Description
Shortcode to Blocks helps you migrate WPBakery Page Builder content to the native WordPress block editor.
It converts the most common WPBakery Page Builder (Visual Composer) shortcodes into native WordPress blocks.
Important
This plugin works only with WPBakery Page Builder shortcodes (vc_* elements).
WPBakery Page Builder and Visual Composer are trademarks of their respective owners. This plugin is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
What Gets Converted
Layout Elements
Rows and columns (vc_row, vc_column, vc_row_inner, vc_column_inner) become Group and Columns blocks with responsive settings and CSS classes preserved.
Content Elements
* vc_column_text Paragraph / HTML blocks
* vc_custom_heading Heading blocks with proper levels
* vc_btn Button blocks with color and link preserved
* vc_raw_html Custom HTML blocks
* vc_single_image Image blocks
* vc_separator Separator blocks
* vc_empty_space Spacer blocks
Third-party Shortcodes
Non-WPBakery shortcodes (contact forms, plugins, etc.) are automatically wrapped in Shortcode blocks and keep working after conversion.
Features
- One-click convert and revert on each post/page edit screen
- Works in both the block editor (Gutenberg sidebar panel) and the classic editor (metabox)
- Automatic backup of original content, revert any time
- Dashboard with conversion stats
- Settings for allowed post types and user capability requirements
- Extensible architecture with additional features available in a Pro version
Supported Shortcodes (Free)
WPBakery Shortcode
Gutenberg Block
vc_row / vc_row_inner
Group
vc_column / vc_column_inner
Column
vc_column_text
Paragraph / HTML
vc_custom_heading
Heading
vc_btn
Button
vc_single_image
Image
vc_raw_html
Custom HTML
vc_separator
Separator
vc_empty_space
Spacer
Need more features?
A Pro version is available that includes additional converters, batch processing tools, logging, and more: Shortcode to Blocks Pro
Screenshots
Gutenberg sidebar panel showing detected WPBakery content and the Convert to blocks action. 
Gutenberg sidebar panel after conversion, showing Backup available and the Revert to backup action. 
Classic editor metabox with Convert content. 
Classic editor metabox after conversion with Revert to backup. 
Dashboard with conversion overview and quick how-to steps. 
Settings screen for post types, required capability, row width defaults, and uninstall behavior.
Installation
- Upload the
shortcode-to-blocksfolder to/wp-content/plugins/, or install from the WordPress Plugins screen. - Activate the plugin through the Plugins screen.
- Go to Shortcode Blocks in the admin sidebar to see the dashboard.
- Open any post or page that contains WPBakery content and click Convert in the sidebar panel (block editor) or metabox (classic editor).
FAQ
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Does this work with other page builders?
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No. This plugin converts WPBakery Page Builder (Visual Composer) shortcodes only.
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Can I revert after converting?
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Yes. The original content is stored in post meta. Click Revert to restore it.
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What happens to shortcodes that aren’t supported?
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They’re wrapped in a Gutenberg Shortcode block and continue to render normally. No content is lost.
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Is it safe for production?
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The plugin creates automatic backups, but always test on a staging copy first and back up your database before converting many posts.
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Does this plugin send data to external servers?
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No. All conversions are performed locally on your site. This plugin does not send data to external services.
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Do I need the Pro version?
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The free version handles the most common layout and content shortcodes for single-post conversion. If you need batch tools, advanced converters (video, galleries, tabs, accordions, CTAs, maps), logging, or bulk actions, the Pro add-on is the way to go.
Reviews
There are no reviews for this plugin.
Contributors & Developers
“Shortcode to Blocks” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.
Contributors
Translate “Shortcode to Blocks” into your language.
Interested in development?
Browse the code, check out the SVN repository, or subscribe to the development log by RSS.
Changelog
1.0.1
- Fix: Classic Editor metabox now shows only one action at a time (Convert or Revert), matching Gutenberg behavior.
1.0.0
- Initial release
- Converts 11 core WPBakery shortcodes to Gutenberg blocks
- Single-post convert and revert via editor sidebar or metabox
- Automatic content backup in post meta
- Dashboard with conversion overview
- Settings for post types and user capability requirements
- Extensible architecture for Pro add-on