EDITS.WS

Author: Emily Schiola

  • Don’t Miss WordCamp Rochester 2023

    WordCamps and local meetups are back! After a tough few years, we are finally able to get back together and celebrate all things WordPress under one roof. This year, we have covered WordCamp Europe and WCUS, but local and regional WordCamps are still just as important.

    That’s why we are excited for WordCamp Rochester 2023. This one day event is perfect for anyone looking to level up their website on Saturday and get back to work on Monday.

    WordCamp Rochester 2023

    Held on September 30 at the Rochester School of the Arts, this conference is jam-packed with talks from experts ranging from page builders, the community, the future of WordPress, and much more.

    Grab your ticket today!

    Let’s dive into everything you can expect from WordCamp Rochester 2023.

    What to Expect from WordCamp Rochester 2023

    As we stated above, this is a one-day event. Talks kick off at 8:45 am EST on Saturday, September 30. There are two tracks that run until 6:15 pm.

    When you’re not attending sessions, make sure you check out the Arts District of Rochester. Take in some culture at the Memorial Art Gallery across the street from the venue or catch a play at the Rochester Theater League’s Auditorium.

    Don’t miss the after party at Jeremiah’s Tavern starting at 7 pm. A perfect way to unwind and network after a full day of learning.

    Check Out These Sessions

    WordCamp organizers have worked tirelessly to find the very best speakers. There are 18 incredible talks but there are a few we wouldn’t want to miss.

    Kicking off the entire event is the Opening Remarks with Senator Jeremy A Cooney. Senator Cooney came into office in 2020 as the first Asian American elected to office from upstate New York. This is an excellent way to set the tone for the weekend.

    Next up, catch Nyasha Green’s talk, Charity Beings at Home, Why Communities are Stronger Together. This talk looks at the way diversity and inclusion make the WordPress community a stronger place. Through examples and stories from around the world, Green will talk about how to impart empathy and and unity into the community.

    Finally, you won’t want to miss WP Engine’s Damon Cook look at what’s to come in WordPress 6.4. The release is set to drop November of this year, so this is the perfect time to prepare yourself for what’s to come. Join Cook as he explores the beta of 6.4.

    This is just a taste of the amazing sessions at the conference.

    See You at WordCamp Rochester!

    Make sure you snag your tickets for this weekend’s WordCamp. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn and network in beautiful upstate New York. Take in the changing leaves and learn about website development all in one place.

    If you can’t attend in person, all sessions will be on WordPress.TV after the event.

    The post Don’t Miss WordCamp Rochester 2023 appeared first on Torque.

  • WordPress Accessibility Day 2023 Registration Open

    Come one, come all to the third annual WordPress Accessibility Day happening Sept. 27 and 28. The 24-hour free event covers all of the best practices to make your site as accessible as possible. Talks range from data visualization, audio descriptions, user tests, and more.

    WordPress Accessibility Day 2023

    The event was originally started by the Website Core Accessibility Team back in 2020 and has been carried on by volunteer organizers since.

    According to the website, “Our mission is to demystify website accessibility for WordPress developers, designers, content creators, and users so that they can more easily build websites that work for everyone, regardless of ability.”

    Registration is free and still open. The conference kicks off at 14:45 UTC and run for a full 24-hours hitting every time zone. Each talk will have live captioning and ASL (American Sign Language) interpreters for those who need them.

    Can’t make the event? Everything will be posted afterward on the YouTube channel.

    Why Web Accessibility Matters

    Over 1 billion people in the world have a disability that affects the way they view the web. If a portion of the population can’t access your content, you are missing out on a potential fan, reader, or customer. Simple improvements can greatly benefit a wide number of people. Not only those who report a disability, but people who speak a different language or want to read your site on a phone in the park.

    Simply put, any improvements you make to your website will make it easier to use for anyone. And making your site as accessible as possible is just the right thing to do.

    The event site lists the people who will benefit from a more accessible web:

    • blindness or visual impairments,
    • deafness or hearing loss,
    • motor challenges ranging from loss of a limb to quadriplegia to the tremors and arthritis that are common as people age,
    • cognitive disabilities related to conditions people are born with or traumatic brain injuries that happen later in life,
    • epilepsy,
    • motion sickness,
    • reading difficulties such as dyslexia,
    • and more!

    Why Attend Accessibility Day

    Though it is true every site owner needs to make accessibly a priority, it can be hard to know where to start, especially if your site is already complete. No matter what stage your site is in, these experts will help you optimize it.

    Don’t Miss These Sessions

    The Keynote is a conversation with Global Accessibility Awareness Day co-founder, Jennison Asuncion. He will discuss how events like this can spread awareness, the state of online accessibility, and how WordPress is doing. Should be a fascinating conversation.

    If you’re struggling with how to make sure your site is accessible stop by Gaby Gandica’s talk Is My WordPress Site Accessible? How to Perform Accessibility and Usability Tests. Learn simple tests to point to exactly what needs to be improved using data.

    A great way to ensure an accessible site is to start with your theme. Join Gen Harris at her talk Building an Accessible Theme for Accessible First Sites and learn about accessible design.

    You won’t want to miss out on these amazing expert-led talks.

    Register for WordPress Accessibility Day Now

    If you are looking to get a better understanding of accessibility and find ways to make actionable changes on your site, register for Accessibility Day. It’s free, it spans all time zones, and it is incredibly educational. You don’t want to miss out on this invaluable information!

    The post WordPress Accessibility Day 2023 Registration Open appeared first on Torque.

  • WordCamp US 2023 Looked to the Future and Beyond

    Landing in Washington DC you immediately feel the history. You feel the weight of the decisions being made in the city and it gives you a sense of pride for belonging to something bigger than yourself. That’s why it was such an apt setting for WordCamp US 2023, on the heels of the 20th anniversary of the CMS. Being around community members and seeing the work they’re doing shows how far we’ve come in 20 years and where the CMS can go in the future. 

    The Gaylord National Resort was buzzing with the excitement of WordPressers eager to discuss the thing they love. People from all over the world gathered to learn, network, and celebrate the thing they love. 

    The talks were informative, the hallway track was active, and the sightseeing was unmatched. If you missed any of the sessions, they will be up on WordPress.TV. 

    Let’s get into big takeaways from WCUS 2023.

    Looking to the Future

    2023 marked WordPress’s 20th anniversary. An impressive milestone for anything but especially for a CMS. Talks ranged from accessibility to Core Web Vitals, but all looked at the power of WordPress and where we can go in the next 20 years. 

    WordPress in Space

    The first talk of the conference was presented by JJ Toothman and Abby Bowman from the Web Modernization Team at NASA. They were tasked with the mission to bring NASA.gov into the future using WordPress. 

    The original site was launched in 1994, and has seen updates through the years, but really needed a big overhaul. The challenge wasn’t the design, or even convincing NASA to use WordPress. It was condensing all of NASA’s sites and content into one place so users don’t have to go searching for information. 

    “Our goal was to basically build a WordPress Mission Control,” Bowman said. “No one should have to have a PHD in astrophysics or memorize the org chart to get information on a certain mission.”

    This process took over a year because there was just so much content. To date the team has 440 users onboarded to the new CMS, they’ve created 3,023 new landing pages, and migrated 68,006 pages.

    WordCamp US 2023

    Because the Web Modernization Team made the site so intuitive, people started picking it up in no time and even suggesting new ways to use existing blocks. 

    “One of the things we learned early on was to curate the editing experience to get them comfortable with the new editing tools at their disposal. One thing was to create way more block patterns,” Toothman said. “We even pre-filled out some example content that they could play with and understand right away.”

    Another roadblock was teaching the content creators how to use Gutenberg and WordPress. Because there are so many writers from so many different organizations within NASA, reaching each one was a challenge. They ended up looking to the WordPress community as an example of how to do this. 

    Instead of trying to touch each group, Toothman and Bowman taught a group of super users from each space who could bring their WordPress knowledge to the team. 

    “The technology part was really easy and the really hard part was the people. We couldn’t have done this without the web content team.”

    Abby Bowman

    This was a massive project that should be launching any day now. To check out what the site will look like go to https://beta.science.nasa.gov/. 

    The Future of WordPress

    Executive Director of the WordPress Project, Josepha Haden Chomphosy, took the stage to talk about the future of WordPress. After 20 years, WordPress is rewriting itself and now it’s time to ask some big questions about how to maintain the CMS for the next 20 and beyond. 

    According to Haden Chomphosy, there are three main areas we need to foster in order to keep WordPress healthy; the software itself, events, and the community. These are the heart and nervous system of WordPress. If the software is fast and accessible, more people will adopt it. If the events are easy to attend and informational, more people will learn how to code with WordPress. And if the community remains a safe place, more people will stay loyal to the CMS for life. 

    She then went on to say that WordPress can change your life, your community, and the world only if people are able to access it and more importantly learn how to use it. 

    “When you democratize publishing you’re providing easier access to knowledge, opportunity, and connections. You are giving a voice to the voiceless.”

    Josepha Haden Chomphosy

    The future of WordPress comes down to people and education. The thing that sets the CMS apart from others is the community. It’s the most powerful thing about WordPress and if supportive, will propel it into the future and beyond. 

    Haden Chomphosy left the audience with three questions to consider:

    1. What is the story you want to be able to tell about yourself?
    2. What is the story you want to tell about your time in WP?
    3. What is the story you want WordPress to tell?

    What’s Next for Gutenberg

    WordPress Co-Founder, Matt Mullenweg, closed out the weekend with a look at what to expect from Gutenberg in the coming years. He began by celebrating the 6.3 release, which was created by 640 contributors to that release. 207 of whom were first-timers. A very impressive showing.

    Looking ahead to WordPress 6.4, which will be released in November. This is going to be another underrepresented gender release squad. With that comes the Twenty Twenty-Four default theme. Mullenweg announced that this theme will have a focus on bloggers and content creators. 

    Font management will be added in 6.4, which allows you to download font files directly from Google and onto your site locally. This will make fonts so much more agile. 

    A new feature Image Lightbox enables a user to click on an image on the front end and zoom in on it. This was only possible with plugins before. 

    But possibly the most exciting thing about 6.4 for editors and writers everywhere, me very much included, is Collaboration. Phase 3 of Gutenberg will begin the work on bringing collaborative editing to WordPress. Imagine being able to write and design at the same time as someone else. This will greatly shorten the approval process and make it easier to get content spun up quickly. 

    WordCamp US 2023

    One of the biggest announcements of the evening was what Mullenweg is calling WordPress LMS. This is bringing four different LMS or Learning Management System plugins together to create a standard for how LMS plugins are built. TutorLMS, Sensei, LearnDash and LifterLMS met this week to look at questions like, can we use some of the same SQL formats? In order to create rules for what an LMS plugin should have. Mullenweg is hoping to do this with other plugins such as SEO or forms plugins. If you are interested in getting involved there is a new LMS channel in the WordPress Slack. 

    Mullenweg echoed Haden Chomophsy saying, “We are 20 years into WordPress and we are thinking about the next 20 and beyond and creating and thriving.” 

    He urged the audience to think in the long term. We don’t just want WordPress around for another 20 years, we want it around for the next 100. We want it to thrive for the next generation and beyond.

    A Sense of History, And Long-Term Thinking 

    WordCamp US 2023 was an exhilarating experience. Thank you as always to the incredible volunteer organizers and speakers who made it all possible. WordPress has experienced a lot in the last 20 years. The community has overcome a global pandemic, and was able to come together and create beautiful website experiences. 

    Whether we are going to space or supporting the local bakery, WordPress can take you where you need to go. Here’s to the next 20 years of WordPress and the community, there isn’t a group of more passionate people out there. 

    See you next year, WCUS!

    The post WordCamp US 2023 Looked to the Future and Beyond appeared first on Torque.

  • Get Ready for WordCamp US 2023

    The country’s biggest WordCamp is back and bigger than ever! WordPressers from all over the world will descend on National Harbor, Maryland for WordCamp US 2023. You can expect informative talks, interesting networking, and killer after parties. 

    Since 2015, WCUS has been a staple of the WordPress community providing a place to come to together to celebrate WordPress, meet new people, and catch up with old friends. 

    This year’s conference will be held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. Contributor Day is on August 24 with the conference occurring August 25 and 26. Organizers are expecting over 1,700 attendees over the three days. 

    The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center where WordCamp US 2023 takes place.

    Can’t make it in person? Live stream WCUS for free here, and catch all of the full sessions after the fact on WordPress.TV.

    Let’s take a look at what you can expect from WordCamp US 2023.

    WordCamp US Basics

    Every WordCamp is different, so even if this is your first or seventh time, these tips and tricks will help  you  focus on learning and growing WordPress skillset. 

    The Venue

    The conference will be held in three rooms in the Gaylord Convention Center. Though it will be clearly marked, see the map below to make sure you don’t get lost. 

    You won’t want to miss the Sponsor Hall where WordPress companies host demos, meet customers, and most importantly, give out SWAG. Make sure you pick up all your stickers, socks, and shirts, and come say hi to the WP Engine team at Booth 301! You’ll score one of WP Engine’s legendary WCUS t-shirts, and you can chat with WordPress experts about the latest in WordPress development, including headless WordPress, Advanced Custom Fields, and WooCommerce.   

    What to Bring

    WordCamps are made up of very rewarding but very long days. You won’t want to miss a minute of programming so it’s important to arrive prepared. 

    Here’s our WordCamp essentials packing list:

    • Comfortable shoes for running between talks easily.
    • A water bottle. It is going to be hot and humid, so make sure you’re staying hydrated.
    • Phone and computer chargers, or external chargers. There will be charging stations throughout the venue, but those can fill up fast. 
    • A bag for SWAG. Trust us, you will walk away with more than you intend to. 
    • Quick and easy snacks. Lunch and light snacks will be provided with your ticket, but you don’t want to have to leave the venue mid-afternoon to grab a bite. 
    • Optionally, business cards. We know it sounds outdated, but business cards are still the easiest way to quickly give someone your information. 

    Don’t Miss These Talks

    Just like previous years, there will be three tracks of talks from experts all over the world. Whether you’re fitting in a lighting talk or setting aside more time for a workshop, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

    Make sure you go through the schedule and mark off the talks that you want to attend. Here are some we’re excited about seeing. 

    Contributor Day

    Ahead of the talks is Contributor Day, a day where volunteers get together to contribute back to the WordPress project. 

    This is a great place for first time contributors to dip their toes into the process. If you are feeling nervous about contributing or just need the dedicated time to do so, sign up for Contributor Day and work among friends. 

    Day 1- Friday

    Day one is chock-full of content! Let’s dive into some talks you can’t miss. 

    Kicking things off, we’re excited to stop by developer Shambi Broome’s talk, How to Make a Difference in the World. The talk looks at the importance of teaching WordPress to high school students and empowering the next generation of developers to keep WordPress dominant for years to come.

    Next up, WordPress Technical Director at AmericanEagle.com, Sean Blakeley, hosts The Headless Block Editor. Dive into how you can make your block editor headless with the “Block Editor Bridge.”

    Day 2- Saturday 

    Saturday is another jam-packed day with talks you won’t want to miss. 

    WordPress Executive Director, Josepha Haden Chomphosy discusses the Future of WordPress. On the heels of the 20th Anniversary of WordPress, Chomphosy will look at how we can move the CMS forward. 

    Don’t miss this panel called BlackPress: Amplifying Black Professionals in WordPress. Join panelists Ray Mitchell, Maestro Stevens, Destiny Kanno, and George H. Woodard III as they discuss how to empower Black individuals in WordPress. Learn how and why BlackPress was created, look at ways the community can better support Black individuals, and more. 

    Finally, end the entire conference with the keynote presented by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg. The talk will go over the benefits of an open source ecosystem and how we can keep it healthy in the future. 

    What to Do After the Conference

    After you have filled your brain, it’s time to fill your heart with sightseeing and after parties with friends. 

    After Parties

    Friday night from 7:00-9:00 pm, WP Engine is hosting a networking event at Topgolf National Harbor. Stop by for food, drinks, and a unique golf experience as well as the opportunity to expand your WordPress Rolodex. Don’t forget to RSVP here.   

    Saturday night, from 7:30-10:30 pm, head over to The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History for the official WCUS after party. Make sure you bring your badge to enter and enjoy the exhibits. 

    Sight-Seeing

    You came all this way, you might as well see some sights! Just minutes from the hotel is the Capital Wheel, a massive ferris wheel that offers incredible views of the harbor. 

    The Capital Wheel is just minutes from this year's WCUS venue, offering great views of the harbor

    Being only minutes away from Washington D.C. gives you access to US monuments such as The Lincoln Memorial, The Washington Monument, The White House, and more. Beat the heat with thousands of free museums, or take a walking tour of the National Mall. 

    See You There!

    Doc Pop and Emily Schiola will be on site live-tweeting, conducting interviews, and meeting new people. We can’t wait to see all of you in person again!

    The post Get Ready for WordCamp US 2023 appeared first on Torque.

  • WordPress 6.3 “Lionel” Streamlines Site Design

    Just ahead of WordCamp US, an exciting WordPress update was released, WordPress 6.3 named for Lionel Hampton. Hampton was a jazz vibraphonist, pianist, and percussionist who worked with the likes of Quincy Jones, Benny Goodman, and Charles Mingus. In 2021, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy. 

    Image source: make.wordpress

    Enjoy some of Hampton’s fast fingers in “Hot Mallets” as we go through the exciting updates to WordPress. 

    WordPress “Lionel” 6.3, makes creating beautiful and powerful sites easier than ever before. There are updates for non-coders creating their first website and ones for long-time developers looking to optimize theirs.

    We have compiled some of our favorite new features, for a comprehensive list, check out the blog post.

    Site Editor Updates

    The update bookends Phase 2 of Gutenberg and lays the groundwork for Phase 3. Because of this, the Site Editor was the centerpiece of WordPress 6.3.

    According to contributor Justin Tadlock in an interview with Torque, “I’m really excited about being able to play around with a visual interface. I feel like we’ve kind of reached that point that we’ve been waiting for, for 5 years or so. And there’s still a lot more work to do, but it should be really nice for especially non coders to make changes to their site in any way they want.”

    Check out the full interview here. 

    There were a variety of enhancements that make the CMS more intuitive and streamlined. Let’s get into it. 

    Improved Navigation

    Navigation enhancements make the Site Editor even more powerful. A new sidebar makes it much faster to pull up what you want to edit. With a few simple clicks you can edit:

    • Pages
    • Templates and template parts
    • Patterns
    • Styles  

    This simple change saves clicks and speeds up the editing process by having everything in one place.

    Image source: make.wordpress

    See Themes Before Choosing Them

    For years, WordPress users have been asking for a way to see what a theme looks like before committing to it. In the past, this was only an option for classic themes but now even block themes can be previewed. 

    Image source: make.wordpress

    The next time you’re shopping for a new theme from the repository, simply hit Live Preview and get a good idea for what your website will look like with it activated. 

    Style Revision History

    Over the years, revisions have been a huge topic of discussion among the community. While they’re a great way to save content that could be lost if something goes wrong, they can slow down your site. 

    The feature has gotten a facelift and can now be used for design changes. Click on the block you want to edit, select the little clock icon in the upper right and review the style changes made to the block and even restore old versions. 

    Image source: make.wordpress

    Block Updates

    It wouldn’t be a WordPress update without some great updates to blocks. While Gutenberg is being updated twice a month, these updates were done especially for 6.3. 

    New Blocks

    Two new blocks were introduced with WordPress 6.3, the Details Block and the Footnote Block. 

    The Details Block allows a user to click an arrow and reveal more information. This is a great tool for hiding spoilers in movie or book reviews, or FAQ’s. 

    Image source: make.wordpress

    The Footnote Block lets you quickly add a footnote and a link. This feature looks really good and is incredibly easy to use. It’s a huge win for academic and professional content. 

    Image source: make.wordpress

    Introducing the Command Tool

    We have saved the best for last. If you have ever found yourself unable to find a feature in WordPress and wishing you could just CTRL + F, your prayers have been answered! The new Command Tool works just like the Spotlight Tool on Mac. Hit CTRL + K and you can type what you’re looking for. When it comes up, select it and you’ll be taken right there. 

    Image source: make.wordpress

    Other Updates

    There are so many more things “Lionel” has to offer:

    • Distraction-free mode can now be used when designing your site. 
    • You can now drag and drop and delete directly from the List View.
    • Support for PHP 5 is being discontinued so update now.

    WordPress 6.3 and Beyond

    Back when the Gutenberg Editor was announced in 2018, Phase 2, Site Editing, seemed like a decade off. Thanks to all the incredible work from the contributors and volunteers, we are now moving onto Phase 3. 

    This exciting release brings WordPress into the future. With every new update, the CMS is easier to design and create with. It’s powerful, intuitive, and inspiring. Welcome to the family, Lionel! 

    The post WordPress 6.3 “Lionel” Streamlines Site Design appeared first on Torque.

  • Translations May Slow Down Your WordPress Site, Plugins Can Help

    WordPress is a global platform with users in every corner of the world. And because of that, translations have been a hot topic for years. Translating your site makes it more accessible and opens it up to entirely new audiences. 

    However, a new in-depth study by the WordPress Performance Team indicates that translations could slow your site down. Testing showed that localized websites, or websites that  are tailored to specific target audiences and languages in different regions, can load up to 50 percent slower than non-localized sites. 

    According to WordPress Contributor Pascal Birchler, “In addition to core itself, each plugin and theme has its own translation file, which has to be loaded and parsed on every request. Loading and parsing all these translation files is an expensive task.”

    The blog post goes on to discuss a number of ways to speed up sites with translations. One option is to use a different file format. When downloading translation packs from translate.worpress.org, they are in .mo file format. Converting them to .php may help speed up your site. To do this you’ll have to use an external tool like GlotPress.

    Another option is to cache the translations on a disk or database, this will definitely free up space on your site. This isn’t the most realistic option for most people because it requires disk or database space.

    A third way to speed up your site is to use the gettext PHP extension. Because the extension is not as commonly available, most sites are using the built-in .mo parser. Installing gettext has shown significant performance improvements. 

    The blog went on to detail three more solutions, though all require developer experience. 

    Suffice to say, the conversation around translations in WordPress is taking on a language of its own. While there have been no decisions made about how the Performance Team will move forward to fix the issue, they are collecting feedback, which you can submit here starting Aug. 6.

    The fourth phase of Gutenberg, is slated to include Core implementation for multilingual sites, but because we are just ending Phase 2, that could take some time. 

    Because this is such an important issue to the community, we’ve provided a few additional ways you can continue to translate your site without slowing it down.

    Why You Want Translations on Your Site

    As we stated above, WordPress is an increasingly global CMS. Just last year alone, there were WordPress community events in every continent. Only displaying information in English automatically excludes a huge part of the population, not to mention large segments of the WordPress community. 

    An English-only site could limit new contributors and users, and it might prevent potential customers from finding you. On the other hand, enabling translations can set you apart from your competitors. If a customer can read a product description in their preferred language, they’re more likely to engage with it. 

    Finally, translations give you more search engine visibility, automatically increasing your SEO. Different languages can present unique keyword opportunities and search patterns. By conducting keyword research in each target language, you can optimize your content for those specific search terms and rank higher in local search results. 

    Translations also make it possible to receive backlinks from other websites in those languages, expanding your reach. You also have the opportunity to localize your content to different regions. 

    Translation Plugins

    If you’re still looking to translate your website, using a plugin can be a great way to do just that without slowing down your site. 

    While there are a wide array of choices when it comes to translation plugins, they ultimately break out into two categories: automatic and manual. 

    Automatic translation plugins will, as the name indicates, automatically translate everything to your visitor’s preferred language. These plugins are less time intensive but can be less accurate. 

    Manual plugins require you to manually translate all your content. Though this can be incredibly time consuming, you are less likely to make errors. 

    All of them will allow users of all languages to enjoy your content. Here are five of our favorites:

    Weglot

    Weglot is incredibly easy to set up and has a big focus on SEO. It automatically translates all content on your site and updates in real time so you don’t have to continue updating anytime you add an article, though you can edit translations when you need to.

    It detects your visitor’s preferred language through your browser and displays that language. If for some reason they want to view another language, the convenient Language Switcher allows for quick and easy language changes. 

    TranslatePress

    TranslatePress supports both manual and automatic translating, integrating with Google Translate for machine translations and is compatible with various themes and plugins, including certain page builders and WooCommerce. 

    A nice plus with this plugin is you can translate metadata, URLs, and create separate sitemaps for each language. The free version allows you to translate your site into one language though the premium version has support for unlimited languages. 

    GTranslate

    GTranslate uses Google Translate to automatically translate your website content into multiple languages. The plugin uses a cloud-based approach keeping your website light and focuses on SEO. Like Weglot, it also offers a customizable language switcher which can be added as a widget, shortcode, or menu item.

    There is both a free and premium version but unlike most premium plugins, it uses a monthly subscription rather than a yearly license. 

    WPML

    WPML or The WordPress Multilingual Plugin is the only one on the list that doesn’t offer a free version, but it is incredibly powerful. The plugin supports manual translations but also integration with professional translation services, giving you options.

    It supports translating custom post types, custom fields, menus and widgets. And of course it is incredibly SEO friendly, allowing you to translate your metadata, permalinks, and more. As we mentioned, WPML isn’t free but it’s a full-featured option. 

    Polylang

    Polylang is a manual language translation plugin. You can translate in as many languages as you want, use a different domain per language, and the ability to language switch via widget. 

    The plugin also allows you to translate custom taxonomies, sticky posts, RSS feeds, custom post types, and more. 

    Conclusion

    Translating your site opens you up to a wide range of new users. While the WordPress Performance Team works on ways to speed up local translations, these plugins will keep you going. Make your site more accessible, enhance your SEO, and reach people you wouldn’t have otherwise. 

    Whether you choose manual or automatic translations, your future fans from across the globe will thank you. 

    The post Translations May Slow Down Your WordPress Site, Plugins Can Help appeared first on Torque.

  • What’s New in Gutenberg: The Latest Version (July 2023)

    When WordPress 5.0 was released in late 2018, it came with a brand-spankin’-new block editor known as Gutenberg. In contrast to the Classic Editor, which was far more reliant on manual code, the block editor offers a modular approach to page and post editing making each piece of content in the editor—from a paragraph to an image gallery to a headline— its own editing block. 

    WordPress presents a larger barrier to entry for some, and the Gutenberg Editor was created to make building and updating site content easier. With WordPress 5.0, the block editor was absorbed into WordPress core, and WordPress development has been optimized for Gutenberg’s use ever since. 

    Additionally, the team behind Gutenberg has continued to make massive strides both for user interface and design-facing capabilities. 

    Staying informed on Gutenberg’s latest updates is advantageous for designers, developers, and anyone else who wants to keep their WordPress game sharp. The Gutenberg team is constantly refining the block editor with new version releases to improve the experience, so check back every few weeks for what’s new in Gutenberg!


    Gutenberg 16.2

    This version update was released on July 14, 2023.

    The weather isn’t the only thing heating up this July. Gutenberg 16.2 allows users to use footnotes, consolidate patterns, and more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 16.2 include:

    • While footnotes were added in 16.1, they’ve been optimized in 16.2. Not only are they more reliable, you can now add the block manually in case you delete them. 
    • Using the Typography setting in a text block, you can change the way the text is oriented. This is a step toward supporting vertically-written languages. 
    • The Patterns section is more intuitive than ever before. Users can now see a Pattern’s sync status right in the sidebar. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Other highlights include the Command Tool being renamed The Command Palette, the “Browse All” button in the quick inserter has been restored, bug fixes, and much more. 

    Check out the official release post to see what else Gutenberg 16.2 has to offer.


    Gutenberg 16.1

    This version update was released on June 29, 2023.

    72 contributors worked on this massive release. Let’s get into the highlights from Gutenberg 16.1. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 16.1 include:

    • Access all your patterns directly from the new Pattern Library and sync them across your entire site. 
    • We previously had a “Distraction Free” Editing experience but now you can design without distractions. Cut out all distractions and get your work done. 
    • A very exciting update introduces automatic footnotes. You can find them in text blocks including paragraph, heading and lists, and can be added from the block context menu.

    This is a massive update leading Gutenberg into the future and beyond. It also comes with bug fixes and other performance enhancements.

    Check out the official release post to see what else Gutenberg 16.1 has to offer.


    Gutenberg 16.0

    This version update was released on June 14, 2023.

    Gutenberg 16.0 provides a glimpse into upcoming features that will soon be integrated into core WordPress, coinciding with the release of WordPress 6.3 Beta 1. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 16.0 include:

    • Users now have the ability to create new pages and access page details through the sidebar. This empowers website creators to efficiently build their sites within the Site Editor, eliminating the need to switch between editors. 
    • Previously, theme authors had to resort to custom CSS for controlling block spacing within the Post Template block, which is part of the Query block. However, Gutenberg 16.0 introduces block spacing and layout controls directly within the Editor. This improvement enables easier management of the space between posts, empowering theme authors with more flexibility. 
    • Initially introduced as an experiment in Gutenberg 15.6, the Details block has undergone revisions and stabilization based on community testing and feedback. In Gutenberg 16.0, this block employs <details> and <summary> HTML elements to conceal content until readers are ready to view it. Users can also configure the visibility of content as per their preferences.

    Gutenberg 16.0 includes a wide array of additional enhancements and bug fixes. 

    Check out the official release post to see what else Gutenberg 16.0 has to offer.


    Gutenberg 15.9

    This version update was released on May 31, 2023.

    Gutenberg 15.9 includes several exciting features that improve the Site Editor user experience.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 16.0 include:

    • Gutenberg 15.9 introduces a new, yet-to-be-named Command Tool, which allows for enhanced navigation and content creation within the Site Editor. You can access the tool by opening the Site Editor and using the keyboard shortcut Cmd+k on Mac or Ctrl+k on Windows. Once opened, you’ll have access to a variety of different commands that enable swift actions and interactions. You can also customize the tool by adding your own commands. Detailed documentation is available here.
    • Users can now resize the Site Editor, allowing you to preview how your site will appear on smaller screens (i.e. mobile devices). This feature helps optimize your site’s layout for various screen sizes. 
    • When moving blocks, you will now experience a visual cue that clearly indicates the drop location, especially when working with empty groups. This enhancement streamlines the process of rearranging your site’s layout, making it more intuitive and efficient. 
    • You can now access style variations and all navigation menus of your site. This enhancement simplifies the process of switching between different styles and menus, providing a convenient interface to make adjustments effortlessly. 

    Gutenberg 15.9 also includes the introduction of an API that allows for prioritizing inserter items, better accessibility through arrow keys in certain input types, keyboard focus improvements for enhanced accessibility, and numerous bug fixes..

    Check out the official release post to see what else Gutenberg 15.9 has to offer. 


    Gutenberg 15.8

    This version update was released on May 17, 2023.

    Gutenberg 15.8 introduces a range of improvements that enhance the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) for content creators, site owners, and theme developers. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 15.8 include:

    • The site editor now provides direct access to the ten most recently updated pages, allowing users to jump straight into editing them. This step is part of our exploration to reintroduce the ability to edit content directly from within the site editor. This enhancement aims to streamline the editing process and improve efficiency. 
    • In the global styles interface, users can now navigate through revisions and explore how the site appeared at different points in time. The revisions timeline displays saved changes along with timestamps and author information. This feature empowers users to review and compare previous versions of their site, facilitating better decision-making and content management. 
    • Previewing different themes has become more convenient with the introduction of the theme_preview parameter. Users can now preview how their site would look with different themes directly within the site editor. This capability simplifies the process of selecting the perfect theme, ensuring a seamless and visually appealing site design. 

    Gutenberg 15.8 introduces additional bug fixes, improvements to responsiveness, and more. 

    Check out the official release post to see what else Gutenberg 15.8 has to offer. 


    Gutenberg 15.7

    This version update was released on May 3, 2023.

    Gutenberg 15.7 comes with a number of small yet impactful changes aimed at improving workflows, fixing bugs, and enhancing responsiveness. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 15.7 include:

    • To streamline creator workflows, the Site Logo block now offers a direct method to replace the logo within the sidebar for the block. Although it may seem like a minor feature, simplifying the management of a site’s branding identity is crucial and warrants an easy and intuitive process.
    • The inclusion of duotone filter controls in the block sidebar represents another step in streamlining workflows. Previously, these controls were hidden within the Block Toolbar, but now they are readily available alongside the style settings in the sidebar. 
    • While fluid typography was introduced with WordPress 6.0, users and designers encountered challenges with large custom fonts, as the previous fluid calculation didn’t scale down sufficiently for smaller screens. In this release, a more refined handling of fluid typography has been implemented using a logarithmic scale factor to calculate a minimum font size for smaller screen.

    Gutenberg 15.7 includes a ton of additional highlights, enhancements, bug fixes, and more. 

    Check out the official release post to see what else Gutenberg 15.7 has to offer. 


    Gutenberg 15.6

    This version update was released on April 19, 2023.

    There is a lot to look forward to with Gutenberg 15.6. On top of bug fixes and a variety of performance enhancements, there is a lot more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 15.6 include:

    • The experimental new Details Block allows you to hide content in a published post, like the ending to a book or movie in a review. 
    • Users can now add spacing presets to the Spacer block, keeping the width and height locked in.
    • Easily access style variations in Browse Mode. Go into “Edit Style” and view all the variations. 

    Gutenberg 15.6 is incredibly ground-breaking leading to better customization and more design styles. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 15.6 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 15.5

    This version update was released on April 5, 2023.

    This release comes with a ton of user-facing updates and great news for theme editors. Let’s take a look at what’s inside Gutenberg 15.5. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 15.5 include:

    • Users can now create new templates from theme-registered template patterns. This greatly improves customization. 
    • Caption editing has been integrated into the Site Editor so you can change caption styles without using code. 
    • A brand new experimental layout type has been added in 15.5. Though it only supports column width, it creates the foundation for more future configuration options. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Along with these updates, users can now display a post’s most recent date. There were also a number of bug fixes and performance enhancements. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 15.5 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 15.4

    This version update was released on March 22, 2023.

    Gutenberg 15.4 focuses on bug fixes and overdo improvements, all of which optimize the plugin.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 15.4 include:

    • It is now much easier to update the color or pattern in the Cover Block. 
    • In order to better understand templates, the descriptions have been greatly improved, giving a more clear picture of what they do. 

    Other enhancements include a new textColumns property, bug fixes, and other performance enhancements.

    To see what else Gutenberg 15.4 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 15.3

    This version update was released on March 13, 2023.

    Another massive update has been released. Gutenberg 13.5 has a ton of exciting new features. Here are some of our favorites. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 15.3 include:

    • The Site Editor got a huge facelift and is even more intuitive than ever. 
    • Introducing the new Time to Read block. Add this to the top of your post to let visitors know how long the article will take them to read. 
    • The Duotone design tool has also gotten a refresh. You can now set a global filter using the Site Editor, instead of doing it manually. 

    This update makes Gutenberg faster, sleeker, and easier to use. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 15.3 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 15.2

    This version update was released on February 22, 2023.

    Gutenberg 15.2 is a big one, offering a better editing experience, accessibility updates, and more. Let’s get into it. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 15.2 include:

    • Users can now access their revisions from the template and template part inspectors. That way you can adjust things without losing any progress. 
    • The Site Editor navigation has been greatly improved You can now get access to templates, template parts, navigation with new buttons. 
    • Accessibility was a huge focus with updates that include proper hierarchy of headings, tab and arrow key navigation optimization, and more. 

    This was a massive update with bug fixes and other performance enhancements.

    To see what else Gutenberg 15.2 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 15.1

    This version update was released on February 8, 2023.

    In very exciting news, Gutenberg 15.1 introduces an integration with the Openverse. This and other performance enhancements. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 15.1 include:

    • The Openverse can be accessed right from the Inserter. You can add it like you would any other image or video. 
    • From the sidebar, you can now add custom CSS to any block. 
    • Navigation has been added to the browse mode. That way you can manage your site navigation right in the Site Editor. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    This incredible update brings Gutenberg and WordPress into the future. Thanks to all the contributors who made it possible. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 15.1 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 15.0

    This version update was released on January 18, 2023.

    Gutenberg 15.0 is a huge release. The update makes it easier to customize your site and speed up the design process. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 15.0 include:

    • Users can now “Paste Styles” into multiple blocks making it easier to quickly spin up a uniform site. 
    • Images are constrained to the containers you put them in. That way, the image cannot get bigger than the container you set. 
    • New sticky block functionality allows you to adhere a block to the side so it follows a site visitor as they scroll. 

    Other notable highlights include the ability to resize a sidebar, cut and paste keyboard shortcuts work with the site editor now, bug fixes, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 15.0 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 14.9

    This version update was released on January 4, 2023.

    Happy New Year, WordPressers! Let’s kick off 2023 with the gift of Gutenberg 14.9. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 14.9 include:

    • A new button titled “Push Block Changes to Global Styles” allows you to make quick style changes at a global level.
    • You can now set the font size, family, and more in the Page List block. 
    • When inserting template parts into the Site Editor, you can  import widgets from a previously-registered dynamic sidebar, cutting design time in half. 

    This is a big update with design fixes, performance enhancements, bug fixes, and new theme-json support. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 14.9 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 14.8

    This version update was released on December 21, 2022.

    It’s the last update of the year! Gutenberg 14.8 is chock-full of improvements. Happy New Year to all the contributors who worked on this release. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 14.8 include:

    • Introducing Browse Mode, an easy way to quickly navigate through your template and template parts all in the sidebar. 
    • The Styles Panel has been edited and is now called the Style Book. The new Style Book shows an overview of all block styles in one place.
    • You can now add custom CSS to the sidebar. This way you can make changes quickly without being overwritten by the theme. 

    Other notable highlights include pattern title tooltip, navigation block improvements, bug fixes, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 14.8 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 14.7

    This version update was released on December 7, 2022.

    We are nearing the end of the year but that hasn’t slowed down the Gutenberg developers! Gutenberg 14.7 is better than ever. Let’s take a look.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 14.7 include:

    • The block inspector now separates appearance and settings controls by tabs in this experimental sidebar view. 
    • Add videos and images directly from the inserter. Add a block, toggle over to Media and then choose your image or video. Just like that. 
    • Template and Reusable Blocks will now be outlined in a different color making them easier to identify. 

    All these updates make it easier to design and create content quickly. The update comes with these and an array of bug fixes and other performance enhancements.

    To see what else Gutenberg 14.7 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 14.6

    This version update was released on November 23, 2022.

    This is a gargantuan update with a lot of features to get through. There are a number of design and block updates. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 14.6 include:

    • Upon picking the Group Block, you are given the option to pick a layout. This way you don’t have to format after putting in content.
    • You can now drag items in the Navigation Menu. Want to move your About Me page above Contact Me? Do that quickly right from the sidebar. 
    • Looking for a rebrand? Try out the “Randomize colors” feature to get a random color palette just for your site. 

    This just scratches the surface of what Gutenberg 14.6 brings. You can also define a minimum height, adjust your fluid typography minimum and maximum, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 14.6 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 14.5

    This version update was released on November 9, 2022.

    Gutenberg 14.5 adds a ton of design functionality making it easy to customize every part of your site. Let’s dive in. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 14.5 include:

    • Quickly toggle between List View and Document Info all in one place. The Details popover and List View have been combined making it easy to see your entire post at a glance. 
    • It has always been difficult to customize margins and padding in WordPress. Gutenberg 14.5 added improved visualizers that allow you to change margins with a slider. 
    • Just like with the Image block in 14.4, a button was added to the Audio and Video blocks that allow you to quickly add a caption. 

    These updates along with big fixes and more performance enhancements allow you to take more control of your website with Gutenberg 14.5. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 14.5 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 14.4

    This version update was released on October 26, 2022.

    Writers rejoice as Gutenberg 14.4 adds distraction-free writing! This and much more are in store. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 14.4 include:

    • Distraction-free mode hides sidebars and toolbars so all you see is the blank page. This will help you focus only on the words. 
    • You can now add or delete a caption from the toolbar above the image. 
    • The lock ability was added to the Navigation Block allowing you to restrict editors or limit movement. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Gutenberg 14.4 is chock-full of improvements including fluid typography, bug fixes, performance enhancements and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 14.4 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 14.3

    This version update was released on October 12, 2022.

    Gutenberg 14.3 continues the march toward Full Site Editing with design and UX enhancements. Let’s get into it. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 14.3 include:

    • In huge news, you can now drag and drop an image into a paragraph block to turn it into an image block. This is a massive time saver.
    • The Styles interface is now consistent with the Block Settings interface. 
    • New keyboard combinations make it easier to navigate big blocks of text. Use alt + up arrow or alt + down arrow to move your cursor through blocks of text. 

    The writing flow has been greatly improved in Gutenberg 14.3. You can drag and drop and navigate your way through your post to make editing and designing a dream.

    To see what else Gutenberg 14.3 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 14.2

    This version update was released on September 28, 2022.

    The latest version of Gutenberg improves the writing flow, letter spacing in headings, and more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 14.2 include:

    • Big improvements have been made to the writing flow such as making selecting multiple blocks visually consistent and hiding the block inserter to clear up clutter. 
    • In the Global Styles interface, you can modify letter spacing in headlines. 
    • You can now edit the background color and text color of the Calendar Block. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Along with the updates stated above, Gutenberg 14.2 also includes autocompletion for links, new Banners and Footers patterns, bug fixes, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 14.2 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 14.1

    This version update was released on September 15, 2022.

    Gutenberg 14.1 focuses on design tools, UX improvements, block updates, and much more. Thanks to all the developers who made this release possible. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 14.1 include:

    • You can now lock parts of your blocks so design mistakes don’t happen. Resizing, block alignment, and duotone filters can all be locked. 
    • A new “Menu” section was added to the sidebar where you now control your block navigation. 
    • A bunch of blocks got typography and spacing support. Below is the list of updated blocks:

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    On top of these updates, there was also box-shadow support, block template parts for template themes, and the ability to filter global styles. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 14.1 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 14.0

    This version update was released on August 31, 2022.

    Summer may be coming to an end but Gutenberg is just heating up! Get ready for lots of block supports, UI enhancements, and more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 14.0 include:

    • The List Block is now so much easier to use. You can now sort and indent list items with ease.
    • Using Styles UI, you can adjust axial block spacing, allowing you to customize the vertical and horizontal spacing. 
    • Just like what was done with links, you can now adjust the hover, active, and focus states for buttons. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Gutenberg 14.0 continues to bring greater customization to WordPress and builds on Full Site Editing. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 14.0 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 13.9

    This version update was released on August 17, 2022.

    Gutenberg 13.9 brings a lot of updates to UI, engine work, and more. Let’s dig into it. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 13.9 include:

    • More overlay colors were added to the Navigation. 
    • A very handy “View Site” link option has been added to the site editor. Also the Clear Customizations copy has been updated for templates. 
    • As far as design, the color button style has been updated.

    This release comes with a variety of bug fixes, performance enhancements, and much more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 13.9 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 13.8

    This version update was released on August 3, 2022.

    The latest version of Gutenberg comes with accessibility updates, block updates, UX enhancements, and much more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 13.8 include:

    • Fluid typography got more support in 13.8. This allows text to scale and adapt to any screen size. 
    • New template parts have been added including “Header,” “Footer,” and “Subscribe to Newsletter” sections. You can also now search for the template part you’re looking for.
    • Gutenberg 13.8 includes big accessibility updates such as  keyboard-friendly clickable elements in the “Add template” modal and improved and consistent labels in the Editor. 

    Other updates include the consolidation of the Post Comments and Comments block, new settings for full-width content in the theme, bug fixes, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 13.8 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 13.7

    This version update was released on July 20, 2022.

    This was a massive release with 127 pull requests. Lots of features were added. Let’s get into it. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 13.7 include:

    • Lock settings were updated in 13.7. For Group, Cover, and Column blocks, you can choose to lock with just the toggle of a button. 
    • You can now create templates for specific categories and pages. For example you can have one template for a product page, one for a calendar, and one for a blog. 
    • The Information Panel now excludes a “Time to Read” readout beside word count and character count. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Other enhancements include improved document settings, a new featured image placeholder, a unified modal design, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 13.7 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 13.6

    This version update was released on July 6, 2022.

    Performance was the focus of Gutenberg 13.6. There were enhancements for accessibility and development with Gutenberg. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 13.6 include:

    • This update works with an API introduced in WordPress 6.0 that allows you to provide patterns for any post category. This is going to cut design time in half, especially with clients. 
    • Directly from the editor, you can now create more template types. You don’t need to know post type identifiers or post slugs. 
    • The theme.json engine that was updated in 13.4 has been expanded to allow you to create a cohesive theme across all your blocks. You can fully control all block styles. 

    This was a jam-packed update with added keyboard shortcuts, bug fixes, performance enhancements and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 13.6 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 13.5

    This version update was released on June 22, 2022.

    Gutenberg 13.5 improves the featured image UX, expanded design tools, and some accessibility updates. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 13.5 include:

    • When using the Cover Block to add a Featured Image, a placeholder now displays so you can get a better idea how much space the image will take up. Also when you hit “Replace” on an image block, there’s a drop down option to add the Featured Image. 
    • A huge update to the Post Navigation Link allows you to customize your link color. 
    • Context was added to the Edit/New buttons increasing accessibility. 

    Along with these updates, there were 15 bug fixes and 12 performance enhancements. All of which add customization. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 13.5 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 13.4

    This version update was released on June 8, 2022.

    WordPress 6.0 “Arturo” is out and Gutenberg 13.4 just builds on that momentum! Let’s look at what changed. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 13.4 include:

    • The sidebar got a rework with Gutenberg 13.4. The Publish popover has a new look that’s easier to understand. The color-picking interface now uses the ToolPanel.
    • The Gallery Block now supports axial spacing, so you can add space on either side of an image or on the top and bottom. 
    • A huge update is that Themes can now add buttons using theme.json. 
    {
    
    "styles": {
    
     "elements": {
    
     "button": {
    
      "color": {
    
      "background": "black"
    
      }
    
     }
    
     }
    
    }
    
    }

    On top of these exciting changes, there were also a variety of bug fixes and other performance enhancements. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 13.4 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 13.3

    This version update was released on May 25, 2022.

    Gutenberg 13.3 has a long-awaited update, a Table of Contents block. This and a variety of other enhancements makes this a very exciting update. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 13.3 include:

    • You can now display custom taxonomy terms in the Post Terms Block. This allows the user to add things like product categories to a post. 
    • The Query Loop Block now supports a “parent” filter so you can see any of the children content defined for that parent. 
    • The new Table of Contents Block works like a charm by automatically finding all the headers and automatically adding them with anchor links. This is such a time saver. 

    This update puts the focus on the editor and makes things easier. Along with bug fixes and other performance enhancements, Gutenberg 13.3 is a big one. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 13.3 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 13.2

    This version update was released on May 11, 2022.

    The Comment Block got a tune up as well as a brand new API in Gutenberg 13.2. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 13.2 include:

    • The placeholders for the post excerpt, post comments, and post comment form have been greatly improved and look more realistic. 
    • Padding and margins now have much greater customization. As you adjust them, they highlight in blue so you can see exactly what you’re changing. 
    • A new API was created that allows you to save your editor preferences so your experience looks exactly the same on any browser or any device. This is incredibly exciting because you can edit no matter where you are. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Gutenberg 13.2 is a huge step forward in Full Site Editing. The Separator Block supports top and bottom margins, bugs to the Comment Block have been fixed, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 13.2 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 13.1

    This version update was released on April 27, 2022.

    Gutenberg 13.1 comes with updates to important blocks as well as numerous performance enhancements. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 13.1 include:

    • The Columns Block got a huge facelift with this update. You can now customize the width and color of borders within columns. 
    • The Comments Block also got an update including a better view of nested comments. 
    • Most notably, a variety of accessibility updates were made including closing the welcome dialogue in the post editor, installing blocks from the directory, and more. 

    A lot of work was done in Gutenberg 13.1, so thank you to all the new contributors who helped make it happen. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 13.1 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 13.0

    This version update was released on April 14, 2022.

    This is a loaded update because it has all the features that will be released with WordPress 6.0. Blocks are more responsive, the Editor has been improved. Let’s get into it. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 13.0 include:

    • In a huge relief to editors and writers everywhere, you can now select text from different blocks. No longer do you need to delete and edit one block at a time.
    • The Cover Block has been updated and you can now view your featured image and headline in one place before publishing. 
    • Patterns are here! Staring at a blank page can be very intimidating, but now you can plug in a pattern and start designing immediately.

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Like we said at the top, this release has a lot to cover. Along with these highlights there was also the ability to build responsive groups, rows, and stacks. Increased customization for borders and columns. Bug fixes, performance enhancements, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 13.0 has to offer, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 12.9

    This version update was released on March 30, 2022.

    Gutenberg 12.9 introduces several features that provide greater flexibility and ease of use for both theme developers and website administrators. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 12.9 include:

    • The new block locking UI introduced in Gutenberg 12.9 allows you to disable specific actions for locked blocks. When a block is locked, users are prevented from moving or removing it. This is particularly useful for site-level blocks like Post Content, which many themes may want to restrict.
    • You can now adjust the whitespace, allowing for zero spacing or large art-gallery-style gaps. This feature enables the creation of beautiful and unique layouts using blocks.
    • Previously, the Site Editor had limited options for creating new templates. Now, you can create templates for various page types on your site, including Category, Author, Taxonomy Date, Tag, and Attachment pages.
    • When exporting a theme from the Site Editor, all theme files are now included, simplifying the process of exporting themes between sites along with all edits. This update is a significant step towards creating new themes directly from the Site Editor. Additionally, including patterns with your theme is now effortless and doesn’t require any PHP coding. You can simply include patterns in a patterns folder, similar to how templates and parts are organized.
    • In the List View, you can now use the Shift + Home and End keys for multi-block selection, facilitating the selection of blocks from a specific point to the beginning or end of a post. 
    • Gutenberg 12.9 includes several additional enhancements, such as displaying the name of custom colors in the color palette selection, providing more precise font size control for tag clouds, enabling easy previewing of drafts right after saving, and offering the option to choose suggested or custom date formats.

    With these updates, Gutenberg 12.9 empowers users with enhanced control, improved defaults, and more intuitive options for creating engaging content with blocks and block themes.

    To see what else Gutenberg 12.9 has to offer, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 12.8

    This version update was released on March 16, 2022.

    Gutenberg 12.8 comes with new APIs, iterative UX enhancements, and numerous bug fixes to enhance the stability of the editor.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 12.8 include:

    • The new Webfonts API represents a significant step towards loading fonts in a performance-friendly, privacy-conscious, and future-proof manner. The API also paves the way for additional tools and optimizations that will ensure WordPress delivers the best possible experience and privacy to users. 
    • Inline links can now be inserted using a direct keyboard shortcut. If you thought the slash inserter was fast, you’ll be impressed with the new [[ keyboard trigger, which allows you to add an inline link without navigating through the inserter. 
    • When using the export tool in the Site Editor, the generated zip file now includes the theme.json file, which contains the Styles settings, along with the index.php and styles.css files..
    • Gutenberg 12.8 further refines placeholder and loading states. The Navigation block now provides a clear loading state during initial setup and subsequent loading of existing blocks. 

    As WordPress continues to evolve, Gutenberg 12.8 also comes with valuable enhancements and bug fixes to enhance the editing experience.

    To see what else Gutenberg 12.8 has to offer, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 12.7

    This version update was released on March 2, 2022.

    Gutenberg 12.7 introduces new features that make working with patterns even more convenient and user-friendly. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 12.7 include:

    • The block quick inserter now prioritizes patterns over blocks in specific conditions. When editing a template in the site editor or post editor, and the inserter is at the root level between other blocks (not as the first or last block), patterns will be given priority.
    • The creation flow for template parts like Header, Footer, and Sidebar now also includes patterns, providing a smoother experience for adding complex designs.
    • Themes now have the ability to highlight specific patterns to their users. By adding a pattern field to the theme.json file, themes can recommend patterns to enhance the user experience. When accessing patterns from the Pattern Directory, their slugs can be found in the URL when browsing individually. 
    • Gutenberg 12.7 includes a few other noteworthy improvements. Columns blocks now have the option to add border styles, while Group blocks can have margins applied. These additions offer greater design flexibility. Additionally, to address backward compatibility issues reported in WordPress 5.9, the automatic anchor generation for headings introduced in Gutenberg 11.8 is now an opt-in feature. Developers can enable this feature by adding the provided code snippet to their settings:
    add_filter( 'block_editor_settings_all', static function( $settings ) {
    
    $settings['__experimentalGenerateAnchors'] = true;
    
    return $settings;
    
    });

    This update also improves the ListView functionality, introduces frontend HTML changes, and includes various iterative enhancements for a more refined block editor experience.

    To see what else Gutenberg 12.7 has to offer, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 12.6

    This version update was released on February 16, 2022.

    Gutenberg 12.6 introduces a long list of updates, including numerous design enhancements to the block editor as well as accessibility improvements.  

    Highlights of Gutenberg 12.6 include:

    • Following the pattern set by Gutenberg 11.9 and Gutenberg 12.2, which incorporated the ToolsPanel component for typography tools and border controls, this update brings the ToolsPanel to the color sidebar. Users can now expand and collapse Text, Background, and Link colors in different contexts, improving the color editing experience and aligning the controls with other design tools. 
    • Two new blocks have been introduced in 12.6. The Post Author Biography block is part of an ongoing effort to separate the existing Post Author block into its individual components. The Read More block provides a simple way to link to a specific page or post within the Query block. 
    • Certain styles like color and font size are now retained when transforming between blocks. Furthermore, new block transforms have been added, such as converting Tag Cloud to Categories, Calendar to Archives, Paragraph to Code, and Group to Row variation. 
    • The editor now includes an error boundary specifically for plugins, enhancing its resilience against plugin-related issues. Beginning with Gutenberg 12.6, plugin errors are displayed at the top of the editor, providing users with information on which plugins are causing the problem. 
    • Building on the accessibility improvements made in Gutenberg 12.4, the List View is now more accessible for keyboard navigation and screen readers. Other accessibility improvements include VoiceOver now reading placeholder descriptions and search results in the block manager being announced.

    This update also includes numerous enhancements and bug fixes for the Block Library, Components, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 12.6 has to offer, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 12.5

    This version update was released on February 2, 2022.

    Gutenberg 12.5 comes with some excellent improvements meant to expand on existing functionality and help streamline workflows.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 12.5 include:

    • Users now have even more flexibility with the introduction of style variations, which allow for quick and effortless switching between different appearances within the same theme. 
    • The Query Loop feature has been enhanced to include custom taxonomies and filtering and more. In the filters panel, the Query Loop block now displays custom taxonomies based on the selected post type, providing comprehensive filtering options. Additionally, filtering by multiple authors is now supported in the Query Loop block.
    • When inserting a new Button Block, the new button will automatically inherit the styling from adjacent buttons, simplifying the design workflow. 
    • The Code Editor view is now accessible in the Site Editor. This allows users to access the underlying code, providing a peek behind the curtain for anyone who needs it.

    This update also includes a variety of enhancements and bug fixes for the Block Library, Site Editor, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 12.5 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 12.4

    This version update was released on January 19, 2022.

    Gutenberg 12.4 has a big focus on accessibility as well as the usual performance and bug fixes. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 12.4 include:

    • It is now much easier to navigate through the List View and Block Inserter Sidebar. This will make it much easier for screen readers to work through the page. 
    • The post publish panel now reminds the writer to add tags and categories before you push it live.
    • The site editor now has a list of keyboard shortcuts you can pull up and add into your daily use. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    This exciting release featured a bunch of new contributors, so thanks to them! There were also bug fixes, performance enhancements, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 12.4 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 12.3

    This version update was released on January 5, 2022.

    Happy New Year, WordPressers! We are kicking the year off with an exciting Gutenberg update.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 12.3 include: 

    • The update comes with two new blocks, an Author Block, and a Comment Pagination Block. Both of these make creating your layout easy. 
    • Using the Site Logo Block, you can now set your site icon. This is what you see in your browser tabs, bookmark tabs, and on mobile. 
    • We’ve talked about block spacers, but now you can get even more customization with custom units including VH, viewpoint height, EM, relative to parent font size, and more. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    2022 kicked off with a big one with group block customizations, the ability to restrict the navigation block, bug fixes, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 12.3 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 12.2

    This version update was released on December 22, 2021.

    This is the last big release of the year and sets Gutenberg up nicely for WordPress 5.9. Let’s dive into the biggest updates in this version. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 12.2 include:

    • The user experience got even better with Gutenberg 12.2. The page no longer needs to reload between the Site Editor and Template List, saving time. 
    • All blocks can now use the drop-down color picker. This clears up clutter in the toolbar. 
    • In the same vein, Border Controls have been moved to the ToolsPanel and can be used with every block as well. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Along with other performance enhancements and bug fixes, Gutenberg 12.2 comes with improvements to post comments, new font sizes in the FontSizePicker component, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 12.2 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 12.1

    This version update was released on December 8, 2021.

    Another big update on the heels of WordPress 5.9, Gutenberg 12.1 is jam-packed. Let’s get into it. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 12.1 include:

    • The Template List View has returned. This allows you to easily toggle between all your pages. 
    • Global Styles got a big update. The typography panel now allows you to toggle between text and link elements. You can view duotone styles in the color palette and preset your own gradients.
    • The Navigation Block has been reworked. Menu names are added automatically right off the bat. The dropdown menu now only displays what you choose it to. 

    This was a big update with a variety of ux updates, changes to block themes, bug fixes, and even more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 12.1 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 12.0

    This version update was released on November 24, 2021.

    Gutenberg 12.0 is continuing to get ready for WordPress 5.9 with a variety of enhancements, bug fixes, and more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 12.0 include:

    • A Site Editor Welcome Guide has been added to help new users get the most out of Gutenberg. 
    • Block Styles Previews have been added to the sidebar so you can see what the styles look like before choosing one. 
    • The featured image block now does a more accurate job of displaying the height and width of the image once it’s uploaded. 

    This is a big release with better typography controls, JSON schema updates, bug fixes, and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 12.0 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 11.9

    This version update was released on November 11, 2021.

    With Gutenberg 11.9, we get new blocks, improvements to old ones, and bug enhancements. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 11.9 include:

    • In big news, the Site Editor has been renamed “Editor” and will now live under the “Appearance” tab. 
    • A new Comments Block was released, which makes it incredibly easy to customize your comments section.
    • For better performance and accessibility, the block list view only renders a fixed number of items at a time instead of the entire post. 

    Gutenberg 11.9 is an impressive update that comes with new blocks, name changes, bug fixes and more. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 11.9 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 11.8

    This version update was released on October 28, 2021.

    The editing experience is the focus of Gutenberg 11.8, the second to last update before WordPress 5.9. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 11.8 include:

    • You can now preview patterns right from the inserter before adding them to your post. 
    • More blocks are getting spacing tools including the Heading Block and Site Navigation Block. 
    • The Navigation Block now has the ability to leave a hamburger menu always on. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Even more customizations were made available with Gutenberg 11.8 along with bug fixes and other enhancements. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 11.8 has to offer, check out the official release post.


    Gutenberg 11.7

    This version update was released on October 14, 2021.

    For years, columns have been difficult in WordPress, but in Gutenberg 11.7, they just got easier. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 11.7 include:

    • Adjust margins between columns with ease simply by toggling the block spacing. 
    • The Navigation Block got a big rework. Add links by simply clicking the “+” button. It also now supports custom font-size and line-height. 
    • Switching back and forth between the template editor and the site editor is now easier than ever with the addition of a button. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    All these things along with the bug fixes and other enhancements are bringing WordPress closer and closer to Full Site Editing. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 11.7 has to offer, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 11.6

    This version update was released on October 1, 2021.

    When your client asks you if you can make the logo bigger, Gutenberg 11.6 makes it easy. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 11.6 include:

    • You no longer have to edit your site logo before uploading it. Just go to the Site Logo toolbar and crop, rotate, and size to your heart’s content. 
    • Before Gutenberg 11.6, you could lock an entire template, but now you can lock specific blocks.
    • The Query Pagination block has been improved and now supports the flex layout to enable automatic best fit. 

    The updates in Gutenberg 11.6 will save you a ton of time and energy. Of course it also comes with bug fixes and other enhancements.

    To see what else Gutenberg 11.6 has to offer, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 11.5

    This version update was released on September 16, 2021.

    The block gap support introduced in 11.4 is expanded in 11.5, as well as other performance updates and design tools. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 11.5 include:

    • You can now choose the distance between items in a block. In 11.5, it was added to Columns, Title, and Navigation blocks. 
    • Flex Layouts, which were introduced in 11.2, are now supported in the Group and Social Links blocks.This will ensure the content in the blocks finds the best fit within the post.
    • In huge news, Global Styles are now available to themes by default. That means block, theme, and patterns can access styles in Core. 

    Gutenberg 11.5 brought a lot of exciting design enhancements and bug fixes. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 11.5 has to offer, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 11.4

    This version update was released on September 1, 2021.

    Block design is the star of the Gutenberg 11.4 update with a refactored Gallery Block, duotone filters for featured images, and more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 11.4 include:

    • The Gallery Block has been greatly updated. It is now a wrapper for the Image block, which means individual gallery images now contain all the functionality of the Image Block. 
    • Duotone filters for featured images have been extended and can be made consistent across all post and page templates, query blocks, and more. 
    • Support has been added for gap spacing control to a variety of blocks including Columns, Images, and more. 

    The updates in Gutenberg 11.4 are adding the groundwork for more precise layout options. And as always comes with bug fixes and other enhancements.

    To see what else Gutenberg 11.4 has to offer, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 11.3

    This version update was released on August 18, 2021.

    Featured post images get an update in Gutenberg 11.3, as well as new controls for Block Dimensions and more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 11.3 include:

    • The Spacing Panel has been renamed to the Dimensions Panel and now has greater capabilities. You have more control over spacing and other style options than ever before. 
    • The block inserter got a significant performance boost, making finding and inserting blocks way faster and easier.
    • The Featured Image block got a huge facelift with new width, height, and scale options. 

    Gutenberg 11.3 makes it even easier to create and customize a post. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 11.3 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 11.2

    This version update was released on August 4, 2021.

    Gutenberg 11.2 comes with updated color options, an experimental layout option, and more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 11.2 include:

    • The Search Block now comes with more colors and border options, allowing for better customization.
    • A new experimental layout is being tested on the group block with this update, giving parent blocks the ability to define the layout of other blocks. 
    • If you’re writing a series, an “Add New Post” button has been added to the post-Publish dialogue screen so you can keep on writing. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Gutenberg 11.2 has exciting advancements for designers and writers alike, as well other enhancements and bug fixes. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 11.2 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 11.1

    This version update was released on July 20, 2021.

    To the relief of many designers, Gutenberg 11.1 support has been added to edit block borders. You can now also drag and drop in the list view, and much more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 11.1 include:

    • The biggest thing to come out of 11.1 is begging support to edit block borders. You can change the width, style, radius, color, and more. Until now, this had to be done with custom code. 
    • Click on the List View and you can reorder all of the blocks in your post without copying and pasting. This is a huge time saver. 

    These are huge advancements toward Full Site Editing. The update also comes with other enhancements and bug fixes. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 11.1 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 11.0

    This version update was released on July 9, 2021.

    Gutenberg 11.0 coincides with efforts still underway on the WordPress 5.8 release. As such, this version is heavily focused on updates and bug fixes. Nonetheless, the release also introduces the following notable highlights.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 11.0 include:

    • A new “clickthrough” behavior has been added, requiring active selection of the block before interacting with its child blocks. This introduces a new editing overlay and interaction for reusable blocks. When the block is not selected, hovering over it displays a blue overlay. Clicking anywhere inside the block selects the block itself, preventing the selection of children before the parent. This change addresses user feedback about the lack of friction when editing these reusable elements, leading to a frustrating experience.
    • Support for CSS Shorthand Properties in theme.json and Block Attributes Theme JSON is increasingly being used to define reusable CSS rules across themes. As the usage of this feature grows, it becomes important to support common methods of setting style properties. In this release, full support for CSS shorthand properties (e.g., margin: 0) and longhand properties (e.g., margin-left: 0) has been introduced.

    The Gutenberg team has also addressed a list of bugs and implemented numerous enhancements, ensuring a smoother and more refined user experience for all. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 11.0 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 10.9

    This version update was released on June 23, 2021.

    Gutenberg 10.9 comes with several new features and improvements that have been introduced to enhance the editing experience.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 10.9 include:

    • The Link Control feature now includes rich URL previews, providing users with visual and contextual information about the linked content. This helps with better understanding and managing links within the editor. 
    • List View now allows users to expand and collapse nested blocks, providing a more organized and streamlined view of complex block structures. This makes it easier to navigate and edit content within nested blocks. 
    • The Query Loop block has been renamed as the Post Template block. This change clarifies its purpose, which is to create custom templates for displaying posts dynamically. 
    • The Widgets Editor has received various enhancements and bug fixes, improving its functionality and addressing any reported issues. These improvements ensure a smoother and more reliable experience when working with widgets. 

    Additionally, Gutenberg 10.9 brings valuable enhancements and bug fixes to the editor, making it more user-friendly and robust.

    To see what else Gutenberg 10.9 has to offer, check out the official release post. 


    Gutenberg 10.8

    This version update was released on June 9, 2021.

    Gutenberg 10.8 comes with several new features and improvements that have been introduced to enhance the editing experience.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 10.8 include:

    • Significant attention has been given to improving performance through iterative enhancements. One notable improvement is the ability to pass __experimentalLayout to a memoized object, preventing unnecessary re-renders when layout data remains unchanged. This optimization greatly benefits blocks like BlockList, reducing the frequency of re-rendering and enhancing overall editor performance. 
    • The heading block now supports font-weight customization, allowing for greater typographic control. Additionally, the List block now offers support for custom fonts, enabling users to create visually appealing lists with their preferred font choices. These design tools can be easily configured in the theme.json file, providing flexibility for customization. 
    • The title area in the Template Editor now corresponds to the current post title, providing clear context during editing. The template details popover has also been improved, offering more detailed information and an enhanced layout. These enhancements provide users with a clearer and more descriptive interface, making it easier to understand and work with the post and template being edited. 

    Overall, Gutenberg 10.8 focuses on performance optimizations, introduces additional design tools, and enhances the Template Editor to provide a smoother and more efficient editing experience.

    To see what else Gutenberg 10.8 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 10.7

    This version update was released on May 26, 2021.

    Gutenberg 10.7 is the last Gutenberg release to be included in the coming WordPress 5.8 release. As such, much of the focus for this release has been on bringing forward features that will be included in WordPress version 5.8

    Highlights of Gutenberg 10.7 include:

    • In previous versions of Gutenberg, the List View in the Post Editor was displayed as a popover that closed when focus was shifted elsewhere on the page. However, starting from Gutenberg 10.7, the List View now remains persistent in the Post Editor, just like it was in the Site Editor. This means that a sidebar displaying the full post block tree is available. 
    • Gutenberg 10.7 also introduces the initial version of responsive menus in the Navigation block. By enabling the “Enable responsive menu” block option, the Navigation block now collapses into a “Hamburger menu” when viewed on smaller screens. This implementation prioritizes accessibility by ensuring full keyboard navigability of the menu. 
    • Continuing its focus on design tools, Gutenberg 10.7 introduces new features and support for existing ones in blocks. For example, the Site Title and Site Tagline blocks now support custom margin blocks with configurable sides. The Query block receives special attention in this release, offering new design options including layout and color choices. 
    • The behavior and placement of the “Top toolbar” mode have been refined. Wider screens will no longer display the editor bar and block toolbar together, resulting in an improved user experience. When enabled, the top toolbar remains fixed on top of the canvas, positioned below the editor top bar, regardless of the browser width. Implementers will also benefit from a simplified implementation with all toolbar APIs unified under a single <BlockTools /> component. 
    • Patterns can now be inserted directly from the WordPress.org Pattern Directory, similar to how blocks are inserted.

    Additionally, Gutenberg 10.7 brings valuable enhancements and bug fixes to the editor, making it even more user-friendly and robust.

    To see what else Gutenberg 10.7 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 10.6

    This version update was released on May 14, 2021.

    Gutenberg 10.6 takes another big step toward Full Site Editing with duotone filter supports, Block Pattern placeholders, and more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 10.6 include:

    • Duotone filters for blocks have been added experimentally giving designers a quick way to make image and cover blocks more uniform.
    • If you are someone that hates staring at a blinking cursor, use the new /query block to see an example of what your site could look like. 
    • The Table Block got a big makeover with added colors and borders, making it easier than ever to add beautiful tables. 

    It is now easier than ever to customize every part of your site with Gutenberg 10.6.  

    To see what else Gutenberg 10.5 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 10.5

    This version update was released on April 29, 2021.

    There’s a lot to celebrate with Gutenberg 10.5 from new block patterns to embedded PDFs and much more. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 10.5 include:

    • This update came with some exciting block patterns, such as bundled block patterns and more opinionated Query Blocks. 
    • You can now switch between post and template editing. This update also added the ability to create custom theme templates in the classic themes. 
    • Give people more information by embedding PDFs with the File block. 

    This update has made huge strides forward toward Full Site Editing as well as bug fixes and other enhancements. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 10.5 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 10.4

    This version update was released on April 14, 2021.

    Gutenberg 10.4 introduces block widgets to the customizer and lots of other cool stuff.   

    Highlights of Gutenberg 10.4 include:

    • This update introduces the first iteration of block widgets in the customizer, making it much easier to find the block you’re looking for. 
    • The Site Editor List View got a facelift with updated icons, new colors, and more. 
    • More description has been added to the publisher widget. You can now see where you’re publishing to, whether it’s on mobile, a full screen option, and more.
    • One of the most exciting improvements is you can now revert to theme defaults without leaving the Site Editor. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    Gutenberg 10.4 is a big update with a lot of other enhancements and bug fixes. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 10.4 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 10.3

    This version update was released on April 2, 2021.

    Gutenberg 10.3 comes with an editor performance boost, improvements to the navigation block, inserter and more.  

    Highlights of Gutenberg 10.3 include:

    • In order to simplify the way themes define and style alignments, the team has introduced the concept of layout and layout configuration, something that is automatically rendered with the theme.json file
    • You can now drag and drop a new background image in the Cover Block
    • The Navigation Block got a facelift with a better-flow to build nested menus, in-between inserter, and a list-view in the editor.

    This only scratches the surface of the changes made in 10.3. To see what else it has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 10.2

    This version update was released on March 17, 2021.

    We are getting even closer to Full Site Editing with the updates in Gutenberg 10.2. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 10.2 include:

    • When choosing a Query block there’s now a setup step that allows picking a block pattern for it to use. This is done using a new API that allows you to fetch various patterns.
    • The new Spacer Block allows you to slide for the width of your spaces. This works particularly well in horizontally-stacked blocks. 
    • When you transform media and text blocks to columns, you will automatically be given two columns with the media and the text side-by-side. 
    • The “Start writing or type / to choose a block” prompt will only be shown in the top block, and not in all of them in your post.

    As always, the update comes with various bug fixes and enhancements. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 10.2 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 10.1

    This version update was released on March 2, 2021.

    Gutenberg 10.1 continues Full Site Editing enhancements as well as updates to widgets and navigation screens and Global Styles. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 10.1 include:

    • Reusable blocks saw a big upgrade with this update. The Reusable block’s title is  displayed next to the block type in the navigation list in the toolbar. You can now also modify the saved title of reusable block in the sidebar inspector. 
    • The Image block’s toolbar now displays as, “meta, block level, inline” in the block toolbar. This update will be made to other blocks.
    • You can now add more spacing around your social links and buttons, making them easier to see. 

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    There are also a variety of bug fixes and enhancements. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 10.1 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 10.0

    This version update was released on February 17, 2021.

    Gutenberg 10.0 is the 100th release of Gutenberg. While that in and of itself is an impressive feat (The Gutenberg project launched just over two years ago), there’s nothing particularly extraordinary about this release. It offers improvements for existing features, fixes bugs, adds new features, and experiments with new ideas.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 10.0 include:

    • You can now use a dynamic Pages block that updates with new pages and can be added inside a Navigation block or used on its own.
    • You can also make the parent block selector visible and offset within the block toolbar.

    Source: make.wordpress.org

    The release also features a number of new bug fixes and multiple enhancements.  

    To see what else Gutenberg 10.0 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 9.9

    This version update was released on February 5, 2021.

    Gutenberg 9.9 marks the 99th release of the Gutenberg plugin! This version, which will be included in the WordPress 5.7 release, continues to push forward on exciting features like Full Site Editing, Global Styles, the Navigation block, and the Widgets screen. 

    Highlights of Gutenberg 9.9 include:

    • You can now customize the background color and icon color for all the icons within a Social Icons block. This update allows you to create a cohesive, visually appealing design matching your unique style. 
    • The Options modal has transformed and re-emerged as Preferences. With its brand-new look, Preferences offers a sleek, updated interface that enhances usability and navigation. Explore the improved interface and effortlessly fine-tune your settings to personalize your editing experience. 
    • By enabling the “Display button labels” setting, you can now use text labels in the block toolbar instead of relying solely on icons. This feature allows for more precise and intuitive navigation, ensuring you can quickly identify and utilize the tools you need to create your content.

    The Gutenberg team has also addressed various bugs and implemented enhancements, ensuring a smoother and more refined user experience for all. 

    To see what else Gutenberg 9.9 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 9.8

    This version update was released on January 20, 2021. 

    As WordPress continues making steady progress with Full Site Editing, this release pushes ahead with ongoing enhancements, including updates to Global Styles, numerous bug fixes, and other improvements.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 9.8 include: 

    • The Spacer block has been updated with a semi-transparent background, replacing the opaque light grey background. This enhancement aims to improve visibility by distinguishing the spacer from lighter-colored layers that might be behind it. 
    • Continuing the enhancements introduced in block variations with version 9.7, the block switcher now showcases the specific variation’s icon instead of the generic icon associated with the block. This change provides a more intuitive and visually appealing experience for users. 
    • The Site Editor now utilizes an iframe to render its content. This implementation offers several advantages, such as preventing unwanted interference from admin CSS and enabling the use of a theme stylesheet without any adjustments. The team plans to adopt the same approach for the Post Editor once its stability has been established. 
    • Full Site Editing no longer generates auto-drafts for template and template part post objects. Previously, these auto-drafts were necessary for block templates and template parts directly derived from files in a Full Site Editing theme without any user modifications. However, managing and synchronizing these auto-drafts proved to be complex. 

    This release also features new bug fixes and multiple enhancements.  

    To see what else Gutenberg 9.8 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 9.7

    This version update was released on January 6, 2021. 

    It’s the first release of the new year, bringing some great improvements and fixes to the publishing experience!

    Highlights of Gutenberg 9.7 include: 

    • The ability to drag and drop block patterns from the inserter into the post canvas. (This builds upon the ability to drag and drop blocks into the post, which was released in version 9.6)
    • Updates to reusable blocks, specifically how they’re shown and edited. This will likely inspire some UI updates in weeks to come!
    • When you insert a block variation, the editor will match it to the block being used and show the icon and description of the variation, so you can keep track of exactly what variant you’re working with.

    This release also features three new APIs, a number of bug fixes, and several experiments to kick the year off right.

    To see what else Gutenberg 9.7 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 9.6

    This version update was released on December 23, 2020. 

    Gutenberg 9.6 primarily continues progress on Full Site Editing and Global styles.

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.6 release include: 

    • The ability to drag and drop blocks from the inserter into the post canvas, giving you a little extra visual control when publishing posts.
    • The option to vertically align buttons, instead of just horizontally.
    • 25 bug fixes, ranging from fixing blocks to crashes to minor UI improvements!

    To see what else Gutenberg 9.6 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 9.5

    This version update was released on December 2, 2020. 

    Gutenberg 9.5 brings updates on Full Site Editing and Global styles, which have been in development for several weeks now.

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.5 release include: 

    • Full height alignment. This can be used in several blocks, but one of the best to view it is the Cover block.
    • Font size support in Code blocks. (No more squinting at small text!)
    • Improved block pattern previews in the Block Inserter.
    • Restoring the gray background in the Post Editor.

    There are over 20 more bug fixes that come with this release, so it’s packed full of updates for your sites.

    To see what else Gutenberg 9.5 has to offer, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 9.4

    This version update was released on November 18, 2020. 

    Gutenberg 9.4 focused on updates to existing blocks and APIs, while work on Full Site Editing and Global styles continues.

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.4 release include: 

    • The ability to change the width of buttons based on percentage, instead of just the dynamic width. (For example, if you have two buttons side by side, you can set one to have a larger width than the other, to establish a little hierarchy.)
    • The option to change the size of social icons via the Social Icon block.
    • The option to change the font size of text in a list block.

    An example of setting button widths based on percentages. Gif from the release post on wordpress.org.

    You’ll also find a bunch of bug fixes with this release, including the option to add headers by typing /h1, /h2, etc. and small polishes to various UI elements like improving the high-contrast mode for Windows 10.

    To learn more about Gutenberg 9.4, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 9.3

    This version update was released on November 4, 2020. 

    With WordPress 5.6 getting closer and closer, this release focused on some stability improvements as well as full-site editing flows. (If you activate a block-based theme, this will be automatically enabled.)

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.3 release include: 

    • Support for all units in font-size presets.
    • Making sure all alignment options are always rendered in the same order. (So less clicking the wrong one!)
    • Dark mode UI enhancements for those of you (like me!) who prefer a darker screen.
    • New Patreon, Tiktok, and Telegram icons for social links.

    This release also included over 20 bug fixes, bringing lots of little quality of life improvements to the block editor experience.

    For more information on Gutenberg 9.3, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 9.2

    This version update was released on October 21, 2020. 

    This release is the final version that made it into the WordPress 5.6 beta, with features and enhancements to continue improving the block editor.

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.2 release include: 

    • Support for video subtitles! You’ll find a new drop-down in the video block.
    • The ability to select multiple blocks and transform them into a Columns block. (You can see an example converting three images into a three-column layout in the official release post.)
    • The option to add background patterns (repeating images) in Cover blocks.

    As for enhancements, there were a lot of improvements made to the widget screen and new APIs added/updated to further expand functionality.

    To learn more about Gutenberg 9.2, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 9.1

    This version update was released on September 30, 2020. 

    This release includes almost 200 commits from 77 contributors. Wow! The primary focus is on features related to WordPress 5.6, such as the Widgets Screen and Block API.

    Highlights of Gutenberg 9.1 include: 

    • Progress on the Global styles project, with the possibility to use the theme.json config file to control block editor features and presets (like color palettes, font sizes, etc.)
    • Block patterns are now organized per category for better navigation.
    • There’s now an “Open in new tab” option for the “Social Links” block.
    • There’s a new “Image Size” control in the Media & Text block.

    You’ll also find a bunch of enhancements, like reducing the minimum height for the Spacer block to 1px and allowing HTML editing and rich text content in Code blocks.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 9.0

    This version update was released on September 16, 2020. 

    The Gutenberg 9.0 release included several highly anticipated updates to the navigation screen. You’ll notice a newly designed user interface and improved functionality here! The query block was another strong focus for this update as it got jacked with several new commands.

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.0 version release include: 

    • The navigation block got a facelift in terms of a new interface and features. It can now support drag and drop functions inside the list view!
    • New robust features added to the query block. Updates to this block include the ability to search all, filtering by author, order options, and added support for tags (woohoo!).
    • Saying goodbye to Facebook and Instagram embedding options since Facebook will be dropping their own embedding support in the future.
    • Several experimental features including heaps of new support for the block editor theme control!

    Gutenberg 9.0 included several updates to the navigation block with a new interface and drag and drop features inside the list view. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 8.9 

    This version update was released on September 2, 2020. 

    The Gutenberg team has two main focuses to refine and update which are full site editing capabilities and the widgets screen additions. 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.9 version release include: 

    • Block-based widgets have moved out of experiments as a full-fledged feature, enabled by default now. Lots of testing and feedback is still needed to get this feature right but it’s a great step in the right direction for the future of Gutenberg!
    • The option to add a character count to the info panel. 
    • 30(!) bug fixes were added to refine and improve the overall editing experience. 

    Gutenberg 8.9 included removing the block-based widget feature from an experimental one to an automatically enabled one. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 8.8 

    This version update was released on August 19, 2020. 

    Cheers to WordPress 5.5 and the release of Gutenberg 8.8 to go along with that!  

    The Gutenberg team has made major progress in their move towards full-site editing capabilities with several UI enhancements and experimental features with this release. 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.8 version release include: 

    • A redesigned widget screen that’ll rely on new dedicated endpoints. This is a part of a bigger goal to add more block enabled sections to the WordPress experience! 
    • The ability to add undocumented global style blocks and properties.
    • 12 Enhancements. 
    • 24 Bug fixes.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 8.7 

    This version update was released on August 5, 2020. 

    With the release of WordPress 5.5 right around the corner, the Gutenberg team has released a quieter update this go-around with the bulk of this release containing minor enhancements and bug fixes.

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.7 version release include: 

    • 30+ Bug fixes.
    • 20+ Enhancements and updates. 

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 8.6 

    This version update was released on July 22, 2020. 

    The Gutenberg expansion plan continues forward with the release of version 8.6. This time around, don’t expect a ton of new shiny features but do expect the Gutenberg team to continue refining the overall editing experience through interface redesigns and enhancements.

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.6 version release include: 

    • More reign of control over the cover block positioning of videos. You can now pick a focal point within a video and position it as you please!
    • New block pattern updates for the following elements: Large header and paragraph, Large header, Text two columns, Three buttons, Two buttons, Quote.
    • A few enhancements and a lot of bug fixes.
    Gutenberg-cover-block-positioning

    Gutenberg 8.6 introduced a new feature for more control over the cover block of video positioning. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 8.5 

    This version update was released on July 8, 2020. 

    This plugin release will be entirely included in the WordPress 5.5 core on its target date of August 11. This wasn’t a major release but Gutenberg 8.5 was still packed with a few notable feature improvements, bug fixes, and enhancements (all the goooood stuff). 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.5 version release include: 

    • Improvements to the drag-and-drop block feature, so you can now drag and drop multi-block selections. 
    • Accessibility improvements to disable arrow navigation across blocks to avoid confusion when you’re writing long-form content. 
    • The option to upload media to the media library when pasting into the block editor from an external source so external media will no longer be in limbo and can be safely kept in your media library.
    • A new feature to add anchor/id support to all static blocks.
    • A new feature to have the ability to keep the caret inside blocks in edit mode.

    Gutenberg-Easy-upload.

    Gutenberg 8.5 has simplified the process of uploading external media into the media library. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 8.4 

    This version update was released on June 24, 2020. 

    This plugin release came out with an extra helping of editing features and bug fixes (always positive news)! Several experimental blocks evolved into permanent blocks to be downloaded for every install so there are a lot of user-facing updates in this release. 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.4 version release include: 

    • A new image editing feature that allows you to zoom, rotate, or change the aspect ratio for an image directly in the editor. Previously, you might’ve used third-party software like Adobe Photoshop to accomplish this so three cheers for quick image edits done in the editor!  
    • A feature that allows new multi-block controls. You can now select multiple blocks and customize them all at once with this new editor! The only limitation is that the blocks have to be the same type in order to fulfill multi-selection action. 
    • The long-awaited block directory feature. This allows you to discover, install, and insert third-party blocks into your post from the editor. 
    • Lots of bug fixes to improve editor performance. 

    Gutenberg-image-cropping

    Gutenberg 8.4 introduced a new image editing feature. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post.  


    Gutenberg 8.3 

    This version update was released on June 11, 2020. 

    The latest Gutenberg editor was released with a few new notable features. This version includes several user-facing features and performance enhancements.

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.3 version release include: 

    • A new intuitive padding option so you have more control over the spacing within the blocks. 
    • Saying goodbye to previous default-set link colors, and hello to new link color control options.
    • A new block category system that has been renamed and updated. The new categories are: text, media, design, widgets, and embeds. 
    • A new parent block selector to child blocks to improve your chances of selecting the correct block when in nested contexts. 

    Gutenberg-padding-controls

    Gutenberg 8.3 introduced a new padding feature in the editor. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 8.2 

    This version update was released on May 27, 2020. 

    Say hello to the latest Gutenberg editing experience! This release has heaps of improved editing functions. There are lots of updates so let’s dig into it! 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.2 version release include: 

    • New block pattern categories. The categories are: text, hero, columns, buttons, gallery, features, and testimonials.
    • In the Cover Block, a new content alignment feature. The functionality is now easier to do with nine(!) alignment options. 
    • The ability to copy/cut an entire block (if no text is selected) with keyboard shortcuts. You can use Ctrl + C to copy a block or Ctrl + X to cut a block. 
    • Several enhancements to improve the writing and editing experience. Commands such as copy, cut, and paste are smoother thanks to the enhancements. 

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 8.1 

    This version update was released on May 13, 2020. 

    Another day, another Gutenberg release! The latest update doesn’t include a lot of bells-and-whistles feature updates, but does include plenty of important user interface improvements. 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.1 version release include: 

    • A new block pattern feature so it’s easier for you to insert desired patterns and a new pattern (the testimonials). 
    • New Transform functions so it’s easier for you to shift blocks into different forms:
      • Embed blocks into paragraph blocks.
      • Code to HTML block and the opposite. 
    • A small, yet incredibly useful, copy block action. You can now copy one or multiple blocks with a simple click. 

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 8.0 

    This version update was released on April 29, 2020. 

    *You have now reached the next level*

    Let’s welcome Gutenberg 8.0 to the WordPress world today! This plugin is chalked full of performance refinements and the addition of a few nifty features. 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.0 version release include: 

    • A new tab-panel has been added to the block to allow you to browse and insert block patterns. This function has been redesigned so now it’s heaps easier to browse through patterns in the space it allows!
    • A collapsible dropdown list of formatting options. The previous interface was very limited in screen space so this should improve the editing experience of formatting moving forward. 
    • A new and improved code editor (which looks exactly how it should now). The Gutenberg team redesigned the code editor to use a monospace font for the title with a newly resized editor viewpoint. 
    • New formatting options! You can now add subscript and superscript formatting options.  
    • Lots of good ‘ole enhancements and bug fixes. 

    Gutenberg-patterns-inserter

    Gutenberg 8.0 introduced a new patterns inserter feature. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 7.9 

    This version update was released on April 15, 2020. 

    After a slight delay, the Gutenberg team has released the newest editor version–7.9. With the longer-than-usual wait, we were awarded with more new features and user interface enhancements for compensation! 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.9 version release include: 

    • Tons of additions to the block design tools. You now have more functionality over the height unit control for the cover block, line-height control for the paragraph and heading blocks, and background gradient support for group, columns, and media and text blocks. This is a great step towards redefining the editing experience in WordPress with Gutenberg! 
    • Three new block patterns. Say hello to the following new patterns: Hero Two Columns, Numbered Features, and It’s Time. 
    • The usual lot of bug fixes and performance enhancements.

    Gutenberg-gradient-tool

    Gutenberg 7.8 introduced expanded design capabilities in the block editor. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 7.8

    This version update was released on March 25, 2020. 

    This smaller plugin release focused mainly on block user interface redesign and official API modifications. While this release isn’t all that big, the user interface continues to improve (and that in itself is huge)! 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.8 version release include: 

    • A polished user interface so you’ll notice that several elements in the block editor have been redesigned for ease. 
    • Lots of bug fixes and user enhancements to go along with the user interface redesign. 

    Gutenberg 7.8 introduced an updated user interface. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 7.7

    This version update was released on March 11, 2020. 

    Big things were promised with version 7.7 and the Gutenberg team delivered. This plugin release featured a newly designed user interface and new block editing functions. 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.7 version release include: 

    • A newly designed user interface. While this won’t be the final design of the Gutenberg editor, this new version comes with a simpler block toolbar, better user interface color contrast, and consistent focus styles. The main goal was to elevate the previous editor so it felt more professional and clean!  
    • The introduction of new block patterns that will be offered as predefined block layouts, ready to insert and customize as needed! There are currently four patterns with more to be released in the later versions. 

    Gutenberg-UI-element-enhancement

    Gutenberg 7.7 introduced new UI elements in the block editor. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 7.6

    This version update was released on February 26, 2020. 

    The Gutenberg 7.6 editor introduced several notable experimental features for expanded block controls. Hopefully these functions will move their way into the permanent boat over the course of the next releases! 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.6 version release include: 

    • A new transition from single-tip to now rotating-tips in the block inserter. Instead of one, a list of several suggested actions will appear when you press [/] to quickly insert new blocks. 
    • New experimental full-site editing blocks for elements such as the post featured image, post tags, comments count, and comments form.
    • A lot of bug fixes and enhancements that make up a majority of this release. 

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 7.5

    This version update was released on February 12, 2020. 

    This plugin release will be fully included in WordPress 5.4. The latest Gutenberg editor comes with a heavy emphasis on improving the social functions!

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.5 version release include: 

    • The previously experimental social links block is now a stable block in the editor. 
    • A new feature so you can add color to rich text and inline color to text.
    • A new feature to display featured images in the latest post block. 
    • A good chunk of bug fixes and performance enhancements. 

    Gutenberg-block-variationsGutenberg 7.5 introduced a new block variations function in the editor. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 7.4

    This version update was released on February 5, 2020. 

    The latest release is a colorful new edition to the next Gutenberg editor. The Gutenberg team added a lot of exciting functions to liven up your design capabilities! 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.4 version release include: 

    • A new feature where you can now add background color support to the columns block. 
    • A new feature where you can now add text color support for the group block. In previous versions, you couldn’t apply a text color to every sub-element of the block so now you can design with a bit more ease and customization. 
    • Navigation block enhancements to improve your editing experience. 
    • Several bug fixes and enhancements to make everything run a bit smoother. 

    Gutenberg-color-enhancementsGutenberg 7.4 introduced new color features and enhancements in the editor. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 7.3

    This version update was released on January 22, 2020. 

    The second release of 2020 consisted mainly of performance and interface improvements, and a good helping of bug fixes and enhancements. On a very exciting note—the navigation block received some noticeable interface changes! 

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.3 version release include: 

    • A fresh navigation block perked up with colorful feature enhancements. With these new options, you can now set the text color for all navigation and set the background color for the entire navigation block. 
    • Load time for page loads and commands have improved 30-50% faster according to the team. A great win for the editing experience!
    • New block collections API that can be used to group blocks in the block inserter. 
    • Bug fixes and enhancements. 

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    Gutenberg 7.2

    This version update was released on January 22, 2020. 

    The first Gutenberg release of 2020 includes some of the most asked features from you and the WordPress community! The Gutenberg team set the bar high with this release—perhaps it’s setting the tone for the rest of the year for Gutenberg’s course.

    Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.2 version release include:  

    • A new button block to align more than one button in a row. This was previously a huge headache for designers in the editor but the Gutenberg team heard your concerns to remediate this function!
    • A new tabbing navigation has been introduced for edit mode to improve accessibility. This will be one of many interface updates to improve the editing experience. 
    • A new gallery block so you now have more control over the proportion and ratio of the media in the block.
    • The ability to add a link for the image in the media and text block. 
    • Bug fixes and enhancements. 

    Gutenberg-new-buttons-block-feature

    Gutenberg 7.2 introduced a new button block function in the editor. Photo credit: WordPress.

    For more information about this release, check out the official release post


    For information on updates older than 2020, go to the Make.WordPress blog

    The post What’s New in Gutenberg: The Latest Version (July 2023) appeared first on Torque.

  • Get Ready for WordCamp Europe 2023

    Next week, thousands of WordPressers will descend on Athens, Greece for WordCamp Europe 2023. The conference kicks off with Contributor Day on June 8 and is followed by two jam-packed days of talks and workshops on the 9 and 10.

    Tickets are still available.

    It’s going to be an amazing weekend full of sun, food, and learning. Let’s dive into what you can expect.

    Learn

    Organizers did not skimp on the content for this year’s event, and there is absolutely something for everyone. Because so many people applied to speak, they have added an entirely new speaker track. Talks cover topics like AI, the WP-CLI, security, and more.

    Here are some we don’t want to miss:

    Women and Non-Binary Folx of WordPress: A prestigious panel of people will lead a discussion on underrepresented people in WordPress. This conversation will undoubtably be eye-opening and educational, so come with questions.

    The Art of Code Review: Code review is incredibly necessary but can be daunting. Developer Tim Nash, will teach you how to make the most out of the process and have fun while doing it.

    Building Interactive Blocks: Interactive blocks can entirely change the functionality of your site. This workshop led by developer Luis Herranz, will take you through the process of creating one step-by-step.

    How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love our AI Rulers: AI has been a huge topic among WordPressers over the last year, and some people are reticent. Technical Architect at WP Engine, James Dominy, wants to assuage some of those fears and take a look at how to leverage these tools responsibly.

    Variations on a Theme: 20 Years of WordPress: WordPress Co-Founder, Matt Mullenweg, and WordPress Executive Director, Josepha Hayden Chomphosy, will wrap-up the conference with a look at the last 20 years of WordPress and what’s in store for the next.

    This list doesn’t even skim the surface of the amazing content available. Make sure you go back and watch all the talks on WordPress.TV after the event so you don’t miss a minute.

    Check out our conversation with Global Lead for WCEU Evangelia Pappa:

    Connect

    After you have soaked up all the knowledge you can, it’s time to relax and connect with the other attendees. WordCamp is a great time to meet new people and catch up with old friends, and there are a plenty of chances to do that.

    WP Engine is hosting an after party on Friday at 7 pm at Le Grand Balcon, located on the 6th floor of the St. George Lycabettus Hotel. The even is free to anyone who registers. There will be drinks, appetizers, and of course, networking.

    Come for the drinks, stay for the great company.

    As always, organizers have put together a rockin’ after party for anyone with a badge. At 8:30 on June 10, head to the Lohan Athens Nightclub and compliment your favorite speaker.

    There are also a variety of side events to attend including a pre-event picnic and a Pride event. Check out the entire list here.

    Explore

    The conference will be held at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre. It is near historical sites and a metro ride away from city center.

    While you’re there, make sure to do some exploring of Athens. Whether you want to practice your Greek, lay on a beach, or eat your weight in tzatziki, there is something for you!

    WCEU organizers have written up great guides on transportation and local customs so you’ll fit right in.

    Whether you’re there for the sun, talks, or networking, WCEU is going to be an incredible experience.

    Buy your tickets here.

    The post Get Ready for WordCamp Europe 2023 appeared first on Torque.

  • Celebrating 20 Years of WordPress

    On May 27, 2003, Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little forked b2/cafelog creating the next, best blogging platform. 

    20 years later WordPress powers over 40 percent of the web, a number that is growing steadily. It’s been used by the likes of the New York Times and Beyoncé. It has outlasted MySpace, the iPod, and a global pandemic. 

    But most importantly, it is the reason why we are all here. We as a community, as an ecosystem, would not exist without that spark of inspiration back in 2003. 

    This is a love letter to 20 years of WordPress and a toast to 20 more. 

    WordPress: A History 

    The tale has been told a thousand times. The features of the existing blogging platforms in 2003 were incredibly limiting. They lacked customization and expandability, so 19-year old college student Matt Mullenweg wrote a blog post in January wondering what a better blogging platform could look like. Across the world in England, professional developer Mike Little commented on that post expressing interest in the project. With a little help from some friends, the skeleton for WordPress was created.

    However, every WordPresser worth their salt knows the lore of these two men and that fabled fork. We are going to celebrate what makes WordPress so special and how it’s endured two decades. 

    Free for All 

    In 2003, the biggest competitor to WordPress was Moveable Type, which had strict licensing restrictions that limited what most bloggers wanted to do. From day one, Mullenweg was committed to keeping the WordPress project open source. Crucial to this mission was instituting a General Public License (GPL) with every instance of WordPress. 

    The GPL provides four core freedoms: 

    1. The freedom to run the program for any purpose.
    2. The freedom to study how the program works and change it to make it do what you wish.
    3. The freedom to redistribute.
    4. The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others.

    This pivotal decision is what sets WordPress apart from so many other CMSs. Anyone with a computer and a Wifi connection can create a beautiful website or contribute to the project at large. It is this foundational step that has set the CMS up for the phenomenal success it has seen. 

    To further ensure the future of the project, Mullenweg announced his Five for the Future initiative in 2014. This urges every single contributor and company to donate either five percent of their time or money back into WordPress. 

    Expanding Your World With Plugins

    In May 2004, just a year after its inception, plugin architecture was added to WordPress. This decision is what took WordPress from a blogging platform to a website builder. As of writing, there are over 60,000 free plugins in the Plugin Repository. 

    The plugin ecosystem not only allows you to expand your website, it is also an incredible way to become a business owner. You can develop plugins at any time of day anywhere in the world giving WordPressers the freedom to take control of their lives.

    Any functionality you can dream up is achievable with the addition of a plugin. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Develop and submit one of your own. The possibilities are truly endless. 

    Make it Beautiful With Themes 

    Another crucial WordPress component was introduced in version 1.5 in 2005, themes. The theme framework changed the game. No longer did all WordPress sites look the same. As with plugins, anyone can develop a theme and submit it to the repository, which currently houses over 10,000 unique options.

    Starting in 2010, a new default theme was included with each major release. In this year’s Twenty Twenty-Three Theme, designers from around the community submitted style variations, a trend that will continue in the future.  

    Each theme has a variety of customization options so no two sites will look alike even when using the same template. You are not boxed into a handful of templates your platform provides. 

    Full Site Editing and Gutenberg 

    Speaking of boxes, the most impactful change to date occurred in 2018 with the Gutenberg editor. For the first time in 15 years, Mullenweg announced a huge change to the editor. Instead of the classic WYSIWYG model, pages are now broken down into blocks. 

    This announcement came with some trepidation, but has since been embraced, spawning block developers all over the world.  

    With the world changing and the likes of Squarespace and Wix entering the market, WordPress had to do something to capture the attention of non-developer website owners. Blocks are intuitive and getting better every day, making it easier for someone with little experience to build something they love. 

    Gutenberg led to Site Editing, a way to customize every part of your site using blocks. 

    This is an exciting advancement and one Mullenweg sees taking on a life of its own outside of WordPress entirely. 

    In a conversation with WP Engine at DE{CODE}, Mullenweg was joined by Matías Ventura, Lead Architect of Gutenberg; Developer Experience Team at Automattic to discuss just this.

    “We’re seeing designers who haven’t touched code at all be able to express and share their creations using Gutenberg,” Ventura said. “What I really want to see is that expansion of catering to all the facets of human creativity and expression and I think all these tools speak to that.”

    Mullenweg agreed saying, “We are aiming to build something for humanity, for the web, not just for the WordPress community.”

    The WordPress Community

    While all of these things make up the bones of WordPress the most important aspect makes up the heart, the community. At times intimidating but more often uplifting, the group of people that build, use, and sell WordPress are unlike any other. At any time of day there is someone to answer a tech question, or give design advice. 

    In Mullenweg’s annual State of the Word Address in December, he announced there were 22 in-person WordPress events held in 2022. When the pandemic shut down travel, folks all across the globe held online meetups and conferences, starved for the companionship that is the community. Something that should have separated us even more managed to bring us back together stronger than ever with the biggest WordCamp Europe to date in 2022. 

    Code is Poetry

    From the outside, WordPress is an excellent CMS that can support websites of any size . But from the inside, it is a living, breathing thing with the most passionate people you will ever meet. When I joined Torque in 2015, I had no idea I would travel the globe and make lifelong friends. I had no idea I would grow both professionally and personally with the guidance of the people in this community. 

    20 years is both a long time and a blink of an eye. All of you reading this were brought here at this moment by the same thing. 

    So raise a glass, update your plugins, and celebrate 20 years of WordPress. 

    For more, check out this conversation with Executive Director of the WordPress Project, Josepha Haden Chomphosy:  

    The post Celebrating 20 Years of WordPress appeared first on Torque.

  • Crafted with Code 2023 Highlights The Power of WordPress

    WordPress has come a long way since its origins nearly 20 years ago, but for some it still carries the reputation of being a blogging platform. This year, WP Engine and  the Webby Awards are breaking that stereotype once and for all.

    Crafted with Code, now in its fourth year, provides a closer look at the people and processes involved in Webbys-nominated projects, and highlights some of the most dynamic websites on the web. 26 percent of the projects were built on WordPress. 

    No one knows better than WordPressers, the blood, sweat, and tears that goes into a really innovative website. Crafted with Code dives into the processes and technologies that went into the development of each honoree. 

    Offering a peek behind the curtain of the successes and difficulties that went into these innovative projects gives future developers and designers inspiration to create the next great site. These winners not only show what WordPress can do but sets the standard for what the web can look like. 

    While the Webbys and Crafted With Code highlight projects built on a wide variety of tech stacks, the following creative, beautiful, groundbreaking sites are all made on WordPress.

    StarWars.com

    A screenshot of The Mandalorian on starwars.com

    StarWars.com was launched in 1996 but since then the universe has grown substantially. The famed brand needed a place where fans from all generations could find what they were looking for. This needs to be a one stop shop for fans so it contains quizzes, breaking news, episode guides, and even an online encyclopedia. That’s a lot to ask from a single site.

    Because of the demands, the team opted to go with a proprietary platform on WordPress that can properly power each unique section.

    Arlo Hotels

    A screenshot of the arlo hotel website, a woman walks down the stairs

    The Arlo Hotel site, created by CMYK, had a big objective; combine the corporate platform and every hotel property onto one CMS while also improving the customer experience. In short, an entire back end and front end rework.

    For the front end, the team decided to feature large, dynamic photos that show off what the properties have to offer. The landing page includes interactive rollovers and parallax scrolling that make the experience aesthetic and functional.

    To conquer the back end pain points, the team leveraged a multi-site WordPress implementation. This allowed for each landing page to be accessed in one place but maintain its individuality.

    Jimmy Nelson

    A screenshot of the Jimmy Nelson website.

    When considering the redesign of famed English photographer Jimmy Nelson‘s website, agency Lama Lama knew they wanted something engaging, something that hadn’t been done before. The team decided on a non-linear navigation approach to allow the visitor to explore the site, much like Nelson explores the globe.

    This remarkable site was built entirely on WordPress with a WooCommerce shop. Lama Lama leveraged three different libraries Three.js, GSAP, HLS.js, Locomotive Scroll, Lottie, Tailwindcss and the DeviceOrientation API to make this innovative website possible.

    BlackSpace

    Screenshot from BlackSpace landing page

    The next impressive honoree is a collective of artists, urbanists, and policymakers working to affirm Black presences in public spaces. BlackSpace needed a dynamic website to explain and amplify their mission. Because the BlackSpace team is small, the site needed to be simple to modify and update while also looking incredible.

    To accomplish this, WordPress was the obvious choice. Now that the site is up and running, it can be updated with ease, positioning BlackSpace in front of more potential volunteers and donors.

    Smashed Online

    Smashed Online was created to help teens understand the risks of underage drinking in an engaging and narrative way. Not only that, the team wanted a design that could be customized for different countries and regions. Certainly not an easy task.

    The obviously choice was a WordPress Multisite experience, with technologies such as Video.js, Sass, Node.js and NPM. The team had to push the CMS further than they ever had before and the end result exceeded their goals.

    Crafted with Code

    These are only 5 examples of the powerful WordPress websites highlighted by Crafted with Code. Head over to the website to read about all the projects and get inspired to create the next big thing using WordPress.

    This showcase shatters the stereotype that WordPress is a blogging platform. The universe of the web is so much bigger than that and no one knows this better than the people building and creating beautiful websites. 

    The post Crafted with Code 2023 Highlights The Power of WordPress appeared first on Torque.