Build custom blocks for WordPress
Genesis Pro extends Genesis Custom Blocks for developers and site builders who want more control over block-based WordPress content. It provides tools for creating custom blocks that match a specific design, deliver unique functionality, or reduce dependence on additional plugins. The workflow is designed for the WordPress block editor, giving you a familiar administrative experience while supporting practical development methods.
Use custom blocks to create reusable content structures for pages, posts, landing pages, and other site content. You can define the fields a block needs, control how its information is presented, and build templates that reflect the intended front-end design. This makes it possible to create focused editing experiences without asking content creators to assemble every layout manually.
Advanced fields for richer content
The Pro edition adds several fields that expand the types of content your custom blocks can manage:
- Repeater Field: Build repeating groups of content within a block.
- Taxonomy, Post, and User Fields: Connect block content with WordPress taxonomies, posts, and users.
- Rich Text and Classic Text Fields: Give editors flexible text-entry options for different content requirements.
- Block-Level Import/Export: Move custom block configurations between relevant environments or projects.
Genesis Custom Blocks also provides fields such as inner blocks, files, text, images, URLs, toggles, textareas, selects, ranges, radio options, numbers, multi-select controls, email, color, and checkbox fields. Together, these options support structured blocks for editorial, marketing, and development workflows.
Flexible templating and development
Genesis Pro supports fine-tuned front-end templating control. You can use the built-in editor or familiar WordPress development practices to build block templates. Developer-friendly functions are available as an alternative to the built-in editor, allowing templates to render and work with data stored through custom block fields.
This flexibility is useful when a project needs a custom design system, specialized content behavior, or an editing interface tailored to a particular team. Custom blocks can also be extended to integrate with third-party apps and plugins, helping them fit into broader site workflows.
Practical use cases
- Create structured page sections with controlled editing fields.
- Build custom content components for marketing pages and posts.
- Develop blocks with repeating content, selected posts, users, or taxonomies.
- Reuse block configurations through block-level import and export.
- Give content creators a focused interface for managing custom designs and functionality.
Independence and support
Genesis Custom Blocks can be used independently; the Genesis Framework and other Genesis plugins or themes are not required. The site does need the WordPress block editor enabled. Genesis Pro also includes 24/7 support and access to developer documentation covering getting started guidance, FAQs, block fields, and PHP functions.
Installation
Install and activate Genesis Custom Blocks on a WordPress site with the block editor enabled. Create your custom block, select its fields, and choose whether to build the template with the built-in editor or PHP block templates such as block-example.php. Pro features can then be used when defining advanced fields and managing block configurations.
