Classic Editor
Enables the previous "classic" editor and the old-style Edit Post screen with TinyMCE, Meta Boxes, etc. Supports all plugins that extend this screen.
The facts
- Rating
- 4.9★ from 1,246
- Active installs
- 8M+
- Price
- Free
- Last updated
- 28 May 2026
- Added
- Oct 2017
- Requires WP
- 4.9
- Tested up to
- WP 7.0.4
- Requires PHP
- 5.2.4
- Downloads
- 92,497,941
Our analysis
AI-assistedClassic Editor is a WordPress plugin that restores the previous classic editor interface and the Edit Post screen. It allows administrators to set a default editor for all users and enables users to choose their preferred editor for each post. This plugin is useful for those who rely on older plugins that depend on the classic editor functionality.
The plugin maintains a consistent editing experience by opening each post in the last editor used, regardless of who edited it last. It also includes filters for other plugins to control settings related to editor choice and post types.
Best for: This plugin is suitable for users and administrators who prefer the classic editing experience in WordPress.
What it does well
- ✓Restores the classic WordPress editor
- ✓Allows administrators to set default editors
- ✓Users can choose their editor for each post
- ✓Maintains consistent editing experience
- ✓Includes filters for plugin compatibility
Where it falls short
- •Limited to the classic editor functionality
- •Support is available until 2024
Verdict
Classic Editor provides a straightforward solution for those who want to use the traditional WordPress editing interface. It is a practical choice for users reliant on older plugins or those who prefer the classic experience.
From the developer
WordPress.org's own description of Classic Editor, lightly tidied.
Classic Editor is an official plugin maintained by the WordPress team that restores the previous (“classic”) WordPress editor and the “Edit Post” screen. It makes it possible to use plugins that extend that screen, add old-style meta boxes, or otherwise depend on the previous editor.
Classic Editor is an official WordPress plugin, and will be fully supported and maintained until 2024, or as long as is necessary.
At a glance, this plugin adds the following:
- Administrators can select the default editor for all users.
- Administrators can allow users to change their default editor.
- When allowed, the users can choose which editor to use for each post.
- Each post opens in the last editor used regardless of who edited it last. This is important for maintaining a consistent experience when editing content.
In addition, the Classic Editor plugin includes several filters that let other plugins control the settings, and the editor choice per post and per post type.
By default, this plugin hides all functionality available in the new block editor (“Gutenberg”).