Edit pattern to unlock full editing for that instance. Controls vary with the pattern and WordPress version; WordPress’s documentation notes content-only behavior for newer blocks, including a note associated with WordPress 7.0.
Create your own pattern
- Build the desired layout in the block editor, or select an existing block or group of blocks.
- Open the selected block’s three-dot Options menu.
- Choose Create pattern (older interfaces may show Create pattern/reusable block).
- Enter a descriptive name so you can find it later.
- Turn on Sync only if every use should share future edits. Leave it off for a reusable starting layout.
- Save the pattern.
WordPress supports creating custom patterns in the editor from version 6.3 onward. Name patterns by purpose rather than appearance alone—for example, “Service page CTA” or “Staff profile card”—so the right one is easy to identify months later.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Manage, duplicate and remove patterns
Using a block theme
With an active block theme, open Appearance > Editor > Patterns. This Site Editor area lets you work with your patterns and the patterns supplied by the theme. WordPress calls your own saved items My patterns.
- Edit: change a pattern’s blocks and settings.
- Duplicate: make a separate copy before experimenting or before adapting a theme design.
- Rename: improve its searchable name without rebuilding it.
- Export: save a pattern as JSON for reuse or transfer.
- Delete: remove a pattern you no longer need; check existing content first if it was synced.
Theme patterns can be locked against direct editing. Duplicate a locked theme pattern, then edit the duplicate under My patterns. A block theme is required for the Site Editor Patterns screen; if Appearance > Editor is missing, check the active theme and its capabilities. See Site Editor Patterns and Block themes.
From the block editor
The block editor also includes a Manage patterns route in its options. Exact labels and menu placement differ between WordPress releases, so follow the closest matching command in your installed version. Managing a pattern here changes the saved pattern, not just the page currently open, when the pattern is synced.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A practical decision checklist
- Will each page need different wording or imagery? Choose a standard, unsynced pattern.
- Must one correction update every location? Choose a synced pattern.
- Is only one use an exception? Insert the synced pattern, then detach that instance.
- Are you starting from a theme pattern marked locked? Duplicate it before editing.
- Did a directory pattern include an important image? Upload a local replacement so the design does not depend on an external file.
- Are you trying to change a header or footer? Look for a template part in the Site Editor rather than creating a page pattern.
Common problems and fixes
“I cannot find Patterns in Appearance”
The Site Editor Patterns screen requires an active block theme. Confirm the theme under Appearance > Themes. You can still insert patterns in the post or page editor when the block inserter provides the Patterns category.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
“I edited one copy and changed every page”
That content was likely synced. Undo if necessary, then detach the particular instance before making page-specific edits. Keep the saved pattern synced only when shared updates are intentional.
“The pattern image disappeared”
The image may have been externally referenced. Replace it with an image from your Media Library or use Upload external image when offered.
“I cannot edit a theme pattern”
Theme patterns may be locked. Duplicate the pattern into My patterns, then edit the duplicate.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
