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Understanding and Customizing the WordPress 6.8 Split-Screen Editor Layout

27 threads Sep 7, 2025 Core → Fixing wordpress

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The release of WordPress 6.8 introduced a significant change to the post and page editing experience: a new split-screen layout. This design separates the main content block editor from plugin meta-boxes (like those for SEO, custom fields, and other settings) with a draggable horizontal bar. While intended to improve focus, many users find this new two-panel system cumbersome and disruptive to their established workflow.

What Changed in WordPress 6.8?

Previously, the editor was a single, scrollable page. The title, content blocks, and all additional plugin sections flowed in one continuous column. The update to 6.8 divided this interface. The block editor now occupies the top section, and meta-boxes are consolidated into a separate, scrollable panel at the bottom. Users must manually drag the resize bar to see more of either section.

Why Was This Change Made?

This structural shift is part of the ongoing development of the block editor (Gutenberg). The 'Fixing WordPress' team suggests the goal is to create a more consistent and focused editing environment, especially as more plugins integrate their settings directly into the block editor's sidebar and bottom panel. However, the change has been met with mixed feedback from the community, as it alters long-standing user habits.

How to Regain Control of Your Editor Layout

If you prefer the classic, single-column view, you have a few options. It's important to note that these are user-specific settings; each user on a site must configure their own preferences.

Method 1: Minimize or Close Meta-Box Sections

The most straightforward way to reclaim screen space is to minimize or disable the plugin panels you use less frequently.

  1. While editing a post or page, click the three-dot menu (Options) in the top-right corner of the editor.
  2. Select Preferences from the menu.
  3. Navigate to the Advanced panel.
  4. You will see a list of available sections (e.g., Yoast SEO, Custom Fields). Simply uncheck the boxes for any sections you wish to hide completely.

You can also click the minimize icon on any individual meta-box to collapse it without fully disabling it.

Method 2: Check for Theme or Plugin Conflicts

In some cases, unusual behavior in the editor—such as an inability to drag sections or missing interface elements—can be caused by conflicts. A recommended troubleshooting step is to test with all plugins deactivated and a default theme (like Twenty Twenty-Five) active. The Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin can help you do this without affecting your site's visitors. If the problem is resolved, reactivate your plugins one by one to identify the culprit.

Method 3: Provide Feedback to the Gutenberg Team

Since this is a core change to the WordPress editor, the ability to revert to a true single-column layout is not currently a built-in option. The developers behind the Gutenberg project are actively seeking user input. If you have strong feelings about this interface, you can share your feedback directly with them on their GitHub issue tracker. This helps guide the future development of the editor.

While the new layout requires an adjustment, these methods should help you customize the editing experience to better suit your workflow.

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