The latest major version of WordPress was released on January 25. It was named after jazz singer “Joséphine” (Joséphine Baker). The update brings some major new features like Full Site Editing to WordPress along with improvements and the new Twenty Twenty-Two theme.
New Features
Full Site Editing
The whole site can now be edited in the WordPress Admin. The customizer is no longer necessary to use for block themes, you can use the Site Editor instead.
Twenty Twenty-Two Theme
The first default block theme is now available. It offers a wide array of visual choices, from color schemes to page templates and image filters.
Blocks come to Site Navigation
You can now choose between an always-on responsive menu or one that adapts to your user’s screen size.
Better Block Controls
New typography tools, flexible layout controls, and finer control of details like spacing and borders allow better personalization.
WordPress Pattern Directory
A wide range of block patterns built to add to your site’s functionality can now be used. It is also possible to customize the imported patterns.
Revamped List View
The List View lets you now drag and drop your content exactly where you want it, which makes managing complex documents easier.
Better Gallery Block
It is now possible to style every image in a gallery differently or make them all the same.
Features for Developers
- Theme.json for child themes: Users can build a child theme right in the WordPress Admin.
- Block-level locking: It is possible to lock blocks in a pattern.
- Multiple stylesheets in a block: Lets a given block load only the styles its markup requests.
- A refactored Gallery Block: There may be incompatibilities because of the refactorization.
Remember to create a backup before updating.
Credits
- Main picture courtesy of John Matychuk
