WordPress 5.9 is the first major release for 2022 since it was released on January 25, 2022. This latest version brings new features and enhancements that make full site customization even easier.
Previous stable version, WordPress 5.8 , already required full site editing with the integration of the Gutenberg block editor for building publications and pages.
WordPress 5.9 expands the functionality even further by introducing a block-based theme editor along with more features and changes. This article will discuss all the neat features, changes, and bug fixes in this new version of WordPress.
Quick overview of new features and changes
The new features and enhancements to the design and user interface aim to make internal web design possible using WordPress. Here's an overview of the new features and enhancements for full site editing in WordPress 5.9:
- Full site editing - A new full page editor and global stylesheet interface replaces the classic WordPress editor and provides a new complete site editing experience. The new global styles panel helps you customize styles throughout your site with ease.
- Brand new default theme - subject Twenty Twenty-Two WordPress is the first block-based default theme that works perfectly with the new site editor.
- Block and UX improvements - WordPress 5.9 introduces many enhancements to the block editor, such as focus mode, collapsible list view, and drag-and-drop reordering of blocks. New blocks and design tools are also available.
- New features for developers - WordPress 5.9 now supports legacy theme.json for subsidiary topics. Blocks also get new attributes and support for multiple stylesheets, giving more creative space for block developers.
- Improvements in performance - a new modification of lazy charging has been introduced to speed up charging speed. WordPress 5.9 now supports the latest PHP 8.1 and introduces an improvement in the PHP testing framework for better compatibility.
Full site editing
WordPress has revamped its site customization with the introduction of a block editor. This site editor provides Gutenberg-based page builder, which was previously only available for WordPress posts and pages site-wide.
New global theme style options allow users to customize every aspect of the site without changing theme files or styles too often.
On top of that, the new flexible default WordPress theme is a perfect start to get familiar with the new full site editing features.
Blocks editor on the site
One of the highlights of WordPress 5.9 is the new block editor. This feature essentially replaces the personalize , menus и Widgets in the section Appearance .
If you go to the section Appearance on the WordPress dashboard, you will find of the editor.
!!! The new site editor is only available when using a block-based WordPress theme. If you activate a non-blocking theme, the Appearance menu will display the Customizer, Menus and Widgets.
The interface is similar to the block editor, which was previously only available for posts and pages. You can create or edit theme templates or parts of templates using the WordPress blocks , with topic elements such as the header and footer having their own blocks.
When you go to the editor, it will open the default home page template editor. To edit other templates, such as those for the 404 page or the post template, click the WordPress logo in the top left corner and click Templates in the pop-up sidebar.
You will see the available templates. Select the one you want to edit. You will also find parts of templates in the pop-up sidebar.
There is also an option to change the block styles. Click Blocks in the Global Styles panel and it will display the list of customizable blocks. Note that some blocks may only have custom colors and layouts, while others have typography tools.
UX blocks and improvements
Many WordPress users spend most of their time in the block editor to create and manage their content. Therefore, this new version of WordPress brings many improvements to the blocks editor, such as a better user interface and new blocks.
Improving the interface
The new version of WordPress also improves the interface design and user experience. The list view has drag and drop capability to rearrange content simply by dragging and dropping items.
Items in the list view are also collapsible, making it easy to manage complex block structures. In addition, it is possible to add HTML anchors to blocks for quick navigation.
The topic editor also has a focus mode for the header and footer. This feature is accessible from the top panel of the editor and displays only the part you want to edit.