---
title: "The block editor shows a JavaScript error or the sidebar is empty"
date: 2026-09-06
author: "nK"
---

# The block editor shows a JavaScript error or the sidebar is empty

## Symptom

The Visual Portfolio block renders as an error in the editor, or its settings panels open empty.

## Cause

- A server module truncating large scripts. Apache `mod_substitute` has a line length limit that cut the block’s script; this was worked around in 3.7.0.
- A JavaScript optimizer combining or minifying editor scripts.
- A very old free plugin installed next to Pro.

## Fix

1. Update the plugin.
2. Exclude `/wp-admin/` and the `visual-portfolio` scripts from JavaScript optimization.
3. Update or remove the old free plugin.

The browser console names the script that failed, which tells you which of the three it is.