The Gutenberg Editor on WordPress may require no introduction; it’s a brand new editor designed for modern websites. Some people liked it, but some rather stick with the good old Classic Editor and that’s fine, at least until it no longer officially supported at the end of 2021.
For those using Gutenberg Editor, you probably have noticed something odd. When it comes to pasting an URL, it doesn’t seem to be showing the content you’d expect.
But somehow, other elements like text, list, and quotes are not affected at all. Why did this happen and how to fix it? Turns out, you might unknowingly disable a particular block that responsible for URLs.
Here’s how to fix it.
1. On the Gutenberg Editor, click Options and select Block Manager.

2. Enable the Embed block.

3. Now try to paste a link onto the editor. It might try to embed the content of the link, you can click Convert to link to make it appear as a regular link.

The same principle applies to other blocks as well. If you can’t paste them, there is a chance that the corresponding block isn’t enabled.
If the problem still persists, there could be plugins or themes conflict or a glitch within the editor itself. Reach out to the developer for more technical support.
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Troubleshooting Gutenberg Editor Issues with URL Embedding
The Gutenberg Editor has brought a modern approach to WordPress content creation, but it’s not without its quirks. One common issue users encounter is the inability to properly embed URLs. If you’ve faced this, don’t worry—it’s often an easy fix.
Why does this happen?
When pasting a URL, the editor might not display the embedded content as expected. This typically occurs because the Embed block—responsible for handling URLs—is disabled in your Block Manager settings.
How to Fix URL Embedding Issues
- Open the Gutenberg Editor.
- Click on the Options menu (three vertical dots in the top-right corner).
- Select Block Manager from the dropdown menu.
- Ensure that the Embed block is enabled.
- Try pasting your URL again. If it attempts to embed the content but you prefer a plain hyperlink, click Convert to link.
If enabling the Embed block doesn’t resolve the issue, check for potential conflicts with plugins or themes.
Additional Tips for Common Gutenberg Issues
- Plugin Conflicts: Temporarily disable all plugins and re-enable them one by one to identify any conflicts.
- Theme Compatibility: Switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Three to rule out theme-related issues.
- Browser Console: Use developer tools in your browser to check for JavaScript errors that may be causing problems.
- Editor Glitches: If the editor behaves unexpectedly (e.g., blocks disappearing or errors when pasting text), try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser.
FAQ
Why doesn’t my pasted URL create an embed in Gutenberg?
This usually happens because the Embed block is disabled in your Block Manager settings. Enable it by navigating to Options > Block Manager and ensuring the Embed block is checked.
How do I troubleshoot plugin conflicts with Gutenberg?
Disable all plugins and test if the issue persists. Then, re-enable plugins one at a time while testing until you identify the problematic one. You can find alternative plugins or contact the developer for support.
What should I do if my content disappears after saving?
Content disappearing can be caused by autosave issues or plugin conflicts. Ensure your WordPress installation, plugins, and themes are updated. Also, avoid using third-party blocks that may not be well-maintained.
Can I paste styled text into Gutenberg without losing formatting?
Gutenberg strips most inline styles when pasting content from external sources like Word or Google Docs. To retain formatting, consider pasting as plain text and then applying styles manually within Gutenberg.
What if I encounter an error saying ‘This block contains unexpected content’?
This error often arises from invalid HTML or incompatible blocks. Use the “Attempt Recovery” button or convert the block to HTML for manual editing.
For more tips on resolving Gutenberg issues, explore guides on WordPress Support.