What is an excerpt? (Block Editor)

Note: This page uses Block Editor. If you are a Classic Editor User, refer this page.

Excerpt is an optional text associated to a Post. Most of the time, it is used as the Post summary.

Gutenberg - Excerpt

WordPress excerpt metabox

Can’t find the Excerpt editing box? Check your Document tab at the right of your page. The Excerpt box is just after the Featured Image section.

Regarding the Theme you are using on your site, Excerpts can be displayed on different pages (search results, archives, etc.).

If Excerpt is empty, WordPress automatically creates an excerpt using the first 55 words of the post.

  1. Go to Settings > Reading.
  2. Scroll to For each article in a feed, show.
  3. Select Summary.

Was this article helpful? How could it be improved? Cancel reply

Log in to submit feedback. If you need support with something that wasn't covered by this article, please post your question in the support forums.

First published

May 4, 2019

Last updated

March 7, 2024