Simple Block Builder: Build Custom ACF Gutenberg Blocks Without Boilerplate

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Creating custom Gutenberg blocks in WordPress usually means writing repetitive registration code, managing assets manually, and jumping between files just to make small changes. Simple Block Builder streamlines this entire process by letting developers create custom ACF-powered blocks directly from the WordPress dashboard.

Designed for speed, clarity, and flexibility, this plugin removes friction from modern WordPress block development while keeping full control in the hands of developers.

What Is Simple Block Builder?

Simple Block Builder is a WordPress plugin that allows you to register and manage custom Gutenberg blocks using Advanced Custom Fields Pro, without touching functions.php or writing manual acf_register_block_type calls.

Everything happens inside the WordPress admin: block settings, templates, styles, and scripts. You define the structure, add ACF fields, and immediately start using your block in the editor.

Zero Boilerplate, Real Flexibility

One of the strongest advantages of Simple Block Builder is its zero-boilerplate approach. Instead of writing repetitive setup code for each block, you simply create a new “Custom Block” in the dashboard and configure it visually.

Despite the simplicity, the plugin remains highly flexible. Templates support PHP execution, allowing you to use functions like get_field() for advanced logic and dynamic rendering.

In-Dashboard Template Editing

Simple Block Builder includes an in-dashboard editor where you can write:

  • HTML and PHP for block templates
  • CSS scoped automatically to each block
  • JavaScript that runs when the block renders

This setup dramatically speeds up iteration. Developers can tweak layout, logic, and styling without switching contexts or reloading multiple files.

Smart Asset Management

Managing assets is often one of the messiest parts of block development. Simple Block Builder solves this with automatic, dynamic asset generation.

Each block gets its own uniquely scoped CSS and JavaScript files, which are generated and enqueued automatically. This prevents style collisions and keeps performance optimized by loading only what’s needed.

Seamless ACF Integration

Because the plugin is built specifically around Advanced Custom Fields Pro, it works seamlessly with ACF’s field types and rendering engine. You can attach field groups to blocks exactly as you would in a traditional ACF workflow.

This makes Simple Block Builder a natural fit for developers already using ACF to build flexible content systems.

Developer-Friendly by Design

Simple Block Builder doesn’t abstract away the things developers care about. Instead, it removes unnecessary setup while preserving control. Features like Dashicon support, PHP-enabled templates, and clean block structure make it especially useful for custom themes and client projects.

Recent updates have also focused on improving security and performance, including the removal of eval usage, which reflects a thoughtful and responsible approach to plugin development.

Ideal Use Cases

Simple Block Builder is a great fit for:

  • Freelancers building custom WordPress sites
  • Agencies delivering flexible Gutenberg-based themes
  • Developers who rely heavily on ACF
  • Projects that need fast iteration without sacrificing quality

It’s particularly valuable when you want custom blocks without committing to a full JavaScript-heavy block build process.

A Smarter Way to Build Gutenberg Blocks

Simple Block Builder proves that modern WordPress development doesn’t have to be complex to be powerful. By combining ACF, Gutenberg, and an intuitive admin interface, it offers a cleaner and faster way to build reusable, dynamic blocks.

For developers who want control without clutter, this plugin is a practical and forward-thinking solution.

LEARN MORE: https://github.com/The-Code-Beast/simple-block-builder