When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right. However, the Classic Block has a different list of buttons on its toolbar.
Block Toolbar – Alt + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)
Paragraph
Bold Toggle Button Control + B (Mac: Command + B)
Italic Toggle Button Control + I (Mac: Command + I)
Unordered List (Bulleted)toggle button (ALT + SHIFT + U (Mac: Option + SHIFT + U)
Ordered List (Numbered)toggle button (ALT + SHIFT + O (Mac: Option + SHIFT + O)
Align Right ALT + SHIFT + R (Mac: Option + SHIFT + R)
Insert
Remove Link ALT + SHIFT + S (Mac: Option + SHIFT + S)
Insert Read More Tag ALT + SHIFT + T (Mac: Option + SHIFT + T)
Add Media ALT + SHIFT + M (Mac: Option + SHIFT + M)
Toolbar Toggle ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: Option + SHIFT + Z) *Special Note
Add Code Snippet
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: left, center, and right. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Formatting Text
Text can be formatted with three (3) possible attributes which are: bold, italic and underline. However, underlining should be properly applied by using external CSS but can be done with a keystroke.
To use the block toolbar simply select the text you wish to format and then simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) TO ACTIVATE THE BLOCK TOOLBAR. Press the right arrow key to navigate to the bold or italic button and press either the Enter key or spacebar to activate the appropriate button.
Formatting can also be accomplished with keystrokes. Simply select the text that you wish to change and press the corresponding keystroke for the attribute you want to format.
Bold – CTRL + B (Mac: Command + B)
Italic – CTRL + I (Mac: Command + I)
Underline – CTRL + U (Mac: Command + U)
Inserting, Editing and Deleting Hyperlinks
This document is going to use the list block and assume that you have a list of three (3) items created.
For example, my list looks like the following:
Visit John
Call John
Email John
Since this list is now established, let us turn the text of the list into useable hyperlinks.
First select the list block, and if you are using a screen reader turn on your forms or edit mode. Use your navigation keys to move to the first part of the text and using text selection keystrokes, select “Visit John.” Tip: be sure to only select the text, because if you accidentally select the blank at the END of the first item, the first two (2) items in the list are both incorporated into a single hyperlink.
When using the toolbar simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then right arrow to the button to create a link and either press the Enter key or the spacebar to activate this choice. Type the following in this field: https://www.customrservant.com and then you should hear that one (1) option has been found. Tab to the submit button and then press your spacebar or enter key. You should hear a message stating that a link has been inserted.
You can also use a keystroke other than the toolbar once your text is selected, simply press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and the insert link dialog appears prompting for a URL.
That is how to insert a hyperlink using the http or https protocol, but what if you wish to use another protocol to insert a hyperlink?
Let us select the second list item text remembering to only select the text and not the blank character at the END of the line. When you have this selection made, then press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and in the edit field type tel://8005551212 and you should hear that one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and press either your spacebar or the enter key. You should hear a message that the link has been inserted.
For the last list item, again select the text to become a link being careful not to get the blank character at the END of the line. Press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and then type mailto:john@jcarson.wtf into the edit field and you should hear a message stating one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and either press your spacebar or the enter key and you should hear a message stating that the link has been inserted.
It is now time to test your links to make sure they do what you intended to do.
Note: We used three (3) examples to show how to insert hyperlinks using different protocols just so you do not have to experiment to figure out these procedures.
Editing and Removing a hyperlink
Editing or removing a hyperlink can be done by using the insert link dialog. You can get to this dialog one of two ways. Either by using the toolbar with ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) and then using the right arrow to navigate to the link button or you can use the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K). Keep in mind that the link text will need to be selected prior to using either of these methods.
The dialog that appears will have three (3) buttons to either edit, copy or remove the hyperlink.
To remove a hyperlink is just as easy as inserting one by using a keystroke, just select the text that is already a hyperlink using the cautions already mentioned in this tutorial and press the keystroke of CTRL + SHIFT + K (Mac: Command + SHIFT + K) and you should hear a message indicating that the hyperlink has now been removed.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
The keystrokes we have documented here were not easy to find. Most are not documented within the editor, and there is no link to any outside documentation to find further information. We made an educated guess that “richtext” implied that the new WordPress editor is supposed to be something like Microsoft’s WordPad. We looked up the keystrokes for that editor, tested them with the new WordPress editor, and our educated guess turned out to be correct.
We went with Wordpad and not Microsoft Word because while Wordpad is a richtext application in the technical sense, Microsoft Word is not. Furthermore, it is an unattainable goal if the new WordPress editor lives in the browser. Not all the Wordpad keystrokes work, so we have documented the ones that do.
Individuals using assistive technology that depend strictly on keyboards or keyboard simulation will need to experiment to understand fully what is available to them.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks go to the following contributors:
Amanda Carson for co-authoring and proof reading parts of this tutorial.
David Edick for setting Up and hosting the Zoom conference for us to demonstrate the concepts detailed in this series as well as recording and editing the user zoom sessions.
Jason Castonguay for assisting in researching and testing of the Mac Keystrokes so this information can be Updated.
Tools used for Keystroke Reference
WordPress 6.8using the twenty twenty-five (2025) theme
Browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari and Microsoft Edge; all browsers kept up to date.
Screen readers: JAWS 2025, NVDA 2024 and Microsoft Narrator (Windows 11) as well as VoiceOver (MacOS Sequoia 15)
Frequently used keyboard shortcuts
Notes:
If a shortcut requires two or more keys at the same time, the keys are separated by a plus sign (+).
The shortcuts in this article refer to the U.S. keyboard layout. Keys for other layouts might not correspond exactly to the keys on a U.S. keyboard.
Editing Shortcuts
Action
Windows Keystroke
Mac Keystroke
Context
Cut
CTRL + X
Command + X
Blocks & Text
Copy
CTRL + C
Command + C
Blocks & Text
Paste
CTRL + V
Command + V
Blocks & Text
Make selected text Bold
CTRL + B
Command + B
text only
Make selected text underline
CTRL + U
Command + U
text only
Make selected text italics
CTRL + I
Command + I
text only
Undo last edit
CTRL + Z
Command + Z
Blocks & text
Insert a hyperlink
CTRL + K
Command + K
Text Only
Remove a hyperlink
CTRL + SHIFT + K
Command + SHIFT + K
Text Only
Cancel
ESC
ESC
Blocks & Text
Move around in a document/block editor using the keyboard
Welcome to the WordPress Block Editor Tutorial Part Three of a Series!
This tutorial will cover many different concepts and topics when it comes to using the WordPress Block Editor. However, the tutorial will primarily focus on using the block editor in conjunction with a keyboard and screen reader.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks go to the following contributors:
Amanda Carson for co-authoring and proof reading parts of this tutorial.
David Edick for setting Up and hosting the Zoom conference for us to demonstrate the concepts detailed in this series as well as recording and editing the user zoom sessions.
Jason Castonguay for assisting in researching and testing of the Mac Keystrokes so this information can be Updated.
Topics and Concepts that will be covered:
What are blocks in WordPress
Comments on editor Accessibility
Tools used for tutorial
Frequently used keyboard shortcuts
Block Inserter
Text Blocks
Media Blocks
Design Blocks
Theme blocks
Embed Blocks
Theme Group(Template Parts specific to the Twenty Twenty-five theme)
Quote Block
Pullquote Block
Details Block
Preformatted Block
Table Block
Code Block
Verse Block
Classic Block
What Are Blocks In WordPress?
Blocks are the components for adding content in the new WordPress editor. They are used to transform a single document into a collection of discrete elements, each of which has an explicit, easy-to-change structure. Block structure and settings are separate from the settings for the entire document, and block settings and Post/Page settings have their own distinct parts within the editor’s user interface.
Comments on editor accessibility
Although there may be additional keystrokes available, this document provides enough to get you started.
As we find more keystrokes and test with them, we will of course keep editing and updating this document, so please stay tuned for future revisions.
The keystrokes we have documented here were not easy to find. Most are not documented within the editor, and there is no link to any outside documentation to find further information. We made an educated guess that “richtext” implied that the new WordPress editor is supposed to be something like Microsoft’s WordPad. We looked up the keystrokes for that editor, tested them with the new WordPress editor, and our educated guess turned out to be correct.
We went with Wordpad and not Microsoft Word because while Wordpad is a richtext application in the technical sense, Microsoft Word is not. Furthermore, it is an unattainable goal if the new WordPress editor lives in the browser. Not all the Wordpad keystrokes work, so we have documented the ones that do.
Individuals using assistive technology that depend strictly on keyboards or keyboard simulation will need to experiment to understand fully what is available to them.
Tools used for tutorial
WordPress 6.8.1 using the twenty twenty-five (2025) theme
Browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari and Microsoft Edge; all browsers kept up to date.
Screen readers: JAWS 2025, NVDA 2024 and Microsoft Narrator (Windows 11) as well as VoiceOver (MacOS Sequoia 15)
Frequently used keyboard shortcuts
Notes:
If a shortcut requires two or more keys at the same time, the keys are separated by a plus sign (+).
The shortcuts in this article refer to the U.S. keyboard layout. Keys for other layouts might not correspond exactly to the keys on a U.S. keyboard.
Editing Shortcuts
Action
Windows Keystroke
Mac Keystroke
Context
Cut
CTRL + X
Command + X
Blocks & Text
Copy
CTRL + C
Command + C
Blocks & Text
Paste
CTRL + V
Command + V
Blocks & Text
Make selected text Bold
CTRL + B
Command + B
text only
Make selected text underline
CTRL + U
Command + U
text only
Make selected text italics
CTRL + I
Command + I
text only
Undo last edit
CTRL + Z
Command + Z
Blocks & text
Insert a hyperlink
CTRL + K
Command + K
Text Only
Remove a hyperlink
CTRL + SHIFT + K
Command + SHIFT + K
Text Only
Cancel
ESC
ESC
Blocks & Text
Move around in a document/block editor using the keyboard
Action
Windows Keystroke
Mac Keystroke
Context
One character to the LEFT
LEFT ARROW
LEFT ARROW
Blocks & Text
One character to the RIGHT
RIGHT ARROW
RIGHT ARROW
Blocks & Text
One word to the LEFT
CTRL + LEFT ARROW
Option + LEFT ARROW
Blocks & Text
One word to the RIGHT
CTRL + RIGHT ARROW
Option + RIGHT ARROW
Blocks & Text
UP one-line
UP ARROW
UP ARROW
Blocks & Text
DOWN one-line
DOWN ARROW
DOWN ARROW
Blocks & Text
To the END of a line
END
Command + RIGHT ARROW
Text only
To the beginning of a line
HOME
Command + LEFT ARROW
Text only
Edit and move text and graphics
Action
Windows Keystroke
Mac Keystroke
Context
Extend a selection one character to the RIGHT
SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
Blocks & Text
Extend a selection one character to the LEFT
SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
Blocks & Text
Extend a selection to the END of a word
CTRL + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
Option + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
Blocks & Text
Extend a selection to the beginning of a word
CTRL + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
Option + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
Blocks & Text
Extend a selection to the END of a line
SHIFT + END
Command + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
Text only
Extend a selection to the beginning of a line
SHIFT + HOME
Command + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
Text only
Extend a selection one line DOWN
SHIFT + DOWN ARROW
SHIFT + DOWN ARROW
Text only
Extend a selection one line UP
SHIFT + UP ARROW
SHIFT + UP ARROW
Text only
Delete text and graphics
Action
Windows Keystroke
Mac Keystroke
Context
Delete one character to the LEFT
BACKSPACE
BACKSPACE
Text only
Delete one word to the LEFT
CTRL + BACKSPACE
Option + BACKSPACE
Text only
DELETE one character to the RIGHT
DELETE
DELETE
text only
DELETE one word to the RIGHT
CTRL + DELETE
Option + DELETE
text only
Specific key strokes for the block editor
Action
Windows Keystroke
Mac Keystroke
Switch between Visual editor and text editor
ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + M
Command + Option + SHIFT+ M
Select a block type
use the slash (/) key
Use the slash (/) key
Show the block editing menu bar
ALT + F10
Option + F10
Hide or show the settings bar
CTRL + SHIFT + comma (,)
Option + SHIFT + comma (,)
Select all text in a block
CTRL + A
Command + A
Select all blocks
CTRL + A twice quicly
Command + A twice quickly
Open the block navigation menu
ALT + SHIFT + O
CTRL + Option + SHIFT + O
Toggle the full screen mode
ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + F
Command + Option + SHIFT + F
Duplicate a block
CTRL + SHIFT + D
Command + SHIFT + D
Remove multiple selected blocks
BACKSPACE or DELETE
BACKSPACE or DELETE
Insert block before
ALT + CTRL + T
Command + Option + T
Move block UP one position
ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T
Command + Option + SHIFT + T
Insert block after
ALT + CTRL + Y
Command + Option + Y
Move block DOWN one position
ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y
Command + Option + SHIFT + Y
Remove block
ALT + SHIFT + Z
CTRL +Option + SHIFT + Z
Navigate to the previous part of the editor
ALT + SHIFT + P or CTRL + SHIFT + `
CTRL + Option P OR ctrl + shift + `
Navigate to the next part of the editor
ALT + SHIFT + N or CTRL + `
CTRL + Option N OR CTRL + `
Block Inserter
Text Blocks
Paragraph
Classic
Code
Verse
Table
Heading
List
Pullquote
Preformatted
Details
Quote
Media Blocks
Gallery
Cover
Image
File
Audio
Video
Media and Text
Design Blocks
Columns
Row
Buttons
Group
Stack
Grid
More
Page Break
Separator
Spacer
Widgets Blocks
Archive
Calendar
Terms List
Categories List
Custom HTML
Latest Posts
Latest Comments
Page List
RSS
Search
Short Code
Social Icons
Tag Cloud
Theme Blocks
Navigation
site Logo
Site Title
Site Tagline
Query Loop
Exerpt
Author name
Categories
Avitar
Title
Featured Image
Author
Date
Modified Date
Tags
Next Posts
Previous Post
Read More
Comments
Comments Form
Login/out
Term Description
Archive Title
Search Results Title
Author Biography
Embed Blocks
Embed
Twitter
YouTube
WordPress
SoundCloud
Spotify
Flickr
Vimeo
Animoto
CloudUp
Crowdsignal
Dailymotion
Imgur
Issuu
Kickstarter
Mixcloud
Pocket Casts
Reddit
ReverbNation
Screencast
Scribd
Slideshare
SmugMug
Speaker Deck
TikTok
TED
Tumblr
VideoPress
WordPress.tv
Amazon Kindle
Pinterest
Wolfram
Facebook
Instagram
Theme Group
Template Part
Footer Columns
Footer
Footer newsletter
header
Header with Large Title
Side Bar
Vertical Site Header
Content
Quote Block
Give quoted text visual emphasis. “In quoting others, we cite ourselves.” — Julio Cortázar
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right.
Delete – Alt + Shift + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z)
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the text in the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: left, center, and right. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Block – Configuration
Styles
Default
Plain
Color
Text
Background
Background Image
Add Background Image
Topography
Topography Options
Font size
Size
set custome size
Font size – group of radio buttons
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Extra Extra Large
Dimensions
Show Padding
Show Margins
Border
Show Border
Show Radius
Advanced
HTML Anchor
Additional CSS Class
Skip to the selected block
Pullquote Block
Give special visual emphasis to a quote from your text.
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right.
Block Toolbar – Alt + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)
Pullquote Button Menu – Change block type or Style
Delete – Alt + Shift + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z)
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the text in the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: left, center, and right. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Block – Configuration
Styles
Default
Plain
Color
Text
Background
Background Image
Add Background Image
Topography
Topography Options
Font size
Size
set custome size
Font size – group of radio buttons
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Extra Extra Large
Dimensions
Show Padding
Show Margins
Border
Show Border
Show Radius
Advanced
HTML Anchor
Additional CSS Class
Skip to the selected block
Details Block
Hide and show additional content.
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right.
Delete – Alt + Shift + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z)
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: None, Wide Width, and Full Width. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Block – Configuration
Advanced
HTML Anchor
Additional CSS Class
Skip to the selected block
Preformatted Block
Add text that respects your spacing and tabs, and also allows styling.
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right.
Block Toolbar – Alt + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)
Preformatted Button Menu – Change block type or Style
Delete – Alt + Shift + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z)
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: left, center, and right. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Formatting Text
Text can be formatted with three (3) possible attributes which are: bold, italic and underline. However, underlining should be properly applied by using external CSS but can be done with a keystroke.
To use the block toolbar simply select the text you wish to format and then simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) TO ACTIVATE THE BLOCK TOOLBAR. Press the right arrow key to navigate to the bold or italic button and press either the Enter key or spacebar to activate the appropriate button.
Formatting can also be accomplished with keystrokes. Simply select the text that you wish to change and press the corresponding keystroke for the attribute you want to format.
Bold – CTRL + B (Mac: Command + B)
Italic – CTRL + I (Mac: Command + I)
Underline – CTRL + U (Mac: Command + U)
Inserting, Editing and Deleting Hyperlinks
This document is going to use the list block and assume that you have a list of three (3) items created.
For example, my list looks like the following:
Visit John
Call John
Email John
Since this list is now established, let us turn the text of the list into useable hyperlinks.
First select the list block, and if you are using a screen reader turn on your forms or edit mode. Use your navigation keys to move to the first part of the text and using text selection keystrokes, select “Visit John.” Tip: be sure to only select the text, because if you accidentally select the blank at the END of the first item, the first two (2) items in the list are both incorporated into a single hyperlink.
When using the toolbar simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then right arrow to the button to create a link and either press the Enter key or the spacebar to activate this choice. Type the following in this field: https://www.customerservant.com and then you should hear that one (1) option has been found. Tab to the submit button and then press your spacebar or enter key. You should hear a message stating that a link has been inserted.
You can also use a keystroke other than the toolbar once your text is selected, simply press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and the insert link dialog appears prompting for a URL.
That is how to insert a hyperlink using the http or https protocol, but what if you wish to use another protocol to insert a hyperlink?
Let us select the second list item text remembering to only select the text and not the blank character at the END of the line. When you have this selection made, then press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and in the edit field type tel://8005551212 and you should hear that one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and press either your spacebar or the enter key. You should hear a message that the link has been inserted.
For the last list item, again select the text to become a link being careful not to get the blank character at the END of the line. Press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and then type mailto:john@jcarson.wtf into the edit field and you should hear a message stating one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and either press your spacebar or the enter key and you should hear a message stating that the link has been inserted.
It is now time to test your links to make sure they do what you intended to do.
Note: We used three (3) examples to show how to insert hyperlinks using different protocols just so you do not have to experiment to figure out these procedures.
Editing and Removing a hyperlink
Editing or removing a hyperlink can be done by using the insert link dialog. You can get to this dialog one of two ways. Either by using the toolbar with ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) and then using the right arrow to navigate to the link button or you can use the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K). Keep in mind that the link text will need to be selected prior to using either of these methods.
The dialog that appears will have three (3) buttons to either edit, copy or remove the hyperlink.
To remove a hyperlink is just as easy as inserting one by using a keystroke, just select the text that is already a hyperlink using the cautions already mentioned in this tutorial and press the keystroke of CTRL + SHIFT + K (Mac: Command + SHIFT + K) and you should hear a message indicating that the hyperlink has now been removed.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Block – Configuration
Styles
Default
Plain
Color
Text
Background
Background Image
Add Background Image
Topography
Topography Options
Font size
Size
set custome size
Font size – group of radio buttons
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Extra Extra Large
Dimensions
Show Padding
Show Margins
Border
Show Border
Show Radius
Advanced
HTML Anchor
Additional CSS Class
Skip to the selected block
Table Block
Create structured content in rows and columns to display information.
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that the Table block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the block itself and then the toolbar.
At the time the table block is inserted, two (2) spin boxes appear for configuring the table. These two (2) spin boxes represent first the number of columns and the second is for the number of rows. Once you set the number of columns and rows then simply tab to the button labeled “create table” and press your enter key.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right.
Delete – Alt + Shift + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z)
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: left, center, and right. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Block – Configuration
Settings
The table block has a couple of settings that can be set in the section for configuring other CSS, although these settings are not styling as much as configuration option for HTML. There are three (3) options which are check boxes
Fixed Width Table Cells
Header section
Footer Section
Styles
Default
Display
Subtitle
Annotation
Color
Color Options
Text
Background
Topography
Topography Options
Font size
Size
set custome size
Font size – group of radio buttons
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Extra Extra Large
Dimensions
Show Padding
Show Margins
Border
Show Border
Show Radius
Advanced
HTML Anchor
Additional CSS Class
Skip to the selected block
Code Block
Display code snippets that respect your spacing and tabs.
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right.
Delete – Alt + Shift + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z)
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Formatting Text
Text can be formatted with three (3) possible attributes which are: bold, italic and underline. However, underlining should be properly applied by using external CSS but can be done with a keystroke.
To use the block toolbar simply select the text you wish to format and then simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) TO ACTIVATE THE BLOCK TOOLBAR. Press the right arrow key to navigate to the bold or italic button and press either the Enter key or spacebar to activate the appropriate button.
Formatting can also be accomplished with keystrokes. Simply select the text that you wish to change and press the corresponding keystroke for the attribute you want to format.
Bold – CTRL + B (Mac: Command + B)
Italic – CTRL + I (Mac: Command + I)
Underline – CTRL + U (Mac: Command + U)
Inserting, Editing and Deleting Hyperlinks
This document is going to use the list block and assume that you have a list of three (3) items created.
For example, my list looks like the following:
Visit John
Call John
Email John
Since this list is now established, let us turn the text of the list into useable hyperlinks.
First select the list block, and if you are using a screen reader turn on your forms or edit mode. Use your navigation keys to move to the first part of the text and using text selection keystrokes, select “Visit John.” Tip: be sure to only select the text, because if you accidentally select the blank at the END of the first item, the first two (2) items in the list are both incorporated into a single hyperlink.
When using the toolbar simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then right arrow to the button to create a link and either press the Enter key or the spacebar to activate this choice. Type the following in this field: https://www.customerservant.com and then you should hear that one (1) option has been found. Tab to the submit button and then press your spacebar or enter key. You should hear a message stating that a link has been inserted.
You can also use a keystroke other than the toolbar once your text is selected, simply press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and the insert link dialog appears prompting for a URL.
That is how to insert a hyperlink using the http or https protocol, but what if you wish to use another protocol to insert a hyperlink?
Let us select the second list item text remembering to only select the text and not the blank character at the END of the line. When you have this selection made, then press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and in the edit field type tel://8005551212 and you should hear that one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and press either your spacebar or the enter key. You should hear a message that the link has been inserted.
For the last list item, again select the text to become a link being careful not to get the blank character at the END of the line. Press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and then type mailto:john@jcarson.wtf into the edit field and you should hear a message stating one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and either press your spacebar or the enter key and you should hear a message stating that the link has been inserted.
It is now time to test your links to make sure they do what you intended to do.
Note: We used three (3) examples to show how to insert hyperlinks using different protocols just so you do not have to experiment to figure out these procedures.
Editing and Removing a hyperlink
Editing or removing a hyperlink can be done by using the insert link dialog. You can get to this dialog one of two ways. Either by using the toolbar with ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) and then using the right arrow to navigate to the link button or you can use the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K). Keep in mind that the link text will need to be selected prior to using either of these methods.
The dialog that appears will have three (3) buttons to either edit, copy or remove the hyperlink.
To remove a hyperlink is just as easy as inserting one by using a keystroke, just select the text that is already a hyperlink using the cautions already mentioned in this tutorial and press the keystroke of CTRL + SHIFT + K (Mac: Command + SHIFT + K) and you should hear a message indicating that the hyperlink has now been removed.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Block – Configuration
Styles
Default
Display
Subtitle
Annotation
Color
Color Options
Text
Background
Topography
Topography Options
Font size
Size
set custome size
Font size – group of radio buttons
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Extra Extra Large
Dimensions
Show Padding
Show Margins
Border
Show Border
Show Radius
Advanced
HTML Anchor
Additional CSS Class
Skip to the selected block
Verse Block
Insert poetry. Use special spacing formats. Or quote song lyrics.
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right.
Delete – Alt + Shift + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z)
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: left, center, and right. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Formatting Text
Text can be formatted with three (3) possible attributes which are: bold, italic and underline. However, underlining should be properly applied by using external CSS but can be done with a keystroke.
To use the block toolbar simply select the text you wish to format and then simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) TO ACTIVATE THE BLOCK TOOLBAR. Press the right arrow key to navigate to the bold or italic button and press either the Enter key or spacebar to activate the appropriate button.
Formatting can also be accomplished with keystrokes. Simply select the text that you wish to change and press the corresponding keystroke for the attribute you want to format.
Bold – CTRL + B (Mac: Command + B)
Italic – CTRL + I (Mac: Command + I)
Underline – CTRL + U (Mac: Command + U)
Inserting, Editing and Deleting Hyperlinks
This document is going to use the list block and assume that you have a list of three (3) items created.
For example, my list looks like the following:
Visit John
Call John
Email John
Since this list is now established, let us turn the text of the list into useable hyperlinks.
First select the list block, and if you are using a screen reader turn on your forms or edit mode. Use your navigation keys to move to the first part of the text and using text selection keystrokes, select “Visit John.” Tip: be sure to only select the text, because if you accidentally select the blank at the END of the first item, the first two (2) items in the list are both incorporated into a single hyperlink.
When using the toolbar simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then right arrow to the button to create a link and either press the Enter key or the spacebar to activate this choice. Type the following in this field: https://www.customerservant.com and then you should hear that one (1) option has been found. Tab to the submit button and then press your spacebar or enter key. You should hear a message stating that a link has been inserted.
You can also use a keystroke other than the toolbar once your text is selected, simply press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and the insert link dialog appears prompting for a URL.
That is how to insert a hyperlink using the http or https protocol, but what if you wish to use another protocol to insert a hyperlink?
Let us select the second list item text remembering to only select the text and not the blank character at the END of the line. When you have this selection made, then press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and in the edit field type tel://8005551212 and you should hear that one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and press either your spacebar or the enter key. You should hear a message that the link has been inserted.
For the last list item, again select the text to become a link being careful not to get the blank character at the END of the line. Press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and then type mailto:john@jcarson.wtf into the edit field and you should hear a message stating one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and either press your spacebar or the enter key and you should hear a message stating that the link has been inserted.
It is now time to test your links to make sure they do what you intended to do.
Note: We used three (3) examples to show how to insert hyperlinks using different protocols just so you do not have to experiment to figure out these procedures.
Editing and Removing a hyperlink
Editing or removing a hyperlink can be done by using the insert link dialog. You can get to this dialog one of two ways. Either by using the toolbar with ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) and then using the right arrow to navigate to the link button or you can use the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K). Keep in mind that the link text will need to be selected prior to using either of these methods.
The dialog that appears will have three (3) buttons to either edit, copy or remove the hyperlink.
To remove a hyperlink is just as easy as inserting one by using a keystroke, just select the text that is already a hyperlink using the cautions already mentioned in this tutorial and press the keystroke of CTRL + SHIFT + K (Mac: Command + SHIFT + K) and you should hear a message indicating that the hyperlink has now been removed.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Block – Configuration
Styles
Default
Display
Subtitle
Annotation
Color
Color Options
Text
Background
Topography
Topography Options
Font size
Size
set custome size
Font size – group of radio buttons
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Extra Extra Large
Dimensions
Show Padding
Show Margins
Border
Show Border
Show Radius
Advanced
HTML Anchor
Additional CSS Class
Skip to the selected block
Classic Block
Use the classic WordPress editor.
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right. However, the Classic Block has a different list of buttons on its toolbar.
Block Toolbar – Alt + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)
Paragraph
Bold Toggle Button Control + B (Mac: Command + B)
Italic Toggle Button Control + I (Mac: Command + I)
Unordered List (Bulleted)toggle button (ALT + SHIFT + U (Mac: Option + SHIFT + U)
Ordered List (Numbered)toggle button (ALT + SHIFT + O (Mac: Option + SHIFT + O)
Align Right ALT + SHIFT + R (Mac: Option + SHIFT + R)
Insert
Remove Link ALT + SHIFT + S (Mac: Option + SHIFT + S)
Insert Read More Tag ALT + SHIFT + T (Mac: Option + SHIFT + T)
Add Media ALT + SHIFT + M (Mac: Option + SHIFT + M)
Toolbar Toggle ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: Option + SHIFT + Z) *Special Note
Add Code Snippet
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: left, center, and right. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Formatting Text
Text can be formatted with three (3) possible attributes which are: bold, italic and underline. However, underlining should be properly applied by using external CSS but can be done with a keystroke.
To use the block toolbar simply select the text you wish to format and then simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) TO ACTIVATE THE BLOCK TOOLBAR. Press the right arrow key to navigate to the bold or italic button and press either the Enter key or spacebar to activate the appropriate button.
Formatting can also be accomplished with keystrokes. Simply select the text that you wish to change and press the corresponding keystroke for the attribute you want to format.
Bold – CTRL + B (Mac: Command + B)
Italic – CTRL + I (Mac: Command + I)
Underline – CTRL + U (Mac: Command + U)
Inserting, Editing and Deleting Hyperlinks
This document is going to use the list block and assume that you have a list of three (3) items created.
For example, my list looks like the following:
Visit John
Call John
Email John
Since this list is now established, let us turn the text of the list into useable hyperlinks.
First select the list block, and if you are using a screen reader turn on your forms or edit mode. Use your navigation keys to move to the first part of the text and using text selection keystrokes, select “Visit John.” Tip: be sure to only select the text, because if you accidentally select the blank at the END of the first item, the first two (2) items in the list are both incorporated into a single hyperlink.
When using the toolbar simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then right arrow to the button to create a link and either press the Enter key or the spacebar to activate this choice. Type the following in this field: https://www.customerservant.com and then you should hear that one (1) option has been found. Tab to the submit button and then press your spacebar or enter key. You should hear a message stating that a link has been inserted.
You can also use a keystroke other than the toolbar once your text is selected, simply press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and the insert link dialog appears prompting for a URL.
That is how to insert a hyperlink using the http or https protocol, but what if you wish to use another protocol to insert a hyperlink?
Let us select the second list item text remembering to only select the text and not the blank character at the END of the line. When you have this selection made, then press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and in the edit field type tel://8005551212 and you should hear that one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and press either your spacebar or the enter key. You should hear a message that the link has been inserted.
For the last list item, again select the text to become a link being careful not to get the blank character at the END of the line. Press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and then type mailto:john@jcarson.wtf into the edit field and you should hear a message stating one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and either press your spacebar or the enter key and you should hear a message stating that the link has been inserted.
It is now time to test your links to make sure they do what you intended to do.
Note: We used three (3) examples to show how to insert hyperlinks using different protocols just so you do not have to experiment to figure out these procedures.
Editing and Removing a hyperlink
Editing or removing a hyperlink can be done by using the insert link dialog. You can get to this dialog one of two ways. Either by using the toolbar with ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) and then using the right arrow to navigate to the link button or you can use the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K). Keep in mind that the link text will need to be selected prior to using either of these methods.
The dialog that appears will have three (3) buttons to either edit, copy or remove the hyperlink.
To remove a hyperlink is just as easy as inserting one by using a keystroke, just select the text that is already a hyperlink using the cautions already mentioned in this tutorial and press the keystroke of CTRL + SHIFT + K (Mac: Command + SHIFT + K) and you should hear a message indicating that the hyperlink has now been removed.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Welcome to the WordPress Block Editor Tutorial Part Two of a Series!
This tutorial will cover many different concepts and topics when it comes to using the WordPress Block Editor. However, the tutorial will primarily focus on using the block editor in conjunction with a keyboard and screen reader.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks go to the following contributors:
Amanda Carson for co-authoring and proof reading parts of this tutorial.
David Edick for setting Up and hosting the Zoom conference for us to demonstrate the concepts detailed in this series as well as recording and editing the user zoom sessions.
Jason Castonguay for assisting in researching and testing of the Mac Keystrokes so this information can be Updated.
Topics and Concepts that will be covered:
What are blocks in WordPress
Comments on editor Accessibility
Tools used for tutorial
Frequently used keyboard shortcuts
Inserting, Deleting and Changing Layout of Blocks
Inserting, Deleting, Editing and formatting Text
Inserting, editing and Deleting Hyperlinks
Paragraph Block
Heading Block
List Block
List Item Block
What Are Blocks In WordPress?
Blocks are the components for adding content in the new WordPress editor. They are used to transform a single document into a collection of discrete elements, each of which has an explicit, easy-to-change structure. Block structure and settings are separate from the settings for the entire document, and block settings and Post/Page settings have their own distinct parts within the editor’s user interface.
Comments on editor accessibility
Although there may be additional keystrokes available, this document provides enough to get you started.
As we find more keystrokes and test with them, we will of course keep editing and updating this document, so please stay tuned for future revisions.
The keystrokes we have documented here were not easy to find. Most are not documented within the editor, and there is no link to any outside documentation to find further information. We made an educated guess that “richtext” implied that the new WordPress editor is supposed to be something like Microsoft’s WordPad. We looked up the keystrokes for that editor, tested them with the new WordPress editor, and our educated guess turned out to be correct.
We went with Wordpad and not Microsoft Word because while Wordpad is a richtext application in the technical sense, Microsoft Word is not. Furthermore, it is an unattainable goal if the new WordPress editor lives in the browser. Not all the Wordpad keystrokes work, so we have documented the ones that do.
Individuals using assistive technology that depend strictly on keyboards or keyboard simulation will need to experiment to understand fully what is available to them.
Tools used for tutorial
WordPress 6.8using the twenty twenty-five (2025) theme
Browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari and Microsoft Edge; all browsers kept up to date.
Screen readers: JAWS 2025, NVDA 2024 and Microsoft Narrator (Windows 11) as well as VoiceOver (MacOS Sequoia 15)
Frequently used keyboard shortcuts
Notes:
If a shortcut requires two or more keys at the same time, the keys are separated by a plus sign (+).
The shortcuts in this article refer to the U.S. keyboard layout. Keys for other layouts might not correspond exactly to the keys on a U.S. keyboard.
Editing Shortcuts
Action
Windows Keystroke
Mac Keystroke
Context
Cut
CTRL + X
Command + X
Blocks & Text
Copy
CTRL + C
Command + C
Blocks & Text
Paste
CTRL + V
Command + V
Blocks & Text
Make selected text Bold
CTRL + B
Command + B
text only
Make selected text underline
CTRL + U
Command + U
text only
Make selected text italics
CTRL + I
Command + I
text only
Undo last edit
CTRL + Z
Command + Z
Blocks & text
Insert a hyperlink
CTRL + K
Command + K
Text Only
Remove a hyperlink
CTRL + SHIFT + K
Command + SHIFT + K
Text Only
Cancel
ESC
ESC
Blocks & Text
Move around in a document/block editor using the keyboard
Action
Windows Keystroke
Mac Keystroke
Context
One character to the LEFT
LEFT ARROW
LEFT ARROW
Blocks & Text
One character to the RIGHT
RIGHT ARROW
RIGHT ARROW
Blocks & Text
One word to the LEFT
CTRL + LEFT ARROW
Option + LEFT ARROW
Blocks & Text
One word to the RIGHT
CTRL + RIGHT ARROW
Option + RIGHT ARROW
Blocks & Text
UP one-line
UP ARROW
UP ARROW
Blocks & Text
DOWN one-line
DOWN ARROW
DOWN ARROW
Blocks & Text
To the END of a line
END
Command + RIGHT ARROW
Text only
To the beginning of a line
HOME
Command + LEFT ARROW
Text only
Edit and move text and graphics
Action
Windows Keystroke
Mac Keystroke
Context
Extend a selection one character to the RIGHT
SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
Blocks & Text
Extend a selection one character to the LEFT
SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
Blocks & Text
Extend a selection to the END of a word
CTRL + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
Option + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
Blocks & Text
Extend a selection to the beginning of a word
CTRL + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
Option + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
Blocks & Text
Extend a selection to the END of a line
SHIFT + END
Command + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
Text only
Extend a selection to the beginning of a line
SHIFT + HOME
Command + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
Text only
Extend a selection one line DOWN
SHIFT + DOWN ARROW
SHIFT + DOWN ARROW
Text only
Extend a selection one line UP
SHIFT + UP ARROW
SHIFT + UP ARROW
Text only
Delete text and graphics
Action
Windows Keystroke
Mac Keystroke
Context
Delete one character to the LEFT
BACKSPACE
BACKSPACE
Text only
Delete one word to the LEFT
CTRL + BACKSPACE
Option + BACKSPACE
Text only
DELETE one character to the RIGHT
DELETE
DELETE
text only
DELETE one word to the RIGHT
CTRL + DELETE
Option + DELETE
text only
Specific key strokes for the block editor
Action
Windows Keystroke
Mac Keystroke
Switch between Visual editor and text editor
ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + M
Command + Option + SHIFT+ M
Select a block type
use the slash (/) key
Use the slash (/) key
Show the block editing menu bar
ALT + F10
Option + F10
Hide or show the settings bar
CTRL + SHIFT + comma (,)
Option + SHIFT + comma (,)
Select all text in a block
CTRL + A
Command + A
Select all blocks
CTRL + A twice quicly
Command + A twice quickly
Open the block navigation menu
ALT + SHIFT + O
CTRL + Option + SHIFT + O
Toggle the full screen mode
ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + F
Command + Option + SHIFT + F
Duplicate a block
CTRL + SHIFT + D
Command + SHIFT + D
Remove multiple selected blocks
BACKSPACE or DELETE
BACKSPACE or DELETE
Insert block before
ALT + CTRL + T
Command + Option + T
Move block UP one position
ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T
Command + Option + SHIFT + T
Insert block after
ALT + CTRL + Y
Command + Option + Y
Move block DOWN one position
ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y
Command + Option + SHIFT + Y
Remove block
ALT + SHIFT + Z
CTRL +Option + SHIFT + Z
Navigate to the previous part of the editor
ALT + SHIFT + P or CTRL + SHIFT + `
CTRL + Option P OR ctrl + shift + `
Navigate to the next part of the editor
ALT + SHIFT + N or CTRL + `
CTRL + Option N OR CTRL + `
Paragraph Block
Start with the foundation block of all narative – the paragraph block.
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right.
Block Toolbar – Alt + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)
Paragraph Button Menu – Change block type or Style
Delete – Alt + Shift + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z)
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: left, center, and right. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Formatting Text
Text can be formatted with three (3) possible attributes which are: bold, italic and underline. However, underlining should be properly applied by using external CSS but can be done with a keystroke.
To use the block toolbar simply select the text you wish to format and then simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) TO ACTIVATE THE BLOCK TOOLBAR. Press the right arrow key to navigate to the bold or italic button and press either the Enter key or spacebar to activate the appropriate button.
Formatting can also be accomplished with keystrokes. Simply select the text that you wish to change and press the corresponding keystroke for the attribute you want to format.
Bold – CTRL + B (Mac: Command + B)
Italic – CTRL + I (Mac: Command + I)
Underline – CTRL + U (Mac: Command + U)
Inserting, Editing and Deleting Hyperlinks
This document is going to use the list block and assume that you have a list of three (3) items created.
For example, my list looks like the following:
Visit John
Call John
Email John
Since this list is now established, let us turn the text of the list into useable hyperlinks.
First select the list block, and if you are using a screen reader turn on your forms or edit mode. Use your navigation keys to move to the first part of the text and using text selection keystrokes, select “Visit John.” Tip: be sure to only select the text, because if you accidentally select the blank at the END of the first item, the first two (2) items in the list are both incorporated into a single hyperlink.
When using the toolbar simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then right arrow to the button to create a link and either press the Enter key or the spacebar to activate this choice. Type the following in this field: https://www.customerservant.com and then you should hear that one (1) option has been found. Tab to the submit button and then press your spacebar or enter key. You should hear a message stating that a link has been inserted.
You can also use a keystroke other than the toolbar once your text is selected, simply press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and the insert link dialog appears prompting for a URL.
That is how to insert a hyperlink using the http or https protocol, but what if you wish to use another protocol to insert a hyperlink?
Let us select the second list item text remembering to only select the text and not the blank character at the END of the line. When you have this selection made, then press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and in the edit field type tel://8005551212 and you should hear that one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and press either your spacebar or the enter key. You should hear a message that the link has been inserted.
For the last list item, again select the text to become a link being careful not to get the blank character at the END of the line. Press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and then type mailto:john@jcarson.wtf into the edit field and you should hear a message stating one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and either press your spacebar or the enter key and you should hear a message stating that the link has been inserted.
It is now time to test your links to make sure they do what you intended to do.
Note: We used three (3) examples to show how to insert hyperlinks using different protocols just so you do not have to experiment to figure out these procedures.
Editing and Removing a hyperlink
Editing or removing a hyperlink can be done by using the insert link dialog. You can get to this dialog one of two ways. Either by using the toolbar with ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) and then using the right arrow to navigate to the link button or you can use the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K). Keep in mind that the link text will need to be selected prior to using either of these methods.
The dialog that appears will have three (3) buttons to either edit, copy or remove the hyperlink.
To remove a hyperlink is just as easy as inserting one by using a keystroke, just select the text that is already a hyperlink using the cautions already mentioned in this tutorial and press the keystroke of CTRL + SHIFT + K (Mac: Command + SHIFT + K) and you should hear a message indicating that the hyperlink has now been removed.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Block – Configuration
Styles
Default
Display
Subtitle
Annotation
Color
Color Options
Text
Background
Topography
Topography Options
Font size
Size
set custome size
Font size – group of radio buttons
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Extra Extra Large
Dimensions
Show Padding
Show Margins
Border
Show Border
Show Radius
Advanced
HTML Anchor
Additional CSS Class
Skip to the selected block
Heading Block
Introduce new sections and organize content to help visitors (and search engines) understand the structure of your content.
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right.
Delete – Alt + Shift + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z)
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: left, center, and right. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Formatting Text
Text can be formatted with three (3) possible attributes which are: bold, italic and underline. However, underlining should be properly applied by using external CSS but can be done with a keystroke.
To use the block toolbar simply select the text you wish to format and then simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) TO ACTIVATE THE BLOCK TOOLBAR. Press the right arrow key to navigate to the bold or italic button and press either the Enter key or spacebar to activate the appropriate button.
Formatting can also be accomplished with keystrokes. Simply select the text that you wish to change and press the corresponding keystroke for the attribute you want to format.
Bold – CTRL + B (Mac: Command + B)
Italic – CTRL + I (Mac: Command + I)
Underline – CTRL + U (Mac: Command + U)
Inserting, Editing and Deleting Hyperlinks
This document is going to use the list block and assume that you have a list of three (3) items created.
For example, my list looks like the following:
Visit John
Call John
Email John
Since this list is now established, let us turn the text of the list into useable hyperlinks.
First select the list block, and if you are using a screen reader turn on your forms or edit mode. Use your navigation keys to move to the first part of the text and using text selection keystrokes, select “Visit John.” Tip: be sure to only select the text, because if you accidentally select the blank at the END of the first item, the first two (2) items in the list are both incorporated into a single hyperlink.
When using the toolbar simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then right arrow to the button to create a link and either press the Enter key or the spacebar to activate this choice. Type the following in this field: https://www.customerservant.com and then you should hear that one (1) option has been found. Tab to the submit button and then press your spacebar or enter key. You should hear a message stating that a link has been inserted.
You can also use a keystroke other than the toolbar once your text is selected, simply press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and the insert link dialog appears prompting for a URL.
That is how to insert a hyperlink using the http or https protocol, but what if you wish to use another protocol to insert a hyperlink?
Let us select the second list item text remembering to only select the text and not the blank character at the END of the line. When you have this selection made, then press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and in the edit field type tel://8005551212 and you should hear that one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and press either your spacebar or the enter key. You should hear a message that the link has been inserted.
For the last list item, again select the text to become a link being careful not to get the blank character at the END of the line. Press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and then type mailto:john@jcarson.wtf into the edit field and you should hear a message stating one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and either press your spacebar or the enter key and you should hear a message stating that the link has been inserted.
It is now time to test your links to make sure they do what you intended to do.
Note: We used three (3) examples to show how to insert hyperlinks using different protocols just so you do not have to experiment to figure out these procedures.
Editing and Removing a hyperlink
Editing or removing a hyperlink can be done by using the insert link dialog. You can get to this dialog one of two ways. Either by using the toolbar with ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) and then using the right arrow to navigate to the link button or you can use the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K). Keep in mind that the link text will need to be selected prior to using either of these methods.
The dialog that appears will have three (3) buttons to either edit, copy or remove the hyperlink.
To remove a hyperlink is just as easy as inserting one by using a keystroke, just select the text that is already a hyperlink using the cautions already mentioned in this tutorial and press the keystroke of CTRL + SHIFT + K (Mac: Command + SHIFT + K) and you should hear a message indicating that the hyperlink has now been removed.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Block – Configuration
Styles
Default
Display
Subtitle
Annotation
Color
Color Options
Text
Background
Topography
Topography Options
Font size
Size
set custome size
Font size – group of radio buttons
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Extra Extra Large
Dimensions
Show Padding
Show Margins
Border
Show Border
Show Radius
Advanced
HTML Anchor
Additional CSS Class
Skip to the selected block
List Block
An organized collection of items displayed in a specific order.
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right.
Delete – Alt + Shift + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z)
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: left, center, and right. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Formatting Text
Text can be formatted with three (3) possible attributes which are: bold, italic and underline. However, underlining should be properly applied by using external CSS but can be done with a keystroke.
To use the block toolbar simply select the text you wish to format and then simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) TO ACTIVATE THE BLOCK TOOLBAR. Press the right arrow key to navigate to the bold or italic button and press either the Enter key or spacebar to activate the appropriate button.
Formatting can also be accomplished with keystrokes. Simply select the text that you wish to change and press the corresponding keystroke for the attribute you want to format.
Bold – CTRL + B (Mac: Command + B)
Italic – CTRL + I (Mac: Command + I)
Underline – CTRL + U (Mac: Command + U)
Inserting, Editing and Deleting Hyperlinks
This document is going to use the list block and assume that you have a list of three (3) items created.
For example, my list looks like the following:
Visit John
Call John
Email John
Since this list is now established, let us turn the text of the list into useable hyperlinks.
First select the list block, and if you are using a screen reader turn on your forms or edit mode. Use your navigation keys to move to the first part of the text and using text selection keystrokes, select “Visit John.” Tip: be sure to only select the text, because if you accidentally select the blank at the END of the first item, the first two (2) items in the list are both incorporated into a single hyperlink.
When using the toolbar simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then right arrow to the button to create a link and either press the Enter key or the spacebar to activate this choice. Type the following in this field: https://www.customerservant.com and then you should hear that one (1) option has been found. Tab to the submit button and then press your spacebar or enter key. You should hear a message stating that a link has been inserted.
You can also use a keystroke other than the toolbar once your text is selected, simply press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and the insert link dialog appears prompting for a URL.
That is how to insert a hyperlink using the http or https protocol, but what if you wish to use another protocol to insert a hyperlink?
Let us select the second list item text remembering to only select the text and not the blank character at the END of the line. When you have this selection made, then press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and in the edit field type tel://8005551212 and you should hear that one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and press either your spacebar or the enter key. You should hear a message that the link has been inserted.
For the last list item, again select the text to become a link being careful not to get the blank character at the END of the line. Press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and then type mailto:john@jcarson.wtf into the edit field and you should hear a message stating one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and either press your spacebar or the enter key and you should hear a message stating that the link has been inserted.
It is now time to test your links to make sure they do what you intended to do.
Note: We used three (3) examples to show how to insert hyperlinks using different protocols just so you do not have to experiment to figure out these procedures.
Editing and Removing a hyperlink
Editing or removing a hyperlink can be done by using the insert link dialog. You can get to this dialog one of two ways. Either by using the toolbar with ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) and then using the right arrow to navigate to the link button or you can use the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K). Keep in mind that the link text will need to be selected prior to using either of these methods.
The dialog that appears will have three (3) buttons to either edit, copy or remove the hyperlink.
To remove a hyperlink is just as easy as inserting one by using a keystroke, just select the text that is already a hyperlink using the cautions already mentioned in this tutorial and press the keystroke of CTRL + SHIFT + K (Mac: Command + SHIFT + K) and you should hear a message indicating that the hyperlink has now been removed.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Block – Configuration
Styles
Default
Display
Subtitle
Annotation
Color
Color Options
Text
Background
Topography
Topography Options
Font size
Size
set custome size
Font size – group of radio buttons
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Extra Extra Large
Dimensions
Show Padding
Show Margins
Border
Show Border
Show Radius
Advanced
HTML Anchor
Additional CSS Class
Skip to the selected block
List Item Block
An individual item within a list. The parent block is the List Block.
The List Item Block can become increasingly complex when introducing nested lists. An excellent understanding of the block parent to child relationship in the hierarchy will be necessary.
Inserting a Block
When starting a new page or post, a dialog with the first new post or page appears welcoming you to the block editor. Move to the “close this dialog button” and press either spacebar or enter to dismiss this dialog.
After typing the text for your title a placeholder for a new block is inserted into the content area which prompts the user to start typing or press the slash (/) key to choose a block type. If using a screen reader, you will need to invoke forms or edit mode before you start typing or use the slash key. If this placeholder does not appear then you can simply press the Keystroke of ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y) to insert this placeholder and then use the previous instructions.</p
Choosing a block
With focus on the block placeholder, either start typing to insert a paragraph block or press the slash (/) key to choose a block. You will more than likely see a list of approximately 8 to 9 items in this list that is presented. This list is either the most commonly or most recently used blocks chosen. Please note that screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Use your UP and DOWN ARROW keys to navigate this list until you get to the item you desire and then press the enter key. Do not attempt to use first letter navigation in this list as it does not work, only the ARROW keys. The reason first letter navigation does not work in this list is because if you start typing the editor assumes you want the paragraph block.
Configuration of the Inserted Block
Now that a block has been chosen and inserted, let us discuss configuring the block starting with the toolbar.
The following list describes the toolbar moving from left to right.
Block Toolbar – Alt + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)
List Item Button Menu – Change block type or Style
Delete – Alt + Shift + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z)
Change Block Type or Style
At the time of the writing of this document, this feature was beyond the scope of the basics desire to convey to any user. In a future part of these tutorial files we will write a part on CSS and document this feature.
Changing your block layout
As you continue to compose your page or post, the blocks are enumerated 1 of 10, 2 of 10, and so on throughout the hierarchy.
To move your block UP or DOWN in the hierarchy, first make sure you are focused on the block, make sure you are in forms or edit mode and then press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10)to bring UP the block editing toolbar.
Use your RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to navigate this toolbar. As you press the RIGHT ARROW keys, the first two (2) options on this toolbar are the buttons to move either UP or DOWN one (1) block at a time. Choose the appropriate button and press the spacebar or enter key to maneuver the block into the position of the hierarchy you desire.
You can also use the keystroke of ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + T (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + T) to move your block UP one position in the hierarchy, as well as press the ALT + CTRL + SHIFT + Y (Mac: Command + Option + SHIFT + Y) to move your block DOWN one position in the hierarchy.
Changing Block Alignment
To change the alignment of the block, press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then use the right arrow to move to the button for alignment. To activate this button press either your Enter key or Spacebar. You will find three (3) options for alignment: left, center, and right. Simply choose the alignment and either press the Enter key or spacebar to select your choice.
Formatting Text
Text can be formatted with three (3) possible attributes which are: bold, italic and underline. However, underlining should be properly applied by using external CSS but can be done with a keystroke.
To use the block toolbar simply select the text you wish to format and then simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) TO ACTIVATE THE BLOCK TOOLBAR. Press the right arrow key to navigate to the bold or italic button and press either the Enter key or spacebar to activate the appropriate button.
Formatting can also be accomplished with keystrokes. Simply select the text that you wish to change and press the corresponding keystroke for the attribute you want to format.
Bold – CTRL + B (Mac: Command + B)
Italic – CTRL + I (Mac: Command + I)
Underline – CTRL + U (Mac: Command + U)
Inserting, Editing and Deleting Hyperlinks
This document is going to use the list block and assume that you have a list of three (3) items created.
For example, my list looks like the following:
Visit John
Call John
Email John
Since this list is now established, let us turn the text of the list into useable hyperlinks.
First select the list block, and if you are using a screen reader turn on your forms or edit mode. Use your navigation keys to move to the first part of the text and using text selection keystrokes, select “Visit John.” Tip: be sure to only select the text, because if you accidentally select the blank at the END of the first item, the first two (2) items in the list are both incorporated into a single hyperlink.
When using the toolbar simply press the keystroke of ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) then right arrow to the button to create a link and either press the Enter key or the spacebar to activate this choice. Type the following in this field: https://www.customerservant.com and then you should hear that one (1) option has been found. Tab to the submit button and then press your spacebar or enter key. You should hear a message stating that a link has been inserted.
You can also use a keystroke other than the toolbar once your text is selected, simply press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and the insert link dialog appears prompting for a URL.
That is how to insert a hyperlink using the http or https protocol, but what if you wish to use another protocol to insert a hyperlink?
Let us select the second list item text remembering to only select the text and not the blank character at the END of the line. When you have this selection made, then press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and in the edit field type tel://8005551212 and you should hear that one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and press either your spacebar or the enter key. You should hear a message that the link has been inserted.
For the last list item, again select the text to become a link being careful not to get the blank character at the END of the line. Press the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K) and then type mailto:john@jcarson.wtf into the edit field and you should hear a message stating one (1) item has been found. Tab to the submit button and either press your spacebar or the enter key and you should hear a message stating that the link has been inserted.
It is now time to test your links to make sure they do what you intended to do.
Note: We used three (3) examples to show how to insert hyperlinks using different protocols just so you do not have to experiment to figure out these procedures.
Editing and Removing a hyperlink
Editing or removing a hyperlink can be done by using the insert link dialog. You can get to this dialog one of two ways. Either by using the toolbar with ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) and then using the right arrow to navigate to the link button or you can use the keystroke of CTRL + K (Mac: Command + K). Keep in mind that the link text will need to be selected prior to using either of these methods.
The dialog that appears will have three (3) buttons to either edit, copy or remove the hyperlink.
To remove a hyperlink is just as easy as inserting one by using a keystroke, just select the text that is already a hyperlink using the cautions already mentioned in this tutorial and press the keystroke of CTRL + SHIFT + K (Mac: Command + SHIFT + K) and you should hear a message indicating that the hyperlink has now been removed.
Copy or Move a Block
Copying a block uses the standard Windows keystroke of CTRL + C (Mac: Command + C), which is useful for when your block is setUP and formatted and you wish to share between other pages or posts. You can also move a block by using CTRL + X (Mac: Command + X). Once you have either cut or copied the block you desire to manipulate press the keystroke CTRL + V (Mac: Command + V) to paste the block in the position of the location where you would like it to appear.
Duplicate a Block
You can also duplicate a block by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + D (Mac: Command + SHIFT + D). This is useful if you have a block already formatted and want to duplicate this block along with its information in another location in your pages or posts.
Add Block before or After
If you are editing an existing page or post that already has blocks in the content area, you can add a block either before or after a selected block in the hierarchy. To add a block before the selected block press ALT + CTRL + T (Mac: Command + Option + T) and to add a block after the selected block press ALT + CTRL + Y (Mac: Command + Option + Y). Screen reader users will need to be in forms or edit mode.
Deleting a block
To delete a block, make sure that your focus is on the block you wish to delete, and in forms or edit mode and then press the keystroke ALT + SHIFT + Z (Mac: CTRL + Option + SHIFT + Z). Your block will be deleted.
There is a second option for you to explore in deleting a block. Press ALT + F10 (Mac: Option + F10) to bring UP the toolbar, then use the RIGHT ARROW to move to the “Options button” and press either the spacebar or enter key to drop DOWN a list of items, then DOWN ARROW to the option for “remove/delete block” and press the enter key on this item and the block will be deleted.
Furthermore, you can press CTRL + A (Mac: Command + A) twice quickly to select all the blocks in the content area and press either the backspace or the delete key to get rid of all the blocks in the content area. You want to use caution when using this method, as it may not give you the result that you are looking for.
Block – Configuration
Color
Color Options
Text
Topography
Topography Options
Font size
Size
set custome size
Font size – group of radio buttons
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Extra Extra Large
Dimensions
Show Padding
Show Margins
Border
Show Border
Show Radius
Advanced
HTML Anchor
Additional CSS Class
Skip to the selected block
Replied to
"I think who's being squeezed out is folks who don't evolve," said @photomatt in response to @Krogsgard#WCEU2021 question of whether Gutenberg reduced opportunity for related #WordPress products. #WCEU
This is an incredibly glib response to the issue of why people or products haven’t jumped on the Gutenberg bandwagon.
I’m sure I’ve already raised several objections to this strawman explanation but I’ll continue to do so every time it gets raised by Matt.
Speaking for myself, I’ve been using computers since before there were true screen readers. I’ve adapted with every single change to that piece of software alone, to say nothing of operating system changes and application changes and even WordPress changes since 2005. I promise you, this is not about being afraid of change. And I seriously doubt “afraid of change” is the case for even half of the rest who haaven’t aadopted Gutenberg.
As of June 9, 2021, Gutenberg is still an efficiency and useability nightmare, despite the technical accessibility improvements that have happened over the last two years or so. I see this every day with my own usage, John’s own usage, (and he’s got just as much or even slightly more experience with computer usage than I do), with clients who use assistive technology of any kind, and even with clients without any disability who don’t spend all their time living in their WordPress dashboards.
I have a single client who truly does enjoy Gutenberg, and that’s because their only familiarity with using WordPress was through visual composer.
I’m not saying, and I’ve never said, that WordPress should never change. I get that WordPress needs to adapt, I get that it needs to modernize, and I have no problem with any of this.
What I have a problem with is that adaptation being poorly thought through and poorly managed, the complete disregard for tons of completely avoidable problems having been created during almost the entire development cycle of Gutenberg, the prioritization of dreams at the expense of technical realities, (see that whole discussion on GitHub about how Gutenberg is never going to be Microsoft Word on the web no matter how much that’s wanted by product designers), and then the pretense that none of this has happened and that everything is just peachy and it’s all about people just being afraid to change.
If this were really about being afraid of change or unwillingness to evolve, I would have quit using computers cerca 1995 around the time of quite literally a seismic shift in the way screen readers work under the hood and the way they present information to users. Or that other seismic shift in 1998/9 or so when MSAA became a thing. Or that other one in 2006 when Web 2.0 became a thing.