Are you torn between EtchWP and Bricks Builder for your next WordPress project? You aren’t alone. As the ecosystem shifts toward full-site editing and modular design, these two powerhouses are redefining how we build websites.
While both tools are industry leaders, they approach the critical task of Block Authoring from completely different architectural philosophies. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the workflow, technical nuances, and performance metrics to help you decide which tool fits your development style best.
Master these tools in 2026: If you are ready to dominate the market, join the waitlist for my upcoming Bricks Builder 2.0 and EtchWP 2026 masterclasses at the bottom of this post!
The Core Philosophy: Authoring vs. Components
The fundamental difference between these two tools lies in their mental model. While both result in a high-performance functional WordPress site, the path to the finish line varies significantly based on how you interact with the Gutenberg editor.
1. The EtchWP Approach: “Native Block Authoring”
EtchWP (formerly HWP) is built on the philosophy of speed and native integration. It is designed for developers who want to stay as close to the WordPress core as possible.
- Automatic Generation: When you build a section in EtchWP, the tool automatically registers and creates the corresponding block in the Gutenberg editor. No extra steps required.
- Seamless Workflow: It feels like you are writing code or designing a UI that “magically” becomes a native part of the WordPress ecosystem.
- Bidirectional Content Editing: If you change a tag in the EtchWP code, the frontend updates. If you edit text directly within the Gutenberg editor, those changes reflect on the frontend immediately.
Important Note: While content is bidirectional, structural changes must happen within EtchWP. You cannot build a block inside Gutenberg and expect it to be editable inside the EtchWP code editor.
2. The Bricks Builder Approach: “Component-Based Blocks”
Bricks Builder treats blocks as Components. This approach is more manual and structured, offering maximum control over design systems and preventing “client-side” layout breaks.
- Manual Registration: You must build your section, apply your classes, and then explicitly save it as a “Component.”
- The “Block Editor” Toggle: After saving, you must navigate to component settings and manually toggle “Use in block editor” to make it visible in the WordPress library.
- Strict Property Mapping: Unlike EtchWP, text and images aren’t automatically editable in Gutenberg. You must manually create Props (Properties)—such as a “Heading Text” prop—and link them to your elements.
Detailed Workflow Comparison
To understand which tool is right for you, we need to look at the “boots on the ground” reality of a typical development day.
The EtchWP Workflow: Fast and Fluid
When using EtchWP, the barrier between the builder and the WordPress editor is incredibly thin.
- Create: Build a Section with a Heading in EtchWP.
- Deploy: There is no step two. The block is immediately available in the Block Editor.
- Pattern Integration: EtchWP is smart enough to treat these components as native Gutenberg Patterns automatically.
The Pro Advantage: It is exceptionally fast for developers who want to “author” a design and have it ready for content entry in seconds.
The Bricks Workflow: Structured and Controlled
Bricks requires a deliberate process, acting more as a Reusable Block Generator.
- Build: Create your design in the Bricks Editor.
- Save: Define the selection as a Component.
- Enable: Go to Component Settings -> click the WordPress icon -> select “Use in block editor.”
- Map Data: To allow a client to change a header, you must create a Text Property and link it. In Gutenberg, the client fills out a sidebar field rather than typing on the canvas.
The Pro Advantage: This is elite for maintaining design integrity. It prevents clients from accidentally breaking the DOM because they interact with data fields, not the layout itself.
Comparison Table: EtchWP vs. Bricks Builder
| Feature | EtchWP (Etch) | Bricks Builder |
| Setup Speed | Instant (Automatic) | Manual (Requires mapping) |
| Editing Experience | Native (Click and type) | Abstracted (Sidebar props) |
| Bidirectionality | Strong (Syncs both ways) | One-way (Instance-based) |
| Data Handling | Direct DOM manipulation | Props & Attributes |
| Primary Use Case | Rapid Site/Block Authoring | Complex Design Systems |
Advanced Logic: Components and Patterns
How EtchWP Handles Reusability
A hidden gem in EtchWP is how it bridges the gap between custom code and user experience. When you create a component and add props (Text, Boolean, Media), it creates a very “WordPress Native” feel. It feels like the block was built by the WordPress core team itself.
How Bricks Handles Scalability
Bricks components act as Instances. If you update the “Master Component” design in the Bricks editor, every single instance across your entire website updates instantly. This is incredibly powerful for global brand updates, though it requires disciplined management of Props to ensure unique content remains intact.
Conclusion: Which Tool Should You Choose?
The “winner” depends entirely on your specific project requirements and your preference for control vs. speed.
- Choose EtchWP if: You want a workflow that feels like a natural extension of WordPress. If you want to build blocks that are immediately usable and editable in Gutenberg without configuring dozens of properties, EtchWP is the superior choice for Authoring.
- Choose Bricks if: You are building a complex enterprise site where you want to restrict client access to design controls. If you want a “locked-down” system where the user simply fills in the blanks, Bricks offers that granular control.
Final Verdict
I personally lean towards the EtchWP approach for general block creation because of the sheer speed and the automatic integration with Gutenberg patterns. However, for strict, system-based architecture, Bricks remains an undeniable powerhouse.
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