Lee Heidel

Wordpress 5.0, Gutenberg and Your Website

Wordpress 5 - Gutenberg

Attention All Wordpress Users

Wordpress version 5.0 is expected to be released before the end of November. With that update comes a number of important changes. Most developers believe these revisions will be good for the platform in the long-term, presenting website owners with proactive and forward-thinking tools. That said, there are bound to be some bumps in the road. So follow along to find out what's new and what you need to do to prepare.

Welcome to Gutenberg

gutenberg blocksThe most obvious (and talked about) change is the updated post editor, dubbed Gutenberg. Where Wordpress formerly had a fairly straightforward "what you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG) rich text editor, Gutenberg introduces the concept of customizable content blocks. This change enables Wordpress to be more of a site builder than just a content management system. These content blocks give authors the ability to control design and layout in addition to text and images - no custom coding required. As more developers and designers create for Gutenberg, expect some exciting possibilities with this new tool.

Why is Wordpress Doing This?

Wordpress sees these updates as a path to secure its future. Updating the base code to use current best practices is a no-brainer, but the flexibility of Gutenberg positions Wordpress as an alternative to DIY platforms like Wix and Squarespace. 

If you're not ready to make the switch, don't worry! The "classic editor" will be available as a plugin and you can toggle between the two interfaces until you're more comfortable. 

What Should You Do About Wordpress 5.0?

You should upgrade. It's never fun to be stuck on an old version of Wordpress. This is the future of the software, and we should embrace it! But before upgrading, you will need to test your current site theme and plugins extensively. If you need help, let us know! If you are one of Heideldesign's Wordpress Upgrade and Maintenance clients, there's nothing for you to do. We'll handle the upgrade for you, including making backups, adding the classic editor plugin and reaching out to provide assistance. Do not expect to get Wordpress 5.0 on day one. We will be rolling these upgrades out in stages after confirming your site is ready.

Change can be stressful - but we think Wordpress 5.0 will be good for everyone in the long run. So hang in there and reach out if you have any problems.