The Kadence table block has arrived, offering an exciting alternative to the default WordPress Gutenburg table block. If you've ever struggled with creating tables that look great and function well on both desktop and mobile, this block might be exactly what you need. Let’s compare it to WordPress' default table block, and explore how it can improve your designs.
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Default WordPress Table Block vs. Kadence Table Block
When you create a table in WordPress, the default table block has basic features. It's fine for simple tables, but it lacks flexibility. On the other hand, the Kadence table block, known as “Table (Adv),” takes customization to a whole new level.
Customization in the Default WordPress Table Block
With the default table block, you can:
- Set the number of rows and columns.
- Enable or disable fixed-width cells.
- Add a header or footer section.
- Change the table style to striped or default.
- Apply basic text and background colors.
- Adjust padding, margins, and borders.
While these options work for basic tables, there are limits. For instance, you can't insert images directly into cells, and typography controls are minimal.
Advanced Features in the Kadence Table Block
The Kadence table block, from the start, is clearly in a different league. Its features include:
- Header and Column Options: Set the first row or column as a header for better table organization.
- Adjustable Column Widths: Choose auto-width or set percentages for precise control.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Easily set max height and width to ensure the table looks great on smaller screens.
- Block-Based Content: Add images, text, or other blocks right inside the table cells.
- Hover Effects and Links: Make rows or columns interactive with hover colors and clickable links.
- Row Customization: Change row background colors individually or alternate even/odd rows for better readability.
- Typography and Style Adjustments: Select different fonts, play with text alignment, and control more detailed styling.
If you like full control over your tables' look and feel, these options make the Kadence block a clear winner.
Adding Visual Elements with the Kadence Table Block
One standout feature of the Kadence block is its ability to handle images and other block elements. For example, you can insert an image directly into a cell. This isn’t possible with the default WordPress table block, where you're limited to plain text.
This feature is a game-changer if you're creating tables for product comparisons or team bios—anywhere visuals make an impact. Plus, customizing these elements is straightforward. You can resize images, adjust padding, and even align them within cells to achieve the perfect layout.
Want clickable links inside your table? Kadence makes that easy too, allowing you to style hover effects to enhance the user experience.
Here's a quick run-through of how to use the new table block. It's the first time that I have used it, so I just explored the features and compared them with the default WordPress block:
Mobile Responsiveness Made Simple
Tables are notoriously tricky when it comes to mobile-friendly design. The Kadence table block addresses this by allowing you to set maximum widths and heights specifically for smaller screens. During testing, tables created with Kadence adapted well to mobile layouts without any extra effort.
For those who want even greater control, settings to adjust column widths and row heights make it a breeze to fine-tune designs for every screen size.
Styling Options That Go Beyond the Basics
In addition to its flexibility with visuals, Kadence also offers extensive styling options:
- Border Control: Add borders to the entire table, individual rows, or cells. You can adjust the color, size, and style.
- Text Styling: Customize typography with more font options than the default block provides.
- Alternating Row Styles: While the default block supports stripes for alternating rows, Kadence allows you to fully customize the colors, making it easy to match your site's branding.
|
Header 1 |
Header 2 |
|---|---|
|
Here's some text |
Here's some text |
|
Here's some text |
Here's some text |
|
Here's some text |
Here's some text |
Here's a table with alternating striped rows
Why Choose the Kadence Table Block?
If you're building pages with complex tables, Kadence offers unmatched flexibility. From advanced row and column controls to styling and mobile optimization, it simplifies the process while giving you more control than ever before.
Creating responsive, visually appealing tables no longer has to be a headache. The Kadence table block makes it easy to design tables that look great and function well across all devices. Whether you’re managing product specs, pricing tables, or team bios, Kadence's new offering is a powerful tool worth exploring.
Here are some key use cases for Kadence tables:
- Product Comparisons: Add images, icons, and detailed descriptions in a clean layout.
- Data Tables: Organize stats with optimal readability across devices.
- Team Introductions: Highlight team members with names, titles, and photos in one elegant table.
- Pricing Tables: Easily create pricing tables and save them as patterns.
|
Team Member |
Bio |
|---|---|
 |
Diane, Owner of WP Basics Guide, and head WordPress Geek. |
 |
Rags, Constant companion, and Keeper of the Freeze Dried Chicken treats. |
 |
Mickey, boss of the house and unimpressed with everyone and everything. |
|
Cherie, another black cat who decides if and when you can photograph her. |
While the default table block works for basic needs, anything beyond that feels limited. Kadence bridges the gap, offering professional-grade tables that work seamlessly with WordPress.
So if you want a table block that works as hard as you do, Kadence is more than ready to deliver. Ready to give it a try? Start experimenting and see the difference for yourself!
