The signature moment
The route changes direction at every landing
Each landing has one heavy turning edge. Successive text groups shift between a broad inset and a narrow inset, so the route switches direction without reversing the numbered reading order. The indents shrink on a phone and the steps stay 1 to 4.
Full pattern notes
Why it works, and how it is built
Open a topic for the complete design reasoning, editing guidance and implementation notes.
Design rationaleComposition, intent and nearest alternatives
Overview
Four numbered joinery steps follow alternating ruled landings, turning from one edge to the other while keeping a clear reading order.
The signature moment: the route changes direction at every landing
Each landing has one heavy turning edge. Successive text groups shift between a broad inset and a narrow inset, so the route switches direction without reversing the numbered reading order. The indents shrink on a phone and the steps stay 1 to 4.
Theme behaviourInheritance, fixed decisions and contrast
Display type
Step numbers are 42px to 72px display paragraphs with close leading. Step titles and the section heading follow the theme heading ladder. Timing labels are 15px; descriptions follow medium.
Technical notesBlock mechanics, responsive behaviour and constraints
Theme inheritance
The Core payload follows the theme’s base ground, contrast ink, heading face and button treatment. Its painter lets heading and link colour follow a recolour. Text is intended for 4.5:1 contrast, with 3:1 reserved for large display type.
Styled look
Silt #ECE4DA, charcoal #282522 and carmine #982F43, set in sturdy Arial. Carmine numbers follow the alternating landings and the final square action. Every action is deliberately filled or underlined. The Core payload preserves the same layout as the theme route.
Editing
Replace the four step titles, descriptions and timing notes in order. Duplicate an entire landing for a new step, then alternate its turning edge and inset.
Questions
Process switchback: common questions
Does Process switchback need a plugin?
No. It is built only from core WordPress blocks (button, buttons, group, heading and paragraph), so it pastes into the block editor with nothing to install.
Will Process switchback match my theme?
Choose by variation. Theme takes your theme’s palette; Silt and carmine brings its own colours.
How many variations does Process switchback have?
2: Theme and Silt and carmine. Each is its own markup; choose one in the toolbar above the preview before you copy.
Is Process switchback free?
It is included with a subscription, with every Core Pattern and variation. 62 Core Patterns are free to copy without one.
Which WordPress version does it need?
Requires a block theme on WordPress 7.0 to 7.1. Classic themes and page builders are outside our supported setup. Adaptive patterns use the block theme’s colour, spacing and typography presets; styled variations declare their own colours or type.
The markup
Core block markup and nothing else. Copy it, then paste it straight into the block editor: WordPress reads the delimiters and rebuilds the blocks.
Fetching the markup…Variation: Silt and carmine
Fetching the markup…