Overview
The WordPress 5.8 beta is now available. It’ll be the year’s second major release, and it will include a slew of new features and enhancements. We were keeping a close eye on the progress and putting the new features to the test on our test sites. The major update that we’re all anticipating is WordPress 5.8. This major version will include a number of minor under-the-hood enhancements as well as significant changes that will forever alter the way we all work with WordPress.
WordPress, as you are aware, is rapidly evolving. All new themes will be block-based, meaning everything will be composed of blocks. The Gutenberg WordPress editor has progressed dramatically, and it is now, without a doubt, the ideal platform for launching a new website. Many users have already switched to Gutenberg from overly complicated third-party page builders.
Over 170 bug fixes, 96 enhancements and feature requests, and 24 miscellaneous tasks are included in WordPress 5.8. This version adds a lot to WordPress, including new block widgets, WebP, editor changes, hundreds of new blocks, and developer options like theme.json.
Great new features in WordPress 5.8
Introduction to template editor:
The new template editor is present in the latest version WordPress 5.8. It’s the first step in creating a complete site editing tool using the block editor, so expect it to improve in future updates. You may build and save templates for your WordPress website using the template editor, which you can then use in any post or page. You can add Site Editing blocks to your template by going to the template editor. Several essential building blocks are available, including Site Logo, Site Tagline, Site Title, Query Loop, Post Title, Post Content, Post Date, and many other elements. The feature is optional, and theme developers and users can quickly turn it off. The template editor still uses and inherits the styles from your WordPress theme.
Blocks as Widgets:
The new blocks as widgets interface is another massive step toward a full-site editor experience. Users can use the Customizer or go to the Appearance ยป Widgets page to enjoy the new widget experience. Blocks as widgets will provide your WordPress sidebar widgets the same versatility as the block editor. Without having to install any plugins, you’ll be able to use colors, spacing, font, and other design tools. There’s also a Widgets block, which lets you use traditional widgets that aren’t yet available as blocks. We can now use the Classic Widgets plugin to disable this new functionality. Simply install and activate the plugin, and the new Widget Blocks feature will be disabled.
WordPress Will Support WebP Images:
WebP is a new image file format for usage on the internet. Your graphics will be 25-34 percent lower in file size than PNG and JPEG without sacrificing quality if you use the WebP image format. In addition, you won’t need any plugins with WordPress 5.8 to upload WebP photos to your website. However, if a user is using an unsupported browser, it will not immediately replace the image with JPEG or PNG.
WordPress 5.8 brings improvements to the editor:
The block editor is one of the most essential components of the open-source software for WordPress users, with the most significant impact on content development. So it’s understandable why each new edition includes a slew of improvements, bug fixes, and new features aimed at making the editing experience more enjoyable and user-friendly. Each WordPress update brings a slew of new features, bug fixes, and enhancements to the editing experience. Some of the editor enhancements in WordPress 5.8 are listed below:
Select the Parent Block in Nested Blocks with Ease:
You can simply group blocks using nested blocks like columns and groups. However, selecting the parent block within a nested block can be tricky at times. Therefore, it now displays the parent block button in the toolbar always in WordPress 5.8.
Improved list views:
The list view panel in WordPress 5.8 will be upgraded. It will provide a list of all the blocks on your post or page. In more complicated layouts, this would make it easy for users to navigate to a particular block. For example, if you have numerous paragraphs in a single column, you can use the list panel to navigate.
An improved select tool with block handles:
The select tool now has a more detailed block outline as well as a handle to move blocks up and down. In addition, as you move your mouse around different blocks in WordPress 5.8, you’ll notice enhanced block highlighting.
New duotone filters for images and media blocks:
The Duotone filters are another great new feature in WordPress 5.8. These filters will apply to your media blocks, such as pictures, galleries, and cover images. It comes with a few presets, and you may also make your own by picking the colors you want to use. Themes for WordPress will also be able to add their own presets to fit color palettes.
Suggestions for Patterns in the Add Block Panel:
When you search for a block in the add block panel, the editor will also suggest patterns for you to add right away. A few new patterns are available, and the groundwork for integrating them with the WordPress.org pattern catalogue has been created.
Existing Blocks Have Been Improved:
Existing blocks have been improved in numerous ways. More color possibilities, for example, for text, background, and link colors. In addition, a new option for adjusting column padding has been included. Finally, for the table block, you have the option of selecting a gradient backdrop.
Changes Underneath:
WordPress 5.8 will deliver a slew of new features for developers to experiment with and incorporate into their own themes, plugins, and projects. Some of the hood changes are:
- By the end of the year, WordPress will no longer support Internet Explorer. The majority of the changes required for it have been integrated into 5.8.
- On numerous WordPress admin panels, we can use the context-aware filters employ block editor APIs.
- WordPress is now in recovery mode. Only when an email can be sent will an email message be shown.
Is It Necessary to Update WordPress?
WordPress’ creators are constantly improving and enhancing their platform. They increase performance and speed while adding new features, fixing problems, and installing security fixes. An upgraded version of the software is issued with these improvements. Every update has a purpose, and it benefits your website in some way. However, the most critical upgrades include security patches that will address any software flaws detected. This keeps hackers out of your site.
So, if an update is available, it’s essential to install it as soon as possible. However, don’t rush to click the ‘Update Now’ option. Always test an update on a test site before deploying it to your live site.
Bottom Line
WordPress 5.8 is a significant step toward Full Site Editing. The block editor has been greatly improved, and there is a new theme for users and developers to enjoy. json system, a more robust Block API, support for the WebP image format, and much more. The tiny and significant enhancements to the block editor and its user interface will wow you. You’ll appreciate the improved block navigation, the redesigned block toolbar, the enhanced clarity of the UI, and the improvements to various blocks.
Are you excited about the forthcoming WordPress update? We hope this post offers you a sneak peek at what’s new coming in WordPress 5.8. Let us know what features you find interesting in the latest WordPress release. Do you find this blog interesting? Then please check our blogs too. If you have any queries, then please do contact us. We are here to help you out! To know more about us and our services, then check out our website.
