Meaning
Block Patterns are reusable block combinations providing ready-made designs for common website sections, insertable with one click into the Block Editor.
Definition
Block Patterns accelerate content creation by providing: pre-arranged block layouts, professional designs, placeholder content, and consistent styling.
WordPress includes default patterns (call-to-action sections, feature grids, testimonials, pricing tables), and themes often add custom patterns matching their design system.
Patterns differ from Reusable Blocks (single blocks saved for reuse); patterns are templates that, once inserted, become regular blocks fully editable and disconnected from the original pattern.
Users can: browse the pattern library, preview patterns, insert with one click, and customize all aspects.
Developers create custom patterns through theme code or pattern management plugins, defining block structure, initial content, attributes, and categories.
Pattern libraries enable rapid page building: selecting appropriate patterns, customizing content and styling, and assembling professional pages in minutes.
Example
A business owner creates a services page using Block Patterns. They insert a “Feature Grid” pattern (3 columns with icons, headings, and descriptions), customize text and images for their services, add a “Testimonials” pattern with client quotes, insert a “Call to Action” pattern with a contact button, and finish with a “Contact Form” pattern.
What would take hours to build from scratch is assembled in 15 minutes by customizing professional pre-designed patterns.
