WordPress 6.2 – A preview of New Features and Improvements

Introduction

WordPress 6.2 is expected to be released on March 28, 2023, just four months after the release of WordPress 6.1. The new version comes with a mix of incremental improvements and new features. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the new features and changes that are expected to be introduced in WordPress 6.2.

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Site Editor Interface

Used in – Site Editing

The Site Editor Interface in WordPress 6.2 comes with several changes, including the Template and Template Part selector, which replaces the Home Page template edit mode. Users will need to select “Edit” at the top of the left panel or navigate within the Templates and Template Parts that they want to edit. The Settings icon has also been changed to show the action when the Block Settings are selected, and the Block Settings have been split into two tabs, Settings and Styles.

Colorized Template Parts

Used in – Site Editing

To help users identify when they are editing a Template Part, such as a Header or Footer, these areas have been colorized with a bright purple icon. Users can also see the same colorization from the Block Inserter, making it easier to select the desired Template Part.

Block Styles Settings and Styles

Used in – Site Editing and Content Editing

In WordPress 6.2, Block Settings have been split into two tabs, Settings and Styles. This makes it easier for users to adjust block settings without having to scroll through a long list of options. Additionally, users can apply Block Style changes globally, making it easy to modify the style of blocks from a template and apply those changes to every instance of that block.

Copy/Paste Block Styles

Used in – Site Editing and Content Editing

Another new feature in WordPress 6.2 is the ability to copy and paste block styles from one block to another. This feature makes it easier to apply the same style to multiple blocks without having to make the changes manually.

Styles in the WordPress Site Editor

Used in – Site Editing

In WordPress 6.2, the Global Styles area is now referred to as “Styles.” The Styles area has also undergone significant changes, including the addition of a Style Book and the ability to apply style changes globally.

Custom CSS

Used in – Site Editing

One of the most awaited features in Site Editor is the ability to add custom CSS. In WordPress 6.2, users can add Additional CSS from the Styles menu in two different ways: throughout the entire site or on a per-block basis. This feature gives users more flexibility in customizing their websites.

Style Book

Used in – Site Editing

The Style Book is a new feature in WordPress 6.2 that allows users to modify the styles of example blocks while having a preview of how these changes may impact multiple blocks. Users can find the Style Book under Styles > Style Book.

Preview Blocks in-line from Styles

Used in – Site Editing

While modifying individual blocks in Styles, users can now see a preview of what the block will look like with their settings applied. This feature makes it easier to visualize the changes and make the necessary adjustments.

Importing Widgets

Used in – Site Editing

Users can now import the widget settings they configured previously in Classic themes. This feature is particularly useful for users who are making the switch to a Block theme. To import widgets into a Template Part of a Block theme, users need to go to Appearance > Site Editor > Template Parts and select the widgets they want to import.

Sticky Positioned Blocks

Used in – Site Editing and Content Editing

Users can now position the Navigation Bar to stick to the top of the screen by nesting the Header inside a Group block and selecting “Sticky” from the Position option.

Used in – Site Editing

Improvements have been made to the Navigation Block, including the List View, which provides an easier way to maintain the items in the Navigation Menu. The List View is now accessible from the left List View and the Block Settings List View.

Block Pattern Inserter

Used in – Site Editing and Content Editing

Block Patterns are a great way to quickly lay out content within a Post or Page. In WordPress 6.2, the Block Pattern Inserter no longer has a drop-down toggle between pattern categories. Instead, the types of patterns are listed, and users can see a preview of the pattern before inserting it into a post.

Openverse Integration and Block Inserter Media

Used in – Site Editing and Content Editing

Openverse is a free photo and audio resource that now integrates with WordPress sites. Users can search for Creative Commons licensed media to insert into their sites by going to the Block Inserter, Media tab, and selecting Openverse.

Conclusion

WordPress 6.2 is set to be released on March 28, 2023, and comes with a host of new features and improvements that will make website creation and management easier and more flexible.

From the Site Editor interface to the Style Book and Block Pattern Inserter, WordPress 6.2 introduces many new tools that will help users customize their websites to their liking.

With Openverse integration and the ability to add custom CSS, users can now find and use media more easily and customize their sites more extensively.


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