Reusable blocks and synced patterns

  • patterns
  • reusable-blocks
  • synced-patterns
  • page-editing

When the same layout appears on many pages — a CTA band, a contact strip, a disclaimer — save it once and reuse it. WordPress now calls these synced patterns (older screens may still say Reusable blocks).

Create a synced pattern

  1. In the editor, select a parent block that wraps the content you want, or multi-select several blocks (drag to select, or Shift-click).
  2. Open the block toolbar ⋮ (Options) menu.
  3. Choose Create pattern / Add to Reusable blocks (label depends on your WordPress version).
  4. Give the pattern a clear name and save.

Place it on another page

  1. Open the block inserter.
  2. Find the Patterns (or Reusable) tab.
  3. Insert your saved pattern.

Do not nest a synced pattern inside another synced pattern.

Update everywhere vs. edit once

Edits to a synced pattern apply to every page that uses it. That is the point — change the CTA once, update the sitewide band.

If you need a one-off variation:

  1. Select the pattern on that page.
  2. Choose Detach / Convert to regular blocks.
  3. Edit freely. That page no longer stays in sync with the original.

Manage patterns

From the inserter’s Patterns / Reusable area, open Manage (wording varies) to edit or delete saved patterns. You can also manage patterns under Appearance → Patterns on newer WordPress versions.

Tips

  • Name patterns by role (Footer CTA, Office hours strip), not by page.
  • After a sitewide change, spot-check a few pages that use the pattern.
  • For one-time layouts that should not sync, detach immediately after insert — or use an unsynced pattern if your WordPress version offers that option.