A closer look at what makes Blockstudio great.
Blockstudio has been developed with a unique vision in mind, and it's only fair to show how it stacks up against other prominent tools. On this page, you'll find a detailed comparison between Blockstudio, the @wordpress/create-block npm package, and ACF blocks. We're keeping it straightforward, focusing on features and functionality, so you can easily see what each brings to the table. Let's dive in.
General
In the realm of WordPress block development, the foundation and ease of use are paramount. Delving into the core functionalities and user experience of these tools provides a transparent look into what sets them apart.
Blockstudio
Designed from the ground up with the developer in mind, Blockstudio streamlines the process of creating PHP blocks. As a WordPress plugin, it integrates seamlessly into the world of WordPress blocks, offering both novices and experts a refined approach to block development that emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness.
ACF Blocks
ACF Blocks, being the most similar to Blockstudio, is known for its user-centric approach. It focuses on delivering PHP blocks that make dynamic content creation intuitive. As a battle-tested plugin, it's rooted in the familiarity of the platform, ensuring developers feel right at home.
@wordpress/create-block
While plugins offer an integrated experience, the @wordpress/create-block takes a distinct path as an npm package. It embraces a blend of PHP (for dynamic blocks) and JavaScript, promising a comprehensive toolset for those willing to embrace both worlds.
Rendering
Rendering defines how a block's structure and content are displayed, both in the editor and on the frontend. The approach to rendering varies, with methods offering more interactivity (static blocks) but potentially introducing more complexities. (block deprecations)
Blockstudio
With Blockstudio, rendering is streamlined and consistent. Like ACF Blocks, it employs server-side rendering. It emphasizes simplicity: when changes or additions are required, it's a matter of updating a file. Say a client needs an additional field? Adjust the markup, add the field, and you're set, all without the headaches of block validation errors or manually updating multiple posts. It's an approach designed to scale, minimizing the potential pitfalls of block evolution over time.
ACF Blocks
Similar to Blockstudio, ACF Blocks relies on server-side rendering. This ensures a consistent user experience and optimal frontend performance. However, developers might miss out on some of the flexibility and interactive features Blockstudio offers, especially when it comes to React components.
@wordpress/create-block
The create-block package offers developers a clean slate, full of potential. While it opens doors for enhanced interactivity within the editor, this adaptability isn't without challenges. Developers have to grapple with issues related to static blocks, such as the necessity for dual markups—one for the editor and another for the frontend. Adding or modifying fields can result in block validation errors, which necessitate the crafting of deprecation functions or even devising custom scripts to adjust post content.
Conventions
Conventions can make or break the efficiency of a development process, particularly when it comes to resource management and team collaboration. Having clear conventions reduces ambiguities, saving precious time and ensuring a smoother workflow.
Blockstudio
Blockstudio takes a proactive stance by emphasizing convention over configuration. If blocks are placed in a given folder, they are automatically enqueued, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This, coupled with the auto-enqueuing of assets, means developers can spend less time on setup and more on creation. For teams, especially those without extensive documentation, this convention-driven approach is a boon, reducing potential discrepancies in the process.
ACF Blocks
ACF Blocks, though powerful, leans more towards explicit configuration. Assets must be specifically enqueued, and blocks won't automatically register based on their folder location. This can pose challenges for teams or agencies, as without clear documentation, inconsistencies might arise, slowing down the collaborative development efforts.
@wordpress/create-block
The @wordpress/create-block npm package also leans towards a configuration-centric approach. Blocks and assets require manual enqueuing and setup. In team settings, this can lead to potential misalignments, especially when documentation is either lacking or not comprehensive, leading to possible inefficiencies when working in a team.
Fields
Fields in the context of block development for WordPress pertain to the data structures and controls that allow users to customize content within a block. These fields help define both the backend editing experience and how the content is displayed on the frontend.
Blockstudio
Leveraging a custom block.json schema, Blockstudio not only provides clarity when defining attributes within any IDE but also streamlines field creation. The plugin registers attributes automatically and taps into Gutenberg components for editor controls. An intuitive UI for field management is in the pipeline, signaling even easier block development on the horizon.
ACF Blocks
While ACF provides a UI for field creation and manages them through its own set of components, it operates slightly differently from the Gutenberg-native experience. It's a solution some might be familiar with, but the difference in UI can be noted when compared to the rest of the block editor.
@wordpress/create-block
A foundational tool for Gutenberg block creation, it provides a basic structure. While it's fully customizable, linking attributes to editor components requires manual setup. Additionally, to ensure consistent UI across multiple blocks, developers need to design and manage their own system of components.
React components
React components play a pivotal role in crafting the user experience and functionality of WordPress blocks, ensuring dynamic and interactive content both inside the editor and on the frontend.
Blockstudio
Blockstudio empowers developers by supporting vital components like <InnerBlocks />
, <RichText />
, <MediaPlaceholder />
, and useBlockProps
. Within the block editor, these components come to life, manifesting as their React counterparts, such as interactive InnerBlocks and editable text fields. Yet, on the frontend, Blockstudio renders server-side content, eliminating any overhead of client-side React. This duality provides both flexibility for developers and optimized performance for visitors.
ACF Blocks
ACF Blocks offers support for <InnerBlocks />
, permitting dynamic nested content within blocks. However, it lacks the broader range of components found in Blockstudio, limiting some of the interactive potential inside the block editor.
@wordpress/create-block
While this tool lays the groundwork for block creation and can support any React component with appropriate configurations, it's a manual process. Developers venturing into create-block should be prepared to dive into documentation and handle intricacies, potentially facing nuances not immediately apparent, which contrasts with the more straightforward approach of Blockstudio.
Dev environment
A developer's environment can greatly influence productivity, and having an efficient, integrated editing platform is crucial. Here's what the different types provide for block editing.
Blockstudio
One of Blockstudio's standout features is its integrated editing environment right within the WordPress admin. Based on the robust Monaco Editor, Blockstudio's custom editor provides a comprehensive IDE experience without ever leaving the WordPress dashboard. Developers can create blocks, manage files, and write code seamlessly. It's essentially bringing the power and flexibility of a full-fledged IDE into WordPress, eliminating the need to switch between platforms and streamlining the block development process.
ACF Blocks
ACF Blocks focuses primarily on field management and server-side rendering. While it offers a robust set of tools for field creation and customization, it doesn't provide an integrated code editor within the WordPress admin. Developers relying on ACF Blocks would typically need to use an external IDE or text editor for block development.
@wordpress/create-block
The create-block package offers a foundation for block development but doesn't include an in-built editing environment in the WordPress admin. Developers using this package would also need to rely on an external IDE with NPM for block coding, editing, and management.
Pricing
Explore our flexible licensing options tailored to your needs. Upgrade your license anytime to access more features, or opt for a lifetime license for ongoing value, including lifetime updates and 1 year of support. Our hassle-free upgrade process ensures that our platform can grow with you, starting from whichever plan you choose.
Lifetime
Most popular
EUR
once
- Unlimited websites
- Lifetime updates
- 1 year of support
Frequently asked questions
Yes, blocks will continue to work after the license expires. However, you will no longer receive updates or support. We recommend renewing your license or buy a lifetime license to keep your blocks up to date and to receive support.
 Yes, you can upgrade your license at any time. You will only need to pay the difference between the two licenses.
 We offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the plugin, we will refund your purchase, no questions asked.