Quick Answer
In the Gutenberg block editor, type /wp table builder to insert the WP Table Builder block. Select an existing table from the dropdown, or click Create to build a new one. You can also edit any table inline by clicking the Open in Editor icon. Alternatively, use a standard Shortcode block and paste the table shortcode (e.g., [wptb id="123" not found ]).
Requirements #
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Plan | Free or Pro |
| Plugin | WP Table Builder installed and activated (install guide) |
| WordPress | Version 5.0 or later (block editor must be enabled) |
| Time needed | About 1 minute |
Method 1: Using the WP Table Builder block #
This is the recommended method. The dedicated WP Table Builder block lets you insert, edit, and create tables without leaving the editor.
Step 1: Insert the WP Table Builder block #
Open any post or page in the block editor. You can add the block in two ways:
Option A — Slash command (fastest): Type /wp table builder (1) directly in the editor, then click the WP Table Builder block from the dropdown (2).
Option B — Block inserter: Click the Add Block icon (the “+” icon) (1), type “WP Table Builder” in the search box (2), then click the WP Table Builder block (3).
Step 2: Select a table #
Once the block is inserted, you’ll see a dropdown listing all the tables you’ve created in WP Table Builder.
Click any table to insert it. The table will appear inline in your editor.
Tip: You can click the minimize icon to collapse the table list into a compact view.
Method 2: Using a Shortcode block #
If you prefer using the table shortcode directly, this method works just as well.
Step 1: Copy the table shortcode #
Go to WP Table Builder in your dashboard, find the table you want, and copy its shortcode. It will look like [wptb id="123" not found ].
Alternatively, open the table in the WP Table Builder editor and click the Embed button at the top — this copies the shortcode to your clipboard automatically.
Step 3: Paste the shortcode #
Paste the copied shortcode into the editor. You’ll see the table immediately.
Editing a table from the block editor #
You can open the full WP Table Builder editor without leaving your post.
Step 1: Select the table block #
Click on the WP Table Builder block in the editor to select it.
Step 2: Open the table editor #
Click the Open in Editor icon in the block toolbar.
The WP Table Builder editor will open as an overlay directly in the block editor. Make your changes, then click Save Table before closing the overlay.
Important: Always save your table inside the WP Table Builder editor before exiting. Changes made in the table editor are separate from the post’s “Save/Update” button.
Creating a new table from the block editor #
You can create a new table directly from the WP Table Builder block without going to the WP Table Builder dashboard first.
Step 1: Insert the WP Table Builder block #
Add the block using either method described above (slash command or block inserter).
Step 2: Click Create #
Instead of selecting an existing table, click the Create button (1).
Step 3: Set rows and columns #
Enter the number of columns (2) and rows (3), then click Create (4).
The WP Table Builder editor will open. Build your table using drag-and-drop elements, then save it. For a detailed walkthrough of building a table, see How to Create Your First Table in WP Table Builder.
Troubleshooting #
The WP Table Builder block doesn’t appear in the block inserter. Make sure the WP Table Builder plugin is installed and activated. If you recently installed it, try refreshing the editor. In rare cases, another plugin may be blocking custom blocks — try deactivating other plugins one by one to identify conflicts.
My table shows as a blank block or an error in the editor. The table may have been deleted from the WP Table Builder dashboard. Open WP Table Builder → All Tables and check if the table still exists. If it was deleted, remove the block and insert a new one.
Changes I made in the table editor aren’t showing on the frontend. Click Save Table inside the WP Table Builder editor overlay before closing it. Then update the post. If you’re using a caching plugin, purge the cache for that page.
Frequently asked questions #
Should I use the WP Table Builder block or the Shortcode block?
You can use any of them. Both of them work exactly same way. If you paste the shortcode, it will automatically convert into the WP Table Builder Block.
Can I add multiple tables to the same page?
Yes. There’s no limit to how many tables you can add to a single page.
Does the WP Table Builder block work with Full Site Editing (FSE) and block themes?
Yes. The WP Table Builder block works in the Site Editor the same way it works in the Post Editor. You can add tables to templates, template parts, and patterns.
Will my table be responsive in the block editor?
The editor preview may not reflect the responsive behavior. To see how the table looks on mobile, preview the published page on a mobile device or use your browser’s responsive mode. See How to Make a Table Responsive for responsive settings.
Can I use WP Table Builder tables in reusable blocks / patterns?
Yes. Insert a WP Table Builder block into a post, then convert it to a pattern (reusable block). The table will render correctly wherever the pattern is used.
Related docs #
- How to Create Your First Table in WP Table Builder — build your first table step by step
- How to Add a Table in Elementor — Elementor integration guide
- How to Use WP Table Builder with Divi — Divi integration guide
- How to Make a Table Responsive — responsive settings
- How to Disable Theme Styles for Table — fix theme style conflicts
