---
tags:
  - wordpress
  - fse
  - patterns
  - reusable-blocks
  - synced
title: Mastering Synced Patterns (formerly Reusable Blocks)
---

# Mastering Synced Patterns (formerly Reusable Blocks)

One of the most powerful features for content management in WordPress is the **Synced Pattern**. This feature allows you to build a component (like a "Call to Action" or "Newsletter Signup"), place it on 50 different pages, and update all 50 instances simultaneously by editing it once.

**Note:** Prior to WordPress 6.3, these were called "Reusable Blocks."

## 1. Synced vs. Standard (Unsynced) Patterns

When creating a pattern, you have two choices:

*   **Synced (Purple Icon):**
    *   **Behavior:** The content is stored in one central place. If you change the text in the pattern, it updates everywhere on the site immediately.
    *   **Use Case:** Newsletter signups, Contact info cards, Ad banners, "Meet the Team" snippets.
*   **Standard / Unsynced (Regular Icon):**
    *   **Behavior:** It acts like a stamp or blueprint. When you insert it, the blocks are pasted into the page and completely detached from the original. Editing the page does not affect the original pattern.
    *   **Use Case:** Page layouts, Hero sections, Columns arrangements where the content changes per page.

## 2. How to Create a Synced Pattern (No Code)

Synced patterns are unique because they are typically content-driven and created directly in the WordPress Editor, stored in the database (as a `wp_block` post type), rather than in `theme.json` or PHP files.

1.  **Build your blocks:** Create the group of blocks you want to reuse (e.g., a Group block containing a Heading, Paragraph, and Button).
2.  **Select:** Select the parent container (Group).
3.  **Options:** Click the three dots (Options) in the toolbar.
4.  **Create:** Select **Create pattern/reusable block**.
5.  **Configure:**
    *   **Name:** Give it a clear name (e.g., "Global CTA").
    *   **Synced Toggle:** **Turn this ON.** (This is the critical step).
6.  **Save.**

## 3. How to Edit a Synced Pattern

Once created, the pattern appears in the Block Inserter under the "Synced Patterns" tab (diamond icon).

To edit it:
1.  Insert the pattern into any page.
2.  Click on it. You will see the borders turn **Purple** implies it is a global entity.
3.  Click "Edit Original" (or just type directly, depending on WP version).
4.  **Warning:** When you hit "Save" on the page, WordPress will ask: "Do you want to save the page AND the Synced Pattern?"
5.  Confirming will update that pattern across the entire website.

## 4. Detaching (The "Override" Workflow)

Sometimes you want to use the *design* of a Synced Pattern but change the *content* for just one page.

1.  Insert the Synced Pattern.
2.  Click the "Options" (three dots) on the pattern toolbar.
3.  Select **Detach Pattern**.
4.  The blocks revert from Purple to standard blocks. You can now edit them without affecting the rest of the site.

## 5. Developer Note: Converting to Theme Files

Since Synced Patterns created in the UI are stored in the database, they don't transfer automatically if you switch themes or deploy to a new server (unless you migrate the database).

If you want to ship a Synced Pattern *inside* your theme (so it's available on a fresh install), you generally use a **Template Part**, not a Pattern.

*   **Pattern (PHP):** Always unsynced by default behavior (unless you use complex locking).
*   **Template Part (HTML):** Synced by definition.

**Strategy:**
*   If it is structural (Header/Footer), use `parts/`.
*   If it is content (CTA), teach the client to use Synced Patterns via the Editor.