Title: First steps with WordPress (Block Editor)
Author: Akira Tachibana
Published: May 3, 2019
Last modified: June 28, 2025

---

# First steps with WordPress (Block Editor)

## In this article

 * [I have done the 5-minute installation. Now what?](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#i-have-done-the-5-minute-installation-now-what)
    - [Log In](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#log-in)
    - [Start at the top](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#start-at-the-top)
 * [Test drive your WordPress site](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#test-drive-your-wordpress-site)
    - [Take a Quick Trip Around](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#take-a-quick-trip-around)
 * [Test Drive the WordPress Administration Screens](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#test-drive-the-wordpress-administration-screens)
    - [Let’s start with the User screen](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#lets-start-with-the-user-screen)
    - [Changing the Look](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#changing-the-look)
    - [Creating a post](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#creating-a-post)
    - [Comments](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#comments)
    - [Create Categories](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#create-categories)
 * [Setting Up Your Site](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#setting-up-your-site)
    - [Put Posts in Categories](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#put-posts-in-categories)
    - [What Is Next](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#what-is-next)
 * [Using WordPress Themes](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#using-wordpress-themes)
    - [Creating your own Theme](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#creating-your-own-theme)
 * [Using WordPress Plugins](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#using-wordpress-plugins)
    - [Creating your own Plugin](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#creating-your-own-plugin)
 * [Above and Beyond the Basics](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#above-and-beyond-the-basics)

[ Back to top](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#wp--skip-link--target)

This page refers to WordPress using the Block Editor. If you are on an older version
of WordPress or using the Classic Editor plugin, refer to [this page](https://wordpress.org/support/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-classic?output_format=md).

## 󠀁[I have done the 5-minute installation. Now what?](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#i-have-done-the-5-minute-installation-now-what)󠁿

You’ve just completed the [5-Minute Installation](https://wordpress.org/support/article/how-to-install-wordpress/?output_format=md)
of WordPress or the one-click install from your web host. So what is your next step?

Let’s take a step-by-step tour through your WordPress site and see how the different
functions work and how to make your new site your own. During the first part of 
this tutorial, please _don’t change anything within the program_ unless it is part
of the tutorial. After following these steps, you’ll soon be changing everything.

### 󠀁[Log In](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#log-in)󠁿

![Login screen of the WordPress Website](https://wordpress.org/documentation/files/
2021/01/Screen-Shot-2020-12-31-at-3.22.22-PM-920x1024.png)

Begin by logging into the administration area, or the [back end](https://wordpress.org/support/article/glossary/?output_format=md#back-end),
of your website. Visit your site’s login page by placing _wp-admin_ after your domain
name (e.g., http://example.com/wp-admin). Some [themes](https://wordpress.org/support/article/using-themes/?output_format=md)
provide a login link or form on the [front end](https://wordpress.org/support/article/glossary/?output_format=md#front-end)
as well. Now login to WordPress using the username and password you created in the
5-minute install.

### 󠀁[Start at the top](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#start-at-the-top)󠁿

![Admin Dashboard home page](https://wordpress.org/documentation/files/2022/06/wordpress-
6-0-dashboard-1024x583.png)

After logging in you are on the main [Administration Screen](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md)
called the [Dashboard](https://wordpress.org/support/article/glossary/?output_format=md#dashboard).
This is where the organization of your site begins.

At the top of the screen is the area called the [_toolbar_](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#toolbar-keeping-it-all-together).
Click on your site name; it’s a link and it will take you to a view of your new 
WordPress site. Like it? Don’t like it? Doesn’t matter, just look at it. This is
where you are going to be spending a lot of time!

## 󠀁[Test drive your WordPress site](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#test-drive-your-wordpress-site)󠁿

Take time to look at the site before you get into changing it and figuring out [how it all works](https://codex.wordpress.org/Working_with_WordPress);
it’s important to see how the WordPress Twenty Twenty-Two theme is laid out and 
how it works. Consider this the test drive before you start adding all the special
features.

![Front side of the WordPress Website](https://wordpress.org/documentation/files/
2022/03/myfirstwpsite-–-Just-another-WordPress-site-1024x838.png)

The layout you are looking at is defined by a [WordPress Theme](https://wordpress.org/support/article/using-themes/?output_format=md).
It is the [appearance](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#appearance-change-the-look-of-your-blog)
of your website, styling the look of the site, and the framing of the content. The
WordPress Twenty Twenty-Two theme features a “header” at the top with the title 
and tagline for your site. Below is your [Menu](https://wordpress.org/support/article/appearance-menus-screen/?output_format=md),
if you have one. The main middle section of the page is the content area.

Scroll down the page and you will see a search box, recent posts, and recent comments.
These are called [Widgets](https://wordpress.org/support/article/wordpress-widgets/?output_format=md).

Notice the bar at the end of the page. This is called the “footer.” It says “Proudly
powered by WordPress.”

### 󠀁[Take a Quick Trip Around](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#take-a-quick-trip-around)󠁿

For now, you only have one post. It is residing within a page that is laid out as
your _home page_ or the front page. If you click on the title of the post, it will
take you to the specific page for that post. The first page or home page of your
site features the most recent posts on your site. Each post title will link to the
actual page of the post. Some Theme designers design their _single_ post pages to
look different from the home page.

In the single post, pay attention to the layout and notice what is different about
the design elements. Is the header different? Smaller, larger, or a different color?
Is there a sidebar?

All of these changes are created from a few files called [template files](https://developer.wordpress.org/themes/basics/template-files/).
You can learn more about how they work in [Theme Developer Handbook](https://developer.wordpress.org/themes/).
For now, however, let’s get on with how the rest of WordPress works.

## 󠀁[Test Drive the WordPress Administration Screens](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#test-drive-the-wordpress-administration-screens)󠁿

Now that you have an idea of how your site looks and what the different layout sections
are called, it’s time to test drive the [WordPress Administration](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/administering-your-blog/).
This is like familiarizing yourself with the backend of your new website. In fact,
the first page you see after logging in is called the [Dashboard](https://wordpress.org/support/article/glossary/?output_format=md#dashboard),
a collection of information and data about the activities and actions on your WordPress
site.

![Admin Dashboard home page of the WordPress Website](https://wordpress.org/documentation/
files/2022/06/wordpress-6-0-dashboard-1024x583.png)

The [Dashboard](https://wordpress.org/support/article/glossary/?output_format=md#dashboard)
features a list of the most recent activity you’ve accomplished on your site and
it helps to keep you up to date on new and interesting bits of information from 
the many WordPress resources.

On the left side of the screen is the **main navigation** menu detailing each of
the administrative functions you can perform. Move your mouse down the list and 
the sub-menus will “fly out” for you to move your mouse to and click. Once you choose
a “parent” navigation section, it will open up to reveal the options within that
section.

The various menu items are as follows:

 * [Dashboard](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#dashboard-information-central)
 * [Posts](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#posts-make-some-content)
 * [Media](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#media-add-pictures-and-movies-to-your-posts)
 * [Pages](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#pages-your-static-content)
 * [Comments](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#comments-reader-feedback)
 * [Appearance](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#appearance-change-the-look-of-your-blog)
 * [Plugins](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#plugins-add-functionality-to-your-blog)
 * [Users](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#users-your-blogging-family)
 * [Tools](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#tools-managing-your-blog)
 * [Settings](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#settings-configuration-settings)

### 󠀁[Let’s start with the User screen](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#lets-start-with-the-user-screen)󠁿

Click on the **Users** tab. The screen will change and you will see the Screen called
[All Users](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#all-users)
that shows a list of all your users; from here you can add or change existing users
and authors’ accounts. In the navigation menu, click on the Your Profile menu choice.
This is where you will enter information about yourself, the author, and the [administrator](https://wordpress.org/support/article/roles-and-capabilities/?output_format=md#administrator)
of the site. Fill in the information and click **Update Profile** when done.

![User profile screen](https://wordpress.org/documentation/files/2022/03/Profile-‹-
myfirstwpsite-—-WordPress-1024x472.png)

Now, let’s look at some other powerful features of the WordPress Admin.

### 󠀁[Changing the Look](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#changing-the-look)󠁿

![Themes in the Admin dashboard > Themes](https://wordpress.org/documentation/files/
2022/03/Manage-Themes-‹-myfirstwpsite-—-WordPress-1024x615.png)

 The [Appearance, Themes Screen](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#appearance-change-the-look-of-your-blog)
allows you to change the look of your site using different [Themes](https://wordpress.org/support/article/using-themes/?output_format=md).
Themes are presentation styles that completely change the look of your site. Designed
by developers and users, there are hundreds of themes available for you to choose
from. In your Appearance Screen, you will see a list of currently installed themes,
including the WordPress Twenty Twenty-Two theme. To quickly change the theme, simply
click on the Activate button under one of the themes listed, then click on your 
site name in the top [toolbar](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#toolbar-keeping-it-all-together)
to see how it looks. Wow, you have another look. It’s that easy. Go back to **Appearance
> Theme** and click the Activate button under the WordPress Twenty Twenty-Two theme
to bring the design back to what you had. To see it again, click your site name 
in the toolbar, and there it is.

![First time opening "Create a post" screen with welcome wizard. ](https://wordpress.
org/documentation/files/2024/04/324626067-55fd593f-e477-479a-893d-495b84e6d67f-1024x612.
jpg)

### 󠀁[Creating a post](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#creating-a-post)󠁿

Back in the [Administration Screen](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md),
take a look at the [Posts Screen](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens?output_format=md#all-posts).
You can use the tabs under the Posts Menu to [write and manage your posts](https://wordpress.org/support/article/wordpress-editor/?output_format=md).
Let’s start by making your first test post in the [Add New](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#posts-make-some-content)
tab.

The first time you use the Block Editor, you will see a short tutorial.

![Edit post screen without any content.](https://wordpress.org/documentation/files/
2024/04/324626066-e87b562b-4522-4105-bb27-5f1c58d5d31e-1024x612.png)

Add the title of the article in the space allocated. Then write a text in the “_Start
writing or type / to choose a block_” section. This is just for a test, so you can
write anything you want. When you are done, click on the **Publish** button at the
top right of the page, then click a second time to confirm the publication. Now 
that you’ve gotten a feel for writing posts, you can view your posts by clicking
your site name in the [toolbar](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens?output_format=md#toolbar)
at top of the screen.

### 󠀁[Comments](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#comments)󠁿

Part of the fun of WordPress is the ability to have viewers leave comments on your
site. It creates a dynamic interchange between you and the viewer. Do you want comments
on your posts? Comments on posts come in a variety of forms, from _pats on the back_(
_Good job! Like the post!_) to extensive conversations and commentary about the 
posts. Or maybe you are seeking comments that add to the information you’ve posted.
Responding to comments and [moderating them](https://wordpress.org/support/article/comments-in-wordpress/?output_format=md)
can also take up a lot of time. If they are critical to your site, then include 
them and consider how you want them presented. You can make a few comments yourself
on the post you created. Take a look at how they are laid out and consider how you
might want them to look to fit into the design and layout of your site. When you
have reached your decision about how you want to handle comments, take time to read
through the [article on comments and WordPress discussion options](https://wordpress.org/support/article/settings-discussion-screen/?output_format=md)
to help you set those features.

#### 󠀁[Preventing Spam](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#preventing-spam)󠁿

There is more to think about when it comes to having comments on your site. Unfortunately,
we live in a world where [spam](https://codex.wordpress.org/Combating_Comment_Spam)
is a fact of life. It is recommended that you begin battling the comment spammers
with the helpful article, [Introduction to Dealing with Comment Spam](https://wordpress.org/support/article/comment-spam/?output_format=md).

### 󠀁[Create Categories](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#create-categories)󠁿

Posts are usually stored in Categories and/or Tags so you can keep related topics
together. Right now you only have one category, but you will soon want more. In 
the **[Posts > Categories](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#categories)**
tab, in the **Add New Category** area, fill in the information about your category.
Continue to add your _parent_ categories, going down the list. Hold off on entering
subcategories until all the main categories are entered. 

**NOTE:**_ You can add any new category at any time, but make a note of the fact
that categories can be sorted in WordPress in two ways: by name (alphabetically)
or by ID number. As you enter the categories, they are assigned an ID number. It
is difficult to change this, so if you don’t want your categories sorted alphabetically,
enter them in the order you want to see them presented on the screen._

## 󠀁[Setting Up Your Site](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#setting-up-your-site)󠁿

Before you get to the graphic look of your site, let’s do a little more administration
to your site to set it up. You may want to install plugins to supercharge your website,
and don’t forget to activate the [Akismet WordPress Plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/akismet/)
that is available with all WordPress sites to help protect it from comment spam.
When you have the parent categories entered, enter your subcategories. In the pull-
down menu for Parent Category, you can select the _parent_ to the subcategory you
are adding. When you view your categories in the Manage > Categories Screen, you
will see the categories listed like this:

 * Computer Tips
    - Windows
    - Linux
    - Mac
 * Internet News
 * Web Page Design
    - Web Standards
 * WordPress
    - Plugins
    - Themes

### 󠀁[Put Posts in Categories](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#put-posts-in-categories)󠁿

Let’s put some of your test posts into categories so you can see how this works.
From the **Posts > Category Screen**, click on the tab for **[All Posts](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#all-posts)**.
You should see the test posts you entered here. When you hover your mouse over each
post title, under the title, you should see the Edit | Quick Edit | Trash | View
links. Click on Edit to edit one of the posts. On the right side of the Edit Post
screen, you will now see your Categories. Choose one of them by clicking on the 
box next to it. Then in the Publish module above, click the **Update** button. Repeat
this for your other test posts, putting each one in a different category. Now view
your page by clicking on your site name in the [toolbar](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md#toolbar-keeping-it-all-together)
at the top of your [Administration Screen](https://wordpress.org/support/article/administration-screens/?output_format=md).
Do you see the categories listed in the sidebar now? Great. If you are missing a
category, that usually means that there are no posts in it. This is the default 
function of WordPress, so not to worry. When you add a post to the “missing” category,
it will appear on your web pages. Click on one of the categories and you will be
taken to a page for just that category. You should see the posts that went into 
that category. This is a generated _Category_ page. Now, click on the **Archives**
for the month showing. Now you are visiting a generated page of your posts listed
in chronological order for this month – well, specifically for today only. Two methods
of finding the same information.

### 󠀁[What Is Next](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#what-is-next)󠁿

You’ve now done all the basics for your new WordPress website. You know how to write
a post, create a category, and how to view your site’s information by category and
archive. You can start the customization process, and when you are done, don’t forget
to delete your test posts! Then start writing some wonderful information to share
with your new-found public!

## 󠀁[Using WordPress Themes](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#using-wordpress-themes)󠁿

There are hundreds of [WordPress Themes](https://wordpress.org/support/article/using-themes/?output_format=md)
to choose from. All do basically the same thing but graphically present the information
in a myriad of ways. Choose a few that look interesting to you, and meet your audience’s
needs and your desires, and then test drive them following the test drive instructions
above. Click through the whole site, the categories and archives as well as the 
individual posts to see how the Theme handles each one. The look may be nice on 
the front page, but if it handles things in a way you don’t like on the single post,
then you will have to dig into the code and make changes. Not ready for that, try
another theme.

 * [WordPress Theme Directory](https://wordpress.org/themes/)
 * [Using Theme](https://wordpress.org/support/article/using-themes/?output_format=md)

### 󠀁[Creating your own Theme](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#creating-your-own-theme)󠁿

If you are familiar with CSS, HTML, and even PHP and MySQL, consider either customizing
the Theme to your own needs or creating your own Theme.

 * [WordPress Theme Developer Handbook](https://developer.wordpress.org/themes/)

## 󠀁[Using WordPress Plugins](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#using-wordpress-plugins)󠁿

![Plugins screen with two inactive default plugins.](https://wordpress.org/documentation/
files/2024/04/324626066-e87b562b-4522-4105-bb27-5f1c58d5d31e-1-1024x571.png)

[WordPress Plugins](https://wordpress.org/support/article/plugins/?output_format=md)
are also known as add-ons or extensions. They are software scripts that add functions
and events to your website. They cover the gamut from up-to-date weather reports
to a simple organization of your posts and categories. Plugins are designed by volunteer
contributors and enthusiasts who like challenges and problem-solving. They are usually
fairly [simple to install](https://wordpress.org/support/article/managing-plugins/?output_format=md)
through the WordPress Admin Plugin Screen, just follow the instructions provided
by the plugin author. Remember, these are free and non-essential. If you have any
problems with plugins, contact the plugin author’s website or plugin source first,
then search the Internet for help with that specific plugin, and if you haven’t 
found a solution, then visit the WordPress forums for more help.

 * [WordPress Plugin Directory](https://wordpress.org/plugins/)
 * [Managing Plugins](https://wordpress.org/support/article/managing-plugins/?output_format=md)

### 󠀁[Creating your own Plugin](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#creating-your-own-plugin)󠁿

If you are familiar with PHP, HTML, and maybe even MySQL, you may be able to customize
WordPress to work the way you want by creating your own Plugin.

 * [WordPress Plugin Developer Handbook](https://developer.wordpress.org/plugins/)

## 󠀁[Above and Beyond the Basics](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#above-and-beyond-the-basics)󠁿

The exciting thing about WordPress is that there are few limits. Thousands of people
are using WordPress for blogging and for running their websites. For example, look
at some of the entries under the [WordPress.org Theme Showcase](https://wordpress.org/showcase/).
All have a different look and different functions on their sites. What you do from
here is up to you, but here are a few places to take that first step beyond the 
basics:

 * [WordPress Features](https://wordpress.org/support/article/wordpress-features/?output_format=md)
 * [Working with WordPress](https://codex.wordpress.org/Working_with_WordPress)
 * [WordPress Semantics](https://wordpress.org/support/article/wordpress-semantics/?output_format=md)
 * [Using Pages](https://wordpress.org/support/article/pages/?output_format=md)
 * [Troubleshooting](https://codex.wordpress.org/Troubleshooting)
 * [Using Permalinks](https://wordpress.org/support/article/using-permalinks/?output_format=md)
 * [Getting More Help](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/finding-wordpress-help/)
 * [Using the Support Forums](https://wordpress.org/support/welcome/?output_format=md)
 * [WordPress Code Reference](https://developer.wordpress.org/reference/)
 * [Learn WordPress](https://learn.wordpress.org)

#### 󠀁[Changelog](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#changelog)󠁿

 * Updated 2025-06-28
    - Added Alt texts.
 * Updated 2024-04-23
    - Update screenshots for 6.5
 * Updated 2022-06-19
    - Updated screenshots to WordPress 6.0
    - Changes all references from Twenty Twenty-One theme to Twenty Twenty-Two
 * Updated 2022-03-09
    - Updated screenshots to WordPress 5.9
 * Updated 2021-01-01
    - Added Changelog
    - Updated all screenshots to WordPress 5.6
    - Added links to WordPress Code Reference and Learn WordPress
    - Changes all references from Twenty Nineteen theme to Twenty Twenty-One
    - Re-worked language about widgets and removed language about sidebar to align
      with Twenty Twenty-One theme.
    - Updated Getting More Help link
    - Added info about Block Editor tutorial
    - Cleaned up some grammar

## Was this article helpful? How could it be improved? 󠀁[Cancel reply](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/first-steps-with-wordpress-block-editor/?output_format=md#respond)󠁿

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First published

May 3, 2019

Last updated

June 28, 2025