9/03/2020 Release Notes

Posted in Release Notes

  1. [Updated Feature] We’ve now updated all WordPress at GU sites to WordPress 5.5, a new release from the WordPress team with updated editor features. You may notice some slight changes to the design of the editor and user interface, but there are also some major changes (for the better!) to the functionality of the editor including:
    1. In the editor, you can use “/” to quickly search for and add a new block. For example, if I want to add an image, typing “/image” in the editor interface will bring up all image related blocks.
    1. Formatting options for subscript and superscript text are now available in the text editor options dropdown next to the link icon.
    2. The block options dropdown (the three dots in the block toolbar shown when a block is selected) now includes an option to copy a block, which you can paste on the same page or another page.
    3. A new editing feature has been added to the block editor allowing users to edit images directly from the Image block. You can crop, rotate, zoom and adjust image positions without the need to launch the Media Library resulting in a faster editing experience.
    4. It’s now easier to select the parent block by hovering over the toolbar for the child block, which will bring up an option to select the parent. This applies to blocks like the callout block, which allow nested blocks.
    5. A redesigned block inserter panel shows blocks by categories, significantly improving the editing experience and making blocks easier to find. Clicking “+” to insert a new block will now open a more robust block browser on the left side of the editor screen. Hovering over blocks in the browser will show a preview of what the blocks look like.
    6. The Cover block now comes with new options for adjusting minimum height, inner block alignment, fixed image background, and image focal point. When using the cover block, it’s important to consider the following points to ensure it remains accessible:
      1. Never use images with text. This applies to all images, but is especially important for the Cover block.
      2. Do not use images that are visually “busy” or may make it difficult to read the text that is overlaid on top of the image.
      3. When selecting the image tint color, make sure it will maintain color contrast with the white text that appears on top of the image.

Happy editing!