Genesis Custom Blocks Pro 1.6.0

Genesis Custom Blocks Pro is a high-performance developer tool designed to simplify the creation of custom WordPress blocks for the Gutenberg editor. While the free version allows you to build blocks using PHP and HTML instead of complex JavaScript (React), the Pro version—available via a Genesis Pro subscription from WP Engine—unlocks advanced "power-user" features for more dynamic and complex content.

In late 2025, it is a staple for developers who want to maintain the "native" block editor experience while delivering highly customized designs for their clients.

Pro-Only Power Features

Repeater Field: The most sought-after Pro feature. It allows you to create sets of sub-fields that can be repeated infinitely (e.g., for team members, pricing table rows, or slides in a slider).

Taxonomy & Post Fields: Allows your custom blocks to pull data dynamically from WordPress categories, tags, or other post types, enabling blocks like "Featured Case Studies" or "Category Specific Hero Sections."

User & Rich Text Fields: Adds more sophisticated input options, allowing authors to select site users or use a mini-editor (Rich Text) within a custom block.

Block Level Import/Export: Essential for agencies. This allows you to build a complex block once and easily move it between different client websites.

Priority Support: Direct access to WP Engine’s technical team for troubleshooting and expert guidance.

How It Works: The Developer Workflow

Genesis Custom Blocks follows a "PHP-First" philosophy. You define the fields in the WordPress admin, and then you create a simple PHP template to render that data on the front end.

Step

Action

1. Define

Create a new block in the admin and add fields (Text, Image, Repeater, etc.).

2. Template

Create a file in your theme folder (e.g., blocks/block-my-block.php).

3. Logic

Use simple PHP functions like block_field( 'field_name' ) to display data.

4. Style

Add your custom CSS/SCSS to ensure the block matches your brand.

Why Use "Custom Blocks" Instead of a Builder?

Performance: Native Gutenberg blocks don't require the heavy overhead of page builders like Elementor or Divi.

Future-Proofing: Since you are using native WordPress functionality, your blocks are less likely to break during core WordPress updates.

Control: You decide exactly what the client can edit. This prevents "design drift" where users accidentally break complex layouts.

SEO Friendly: The code produced is lean, semantic HTML, which is easier for search engines to crawl and index.

Best Suited For

Agencies: Building bespoke, high-performance websites for corporate clients.

Theme Developers: Creating unique "Design Systems" for their WordPress themes.

Enterprise Sites: Where site speed and security are prioritized over "drag-and-drop" ease.

Developers Tired of React: Those who want to build for Gutenberg but prefer the traditional WordPress PHP workflow.

Strategic Advice for 2025

In 2025, Interactivity is key to keeping users on your page.

Recommendation: Use the Repeater Field in the Pro version to build "Accordion" or "Tab" blocks. Because you control the PHP, you can integrate modern lightweight JS libraries (like Alpine.js) to make these blocks highly interactive without slowing down your site. This gives your clients a custom, premium feel that off-the-shelf blocks can't match.

Genesis Custom Blocks Pro Tutorial

This video walkthough demonstrates how to use the specific Pro fields to create more complex, data-driven blocks than what is possible in the free version.