Explore moving the [+] Inserter Into the Block Toolbar #73646

What

Explore moving the contextual [+] inserter from the canvas into the block toolbar (initially for blocks that support direct insertion of child items).

A first exploration would target the Navigation block, using a toolbar-based [+] as the primary affordance for adding "Page" items.

If successful, this pattern could expand to other candidates.

Why

Inline inserters create a couple of consistent UX problems:

• They appear and disappear based on selection, causing layout shifts.
• Their position in the canvas makes it unclear which block they belong to.
• it's often not clear where the inline [+] will be adding a block (source) - is it inside the block (inner blocks) or right outside of it?

A toolbar-based inserter offers:

• A stable, predictable place to add items.
• Clearer association with the selected block.
• Potential for a better experience for blocks with direct-insertion behaviour.
• clarity about the wrapper / child dependency.

How

Start small exploring the toolbar-based [+] for the Navigation block only. This block is the ideal candidate and already supports an Add Page item in the block toolbar when in contentOnly mode so this can be extended.

We'll then validate usability, a11y, clarity, and overall editor behaviour. If successful, we could then explore applying the pattern to a small set of additional blocks with similar insertion needs, including:

• Buttons
• Gallery
• Social Icons

Visuals

Some initiation explorations:

Block	Screenshot
Navigation
Gallery