WordPress 6.4

Announcements

• Elementor page builder raises their prices
• WordPress will focus on Collaboration in 2024
• Update to the WordPress Theme Handbook to include Block Templating

Is there a plugin for that?

With more than 50,000 plugins in the WordPress repository, it’s hard to find the perfect one. Each week, I will highlight an interesting plugin from the repository.

For more great plugins, download my 50 Most Useful Plugins eBook.

Enable Button Icons is a plugin that will allow you to add icons to your buttons.

WordPress 6.4

Introduction:
In this episode, we explore the latest WordPress release, version 6.4, codenamed Shirley, paying homage to jazz artist Shirley Horn. Executive Director of WordPress, Josepha Haden Chomphosy, describes the update as focusing on small but impactful features, alongside the versatile 2024 theme designed to streamline content creation.

Topics Covered:

Introduction to WordPress 6.4

• Inspiration from Shirley Horn
• Small but impactful features
• Overview of the 2024 theme

2024 Theme Features

• Multifaceted design for writers, artists, and entrepreneurs
• Over 35 templates and patterns
• Demo link for the 2024 theme

Enhancements for Content Creation

• New keyboard shortcuts in list view
• Smarter list merging
• Enhanced control over quick link settings
• Cohesive toolbar experience

Command Palette Updates

• New commands for editing, resetting, toggling settings, and more
• Improved design and functionality

Categorizing and Filtering Patterns

• Organizing patterns with custom categories
• Advanced filtering options for quick access

New Design Tools

• Expanded tools for building layouts
• Background images in group blocks
• Lightbox functionality for interactive images

Group Block Features

• Renaming group blocks for organization
• Custom names visible in the list view

List View Improvements

• Preview images for easy identification
• Image previews in list view for efficient editing

Sharing Patterns Across Sites

• Exporting and importing patterns as JSON files
• Enhancing flexibility across different websites

Block Hooks for Developers

• Inserting dynamic blocks at specific content locations
• Enriching the extensibility of block themes through plugins

Performance Wins

• Over 100 performance-related updates for efficiency
• Optimization of script loading strategies

Accessibility Updates

• List view improvements
• Label support for the navigation block
• Enhancements to button placement and site health messages

Other Highlights

• PHP 8.1 or 8.2 recommended
• Disable attachment pages for new installations

Community Contribution

• Over 600 contributors from 56 countries
• 170+ first-time contributors