Block patterns are collections of blocks saved as templates. A hero section with heading, body text, and button. A testimonial with image, quote, and name. A pricing page with three columns. Build the layout once, reuse it on as many pages as you want.
Built-in patterns
WordPress ships with a pattern library. Under "Patterns" in the editor you'll find header variants, call-to-action sections, galleries, and more. They work as starting points you customize.
Custom patterns via admin
Select a group of blocks in the editor, click the three-dot menu, and choose "Create pattern". Name it. Now it appears in the pattern library. Anyone with editing permissions can use it on any page.
Synced patterns (what used to be called "reusable blocks") update everywhere they're used when you change the original. Unsynced patterns copy the content on insertion, and each instance can be modified independently.
Patterns via code
In your theme you can register patterns with register_block_pattern(). Specify name, title, categories, and HTML content. Good for shipping ready-made layouts with the theme that the client can use immediately.
Organize patterns in categories with register_block_pattern_category(). "Hero sections", "Testimonials", "Pricing pages". The client finds the right one without scrolling through a long list.
Why it matters
Patterns provide consistent design without every page needing to be built from scratch. The client can create new pages that look professional without understanding CSS. It saves time for everyone involved.