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WordPress 5.0 has recently been released and it brings a whole new set of improvements and some big changes. In this article, we will show you what’s new in WordPress 5.0.
If you're on a hosting plan with us, then you can rest assured, knowing that we’re taken the liberty of updating your WordPress version for you. If you manage your own site, then please make sure to take a back up before you test the new version.
While there are many changes that you may not notice, it’s very likely that you will notice the new Gutenberg Editor. This is a replacement for the traditional text editor – and in my opinion, a huge improvement.
It may take a little while to orientate yourself to this new editor, however after reading this post, and within about 10 minutes of hand-on, you should be more than able to start enjoying the new editor.
Gutenberg is a block-based content editor which allows you to create original and beautiful layouts using content blocks.
The old WordPress editor was a very simple text editor. It was great for creating standard text content, however it was much more challenging to add images, create galleries, shortcodes, videos, and other content elements.
The new editor replaces them with a streamlined writing experience where each content element is wrapped in a “block”. You can move blocks around the editor, change their settings, and create engaging layouts without writing code.
By default, it comes with several blocks to add most commonly used content elements. This includes blocks to add images, audio, video, photo gallery, cover image, lists, quote, media, text, buttons, and more.
Blocks come with their own toolbar and settings. Apart from basic formatting options, you can also change width, colours, and other attributes.
The new editor also makes embedding things like Youtube videos much easier. Simply expand the embeds section under the add block button, and you will be able to see all supported embed options.
The top-right hand cog opens some additional options to customise the editor.
All the traditional options are available under the “Document” tab, while your options for the block that you are currently editing are under the “Block” tab.
This is one of my favourite features of the new editor. If you often add things with the same style or content, then you can now save them as reusable blocks to use later when needed.
To do this, simply edit a block you want to make reusable. Once you are satisfied with it, click on the menu dots in the block toolbar and select ‘Add to reusable blocks’.
You will be asked to provide a name for this block. After that, WordPress will save this as a reusable block. You can find it under the Add Blocks button and reuse it in other posts.
WordPress 5.0 will not affect any of your old content, and you would still be able to edit older articles. When editing an older article, you will see your content wrapped inside a “Classic” editor block.
You can continue editing the article inside the classic block. You can also break it into multiple blocks which will allow you to use all the features of the new WordPress editor.
We’ve already tested your site and determined that all your plugins and theme settings are compatible. However, if you notice that something on your website is not working properly, then reach out and we’ll investigate it for you.
I hope you found this post informative. Personally, I’m quite excited about the new editor, and I’ve already enjoyed using it to create this post!