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In the WordPress block editor, save reusable post sections as block patterns. Select the blocks, open the three-dot options menu, choose Create pattern, name it, and choose whether it should be synced. Insert the saved pattern from the block inserter whenever you need it. If you want to define the default structure of every new post, use a post template in the Template Editor instead.

Choose the WordPress feature that matches your goal

Need Feature What happens
Reuse a layout but customize every post Standard, non-synced pattern Each insertion becomes an editable copy for that post.
Keep the same content consistent in many locations Synced pattern Changes to the shared pattern update every place where it is used. You can detach an instance for local edits when it is not locked.
Set the default block structure for posts or pages Post template in the Template Editor Controls the initial structure of the post type rather than inserting a section at the cursor.
Manage shared site-wide structure Template part Used for components such as headers and footers, commonly with block themes or themes that support template editing.

WordPress documentation used the term reusable block for this shared-content feature before WordPress 6.3 renamed reusable blocks to patterns. Menu labels can vary by WordPress version, theme, permissions, and editor configuration.

Create a reusable content template from blocks

  1. Open a post in the WordPress block editor and build the section you want to reuse.
  2. Select the block or group of blocks. You can save a single block or an entire layout section.
  3. Open the selected block’s three-dot options menu.
  4. Choose Create pattern. Some documentation or installations may show Create pattern/reusable block.
  5. Enter a recognizable name, such as “Product review conclusion” or “Newsletter signup section.”
  6. Decide whether to enable Sync (sometimes described as syncing the pattern).
  7. Click Create.

When to leave Sync off

Leave Sync disabled when the saved section is a starting layout that should be rewritten for each article. The inserted copy can then be edited independently without changing other posts.

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When to enable Sync

Enable Sync for canonical content that must remain identical wherever it appears, such as a legal notice, standard callout, or centrally maintained subscription message. Editing the synced pattern updates its uses throughout the site.

Insert the template into another post

  1. Open the target post and place the cursor where the reusable section should appear.
  2. Click the + block inserter in the editor toolbar.
  3. Open Patterns for ordinary patterns or Synced Patterns for shared ones.
  4. Click the pattern, or drag it into the editor.

You can also search for a synced pattern by its name. In the editor, type / followed by the pattern name and choose the matching result when it appears.

Edit an inserted pattern without changing the wrong content

Editing a standard pattern

A non-synced pattern behaves like ordinary blocks after insertion. Change its text, images, links, or layout for the individual post.

Editing a synced pattern globally

Changes made to the shared synced pattern are propagated to every place that uses it. Make global edits only when all instances should change.

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Detach a synced instance for a one-off version

When a particular post needs different wording, choose Detach pattern on the inserted instance. This converts it into local content so edits affect only that post. Detaching may be unavailable when the pattern or its blocks are locked.

Switch from content-only editing to full editing

Some patterns use content-only editing, which limits changes to basic content such as text or images. Choose Edit pattern when you need full block-level editing. The exact control depends on the pattern’s editing settings and your WordPress version.

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Use a post template for a default post structure

A block pattern inserts a reusable arrangement at the current cursor position. A post template defines the structure or initial state of a post or page, so it solves a different problem.

  1. Open the site’s Template Editor if your theme and configuration expose it.
  2. Add or edit the relevant post template.
  3. Use the available option to start from an existing pattern when offered.
  4. Arrange the post blocks that should form the default structure, then save the template.

Template editing availability and labels depend on the active theme and whether the installation supports template editing. Template parts, such as headers and footers, are intended for shared site structure rather than article sections inserted at the cursor.

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Troubleshoot missing options

  • No “Create pattern” command: Confirm that you selected a block and are using the block editor, not the Classic Editor or a third-party page builder. A custom role may also restrict pattern management.
  • The pattern is not in the inserter: Check both Patterns and Synced Patterns, then search by the exact name you assigned.
  • Edits changed other posts: The item is synced. Detach the instance before making post-specific changes, if detaching is allowed.
  • You cannot change the layout: Content-only editing or locking may be active. Use Edit pattern for full editing, or ask an administrator to change the pattern’s restrictions.
  • Template controls are absent: The active theme or site configuration may not support Template Editor changes. Patterns remain available when the block editor provides them.

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