WordPress is developing tools and guides to assist publishers in switching from proprietary closed-source content management systems like Wix and WordPress page builders to their block-based editor, Gutenberg.

Although it makes sense that WordPress would want to assist companies and publishers in switching from Wix, some view the company’s decision to develop a guide to discredit software publishers who are a part of the WordPress ecosystem as highly controversial.

The Evolution of WordPress Page Builders

Crafting visually appealing websites on WordPress has been an ongoing mission that’s been challenging to achieve seamlessly. For years, WordPress sought to empower publishers and entrepreneurs to craft stunning websites effortlessly, yet this pursuit remained elusive.

However, software developers such as Elegant Themes (creators of Divi page builder) and Elementor stepped in with groundbreaking solutions. Their point-and-click tools revolutionized the process, allowing users to construct webpage templates visually. This innovation transformed webpage creation into a simple, almost artistic endeavor.

These page builders ushered in a new era, enabling users to intuitively drag and drop text boxes, forms, and images. Within a user-friendly interface, elements could effortlessly be repositioned, resized, and adorned with colors—all achievable with just a few clicks of the mouse.

WordPress introduced the Gutenberg Full Site Editor, aiming to replicate page builders’ familiar visual block-based experience.

Initially, users stuck with established page builders due to Gutenberg’s less refined user interface.

However, WordPress has been steadily enhancing Gutenberg, approaching a point where it’s catching up in usability.

This progression has led developers to speculate that once Gutenberg matches the capabilities of commercial page builders like Divi and Elementor, these established tools might lose their relevance in the WordPress ecosystem.

WordPress is accelerating this shift by providing guides and tools to aid users in migrating away from commercial page builders. The goal appears to facilitate a smoother transition towards embracing the Gutenberg Full Site Editor, potentially signaling a changing landscape for page builders.

Empowering Transition: WordPress’s Data Liberation Initiative

WordPress is actively developing guides and tools to facilitate user migration to the increasingly mature Gutenberg site builder. While not flawless, Gutenberg boasts functionality and a relatively user-friendly interface.

The trajectory of webpage creation is steering toward Gutenberg as the default method, and the emerging Data Liberation project aims to expedite this shift.

Described by WordPress as envisioning a more open web, the Data Liberation project emphasizes seamless platform switching, eradicating the notion of being bound to a single system while championing openness.

The project aims to simplify transitioning within WordPress from social networks and page builders to core blocks or from the classic editor to the block editor. It emphasizes community collaboration to provide scripts, plugins, and guides, simplifying migration pathways into WordPress for all users.

In a discussion within the Dynamic WordPress Facebook Group, the sentiment surfaced that the “data-liberation” initiative might focus on guiding migrations from various page builders to core Gutenberg. While some raised concerns, others within the group found these migration guides immensely beneficial.

The official WordPress Data Liberation page already features an array of guides facilitating migrations from platforms like Squarespace, Tumblr, HTML, RSS, Wix, Drupal, Blogger, and even transfers between WordPress sites.

The official GitHub repository housing these guides includes various migration tools:

• Figma to Blocks
• Divi to Blocks
• Classic Editor to Blocks

Additionally, the GitHub page reveals several ongoing migration guides in development:

• Avada-to-core-blocks.md
• contentful-to-WordPress.md
• divi-to-core-blocks.md
• elementor-to-core-blocks.md
• kadence-to-core-blocks.md
• wpbakery-to-core-blocks.md

The question arises: Is it appropriate for WordPress to streamline migrating away from commercial page builders? In many ways, the ascension of Gutenberg challenging and potentially superseding commercial solutions has seemed inevitable. Page builders have shown limited innovation beyond the basic drag-and-drop functionalities. However, confident builders like Breakdance persist in releasing valuable tools that empower developers to craft visually appealing and high-performing websites.

If you still need help and clarification, look at our monthly SEO packages and get professional assistance.