If you’re building a fast, clean, and SEO-friendly WordPress site, you’ve probably heard of GeneratePress. But did you know its powerful sibling — GenerateBlocks — is quietly revolutionizing how developers and bloggers use the block editor?
In this in-depth GenerateBlocks Review, we’ll explore why it’s one of the best lightweight alternatives to heavy page builders like Elementor, how it improves Core Web Vitals, and whether it’s right for your next WordPress project.
Whether you’re using GeneratePress, Astra, or any other theme, GenerateBlocks enhances the native Gutenberg experience — without slowing down your site.
What Is GenerateBlocks?
GenerateBlocks is a free, lightweight WordPress plugin developed by Tom Usborne (the creator of GeneratePress). It extends the default Gutenberg block editor with powerful, performance-optimized blocks designed to help you build beautiful layouts — the fast, modern way.
Unlike bloated drag-and-drop builders, GenerateBlocks adds just ~10KB of code, making it one of the lightest block extensions available
Perfect for: Bloggers, developers, SEO specialists, and anyone who values speed.
Why Choose GenerateBlocks? Top 6 Benefits
1. Blazing Fast & SEO-Friendly
With minimal JavaScript and no render-blocking resources, GenerateBlocks helps you achieve higher Google PageSpeed scores and better Core Web Vitals.
No more “Uses inefficiently loaded resources” warnings.
2. Seamless Gutenberg Integration
Forget switching between editors. GenerateBlocks works natively inside the WordPress block editor (FSE) — no iframe, no bloat.
Perfect for Full Site Editing (FSE) workflows.
3. Only 4 Essential Blocks (But Extremely Powerful)
GenerateBlocks keeps it simple with just four smart blocks:
- Container – Layout wrapper with flex/grid support
- Grid – Create responsive multi-column layouts
- Headline – Advanced heading block with dynamic tags
- Button – Stylish, SEO-optimized CTA buttons
- (Pro version adds: Query Loop, Inner Container, Icon, and more)
Each block is built for maximum flexibility and minimum code.
4. Built for Developers & Designers
With custom CSS classes, spacing controls, visibility settings, and responsive toggles, GenerateBlocks gives you granular control — without touching a single line of code (unless you want to).
5. Perfect for Blog Layouts & Landing Pages
Want a blog layout with a masonry grid? Or a clean landing page with full-width sections? GenerateBlocks makes it easy — especially when paired with themes like GeneratePress or Kadence.
6. No Performance Penalty
Unlike Elementor or Divi, GenerateBlocks doesn’t load assets on every page. Only the styles and scripts your page actually uses are enqueued.
Key Features Breakdown
1. Container Block
The Container is your layout backbone. Use it to:
- Wrap sections
- Set max-width, padding, and margins
- Enable flex or grid layout
- Control alignment and responsiveness
Pro Tip: One of the fastest-loading WordPress themes we’ve tested—ideal for Core Web Vitals optimization.
2. Grid Block
Create responsive, multi-column layouts without plugins or code.
Perfect for:
- Blog grids
- Service sections
- Portfolio displays
Supports auto-fit, gap control, and mobile stacking.
3. Headline & Button Blocks
- Headline: Choose tag (H1–H6), set responsive font sizes, and add icons.
- Button: Dual buttons, hover effects, full-width options.
Ideal for landing page design and CTA optimization.
Does GenerateBlocks Slow Down WordPress?
Short answer: No.
We tested a standard blog post with:
- Elementor
- No page builder
- Gutenberg only
- GenerateBlocks
Results (GTmetrix):
GenerateBlocks adds minimal overhead — unlike heavy builders.
How to Use GenerateBlocks in WordPress (Beginner’s Guide)
Follow these steps to get started:
- Install the Plugin
- Go to Plugins > Add New
- Search for GenerateBlocks
- Install & activate
- Add a Container
- Click “+” to add a block
- Search for “Container”
- Set padding, background, or layout (flex/grid)
- Insert Content
- Add text, images, or buttons inside the container
- Use the Grid for Layouts
- Add a Grid block
- Choose the number of columns
- Drop content blocks into each grid item
- Style with Ease
- Adjust spacing, alignment, and typography in the sidebar
Advanced Tips: Style GenerateBlocks with CSS
Want full design control? You can style GenerateBlocks with CSS.
Example: Change Button Hover Color
- Select your button
- In the Advanced tab, add a custom class: gb-btn-primary
- Go to Appearance > Additional CSS
- Add:
.gb-btn-primary:hover {
background-color: #27ae60;
color: white;
transition: background 0.3s ease;
}This targets only your button — no site-wide changes.
Works With Any Theme (Not Just GeneratePress!)
While GenerateBlocks is made by the GeneratePress team, it works perfectly with:
- Astra
- Kadence
- OceanWP
- Blocksy
- Hello Elementor
Yes — you can even use it with Oxygen Builder or SiteOrigin Panels.
Real Use Cases: Who Should Use GenerateBlocks?
Bloggers
Create responsive blog grids with the Grid block and improve readability.
Freelancers & Agencies
Build fast client sites without locking them into heavy builders.
SEO Specialists
Optimize LCP, CLS, and FID with clean, semantic code.
Developers
Use hooks and filters to extend functionality (Pro version).
GenerateBlocks Free vs Pro
Best value: The Unlimited Sites + GeneratePress Bundle ($99/year) includes both.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use GenerateBlocks without GeneratePress?
Yes! It works with any WordPress theme.
Is GenerateBlocks free?
Yes — the core plugin is 100% free on WordPress.org.
Can GenerateBlocks replace Elementor?
For lightweight sites — absolutely. If you need advanced animations or templates, stick with Elementor.
How to center a container in GenerateBlocks?
Set the max-width and select “Center” under Alignment in the layout settings.
Does GenerateBlocks work with Full Site Editing?
Yes — it’s built for FSE and block themes.
Final Verdict: Is GenerateBlocks Worth It?
Yes — especially if you value speed, clean code, and future-proof design.
Pros:
- Super lightweight (~10KB)
- No performance hit
- Perfect for Gutenberg & FSE
- Affordable Pro version
- Excellent documentation
Cons:
- Fewer blocks than Elementor
- Learning curve for flex/grid layouts
Conclusion: The Future of Fast WordPress Design
If you’re tired of slow-loading pages, bloated builders, and complex workflows, GenerateBlocks is the minimalist solution you’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re asking “how to use GenerateBlocks in WordPress” or testing “GenerateBlocks vs default Gutenberg”, this plugin delivers where it matters: speed, simplicity, and scalability.