Hidden WordPress Features Most People Ignore

Web Development / By

Let’s be real—WordPress is massive. If you’ve been using it for a while, you probably think you know all its tricks. But trust me, there are some hidden features most people ignore, even seasoned developers. And these aren’t just gimmicks; they can save you time, boost security, and even improve SEO if used right.

So, let’s dive into some of the best underrated WordPress features that you’re probably overlooking. You might just find something that makes your life a whole lot easier!

1. Distraction-Free Writing Mode

Ever get overwhelmed by all the buttons and menus when writing a blog post? WordPress has a built-in Distraction-Free Writing Mode that lets you focus on just your content. It’s like putting blinders on so you can write without distractions.

How to Enable It:

  1. Open the WordPress editor.
  2. Click the three-dot menu in the top right.
  3. Select “Distraction-Free Mode.”

Boom! No sidebars, no menus—just a clean space to write. If you run a blog, this feature alone can improve your productivity.

2. Built-In Image Editing (No Photoshop Needed!)

Did you know WordPress lets you edit images directly inside your dashboard? That means you can crop, resize, rotate, and even flip images without touching Photoshop or Canva.

How to Use It:

  1. Go to Media > Library
  2. Click on an image and select Edit Image
  3. Make your changes and hit Save

For quick edits, this can save tons of time—especially if you’re managing a content-heavy website.

3. Reusable Blocks in Gutenberg

If you constantly use the same call-to-action (CTA), disclaimer, or section across multiple posts, you’ll love Reusable Blocks. They let you create a design or content block once and reuse it anywhere.

How to Create a Reusable Block:

  1. Select a block you’ve designed in the Gutenberg Editor
  2. Click the three-dot menu and select “Add to Reusable Blocks”
  3. Give it a name and Save

Now, you can insert this block into any page instantly, and if you update it, it changes across all instances. Perfect for FAQs, CTAs, or even pricing tables.

4. Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts

Want to speed up your WordPress workflow? There are tons of keyboard shortcuts built into the editor.

Here are a few game-changers:

  • Ctrl + K (Cmd + K on Mac) = Add a hyperlink instantly
  • Shift + Alt + T = Insert a table
  • Shift + Alt + 1-6 = Change text to Heading 1-6
  • Ctrl + Shift + V = Paste as plain text (no formatting errors!)

Memorizing just a few of these can save hours over time.

5. Scheduled Posts & Backdated Publishing

Did you know you can schedule posts for future publishing or even backdate them to make content look older? This is a lifesaver for businesses that want to maintain a consistent posting schedule.

How to Schedule a Post:

  1. In the post editor, go to the Publish section
  2. Click on the date and time
  3. Choose a future date and hit Schedule

Now, WordPress will automatically publish it at your chosen time. No more manual posting!

6. Built-In SEO-Friendly Permalink Editing

Most people just accept the default URLs WordPress gives them, but did you know you can tweak permalinks for better SEO?

How to Do It:

  1. Go to Settings > Permalinks
  2. Select Post Name for cleaner URLs (better for SEO!)
  3. Edit individual post URLs inside the editor under the title

A well-structured URL (e.g., yourdomain.com/best-wordpress-tricks) ranks better than a generic one (e.g., yourdomain.com/?p=123).

7. Quick Draft Widget for Instant Notes

Got an idea but don’t want to open the full editor? Use the Quick Draft widget on your WordPress dashboard.

How to Use It:

  1. Go to Dashboard > Quick Draft
  2. Write a headline and short note
  3. Save it as a draft for later

It’s like a sticky note right inside WordPress—perfect for busy bloggers and content creators.

8. WordPress Site Health Check

Most people install security plugins, but did you know WordPress has a built-in Site Health Check? It scans your site for performance and security issues.

How to Use It:

  1. Go to Tools > Site Health
  2. WordPress will give you a score and recommendations

Fixing even a few of these suggestions can dramatically improve your site’s performance and security.

Final Thoughts

WordPress is packed with hidden features that can make your life easier, if you know where to look. Whether you’re a blogger, developer, or business owner, taking advantage of these lesser-known tricks can help you work faster, boost SEO, and keep your site secure.

Which of these features were you surprised to learn about? Let me know in the comments! And if you found this helpful, share it with someone who needs these tips. 🚀

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