Paragraph

The Paragraph block is the fundamental content block in WordPress, providing the essential functionality for adding text to your posts and pages. Specifically, the Paragraph block enables you to:

• add and format standard text content;
• apply basic formatting like bold, italic, and strikethrough;
• create links within your text;
• adjust alignment and text colour;
• add drop caps for stylistic emphasis;
• control typography settings including font size, line height, and letter * spacing; and
• maintain consistent text formatting across your site.

The Paragraph block appears as a standard text container that adapts to CERN's typography recommendations. It provides an intuitive writing experience with a clean interface that keeps formatting options accessible but unobtrusive. The block is fully responsive and will adjust to different screen sizes, wrapping text appropriately to maintain readability on all devices.

The WordPress Paragraph block displaying formatted text with the formatting toolbar visible.

Adding the Paragraph Block

1. In the WordPress block editor, click the + button to add a new block.
2. Search for Paragraph and select the Paragraph block.
3. The block will appear as an empty text field ready for your content.

Alternatively, you can simply start typing in any empty area of the editor, as the Paragraph block is the default block type.

Creating and Editing Paragraphs

To create a paragraph:

1. Click inside the Paragraph block.
2. Type your text content.
3. Press Enter/Return to create a new Paragraph block below.

To edit existing text:

1. Click inside the Paragraph containing the text you wish to edit.
2. Make your changes using standard text editing techniques.
3. Apply formatting using the toolbar that appears above the block.

Formatting Text

The Paragraph block provides several text formatting options:

• Bold: Select text and click the Bold button (B) or use Ctrl / Cmd + B
• Italic: Select text and click the Italic button (I) or use Ctrl / Cmd + I
• Strikethrough: Select text and click the Strikethrough button
• Links: Select text and click the Link button or use Ctrl / Cmd + K
• Inline Code: Select text and click the Code button

Customising the Paragraph Block

Once you have added your paragraph, you can customise its appearance:

• Text Alignment: Adjust text to be left-aligned, centred, right-aligned, or justified
• Typography: Modify font size, line height, and letter spacing in the sidebar settings
• Text Colour: Change the text colour and background colour
• Drop Cap: Enable a large first letter for stylistic emphasis
• Padding: Adjust the space around your paragraph

These options can be found in the block settings sidebar under the Settings tab when the paragraph block is selected.

Best Practices

For optimal use of the Paragraph block:

• Keep paragraphs relatively short for better readability (3-5 sentences is often ideal)
• Use appropriate line spacing to avoid text appearing cramped
• Ensure consistent formatting across similar content types
• Use headings to break up long sections of paragraph text
• Maintain sufficient contrast between text and background colours
• Consider your audience when selecting font size and style

Accessibility Considerations

The Paragraph block supports accessibility features:

• Ensure adequate colour contrast between text and background
• Avoid using very small font sizes that may be difficult to read
• Avoid relying solely on colour to convey meaning in your text
• Maintain a logical content flow between paragraphs
• Use semantic formatting (like proper headings) rather than just visual styling
• Consider line length and spacing for readers with visual or cognitive disabilities