Otter Blocks is my primary choice for extending the native WordPress Block Editor without adding the “DOM-depth” typical of heavy page builders. I view it as a “UI Extension Framework.” It provides the missing structural elements, such as sections and advanced columns, while maintaining a strict “native-first” philosophy.

Its architectural value lies in its Global Defaults and Dynamic Content integration. I can set global styles for specific blocks, ensuring that every time a contributor adds a button or a popup, it automatically inherits the brand’s design system. Furthermore, its “Visibility Logic” allows me to show or hide blocks based on user roles or login status directly within Gutenberg. It turns the standard editor into a sophisticated layout engine that is fast, accessible, and lightweight.