In the recent release of Gutenberg 16.7, WordPress users can look forward to an array of groundbreaking features that are set to headline the upcoming WordPress 6.4 version. This release marks the final integration of the plugin into the core WordPress system, enhancing the user experience significantly.
One of the standout features of Gutenberg 16.7 is the introduction of font management through the new font library. This innovative feature offers a standardized method for adding font collections to WordPress. Users can now seamlessly install, remove, and activate fonts from various sources in WordPress, independent of their active theme. This functionality mirrors the familiar Media Library, providing users with greater flexibility in customizing their website’s typography. Furthermore, plugin authors can register font lists, and users can install fonts according to their preferences. This update also empowers font foundries to develop their own WordPress plugins, granting users access to a wide range of fonts.
To manage fonts, users can navigate to Styles > Typography after updating to Gutenberg 16.7. Within this section, the Font Library can be accessed, allowing users to explore all installed fonts. A Google Fonts tab permits users to install additional fonts, which are then loaded locally from the user’s server. This approach liberates site editors from the constraints of predefined theme or plugin fonts, enabling a more personalized typographic experience.
Additionally, Gutenberg 16.7 introduces significant enhancements to patterns. Users can now import and export patterns as JSON files, simplifying the sharing of patterns across different WordPress sites. The reintroduction of the “My Patterns” category designation in the post editor’s inserter streamlines the pattern selection process, addressing user feedback.
Several other noteworthy improvements have been incorporated into Gutenberg 16.7, including:
- Custom Names for Group Blocks: Group blocks can now be given custom names, enhancing clarity and organization within the List View.
- New Social Link Icon: A new Social Link icon for the X service (formerly Twitter) has been added, expanding social media integration options.
- Inline Link Nofollow Setting: Users can now toggle the ‘nofollow’ setting for inline links, enriching the scope of link management in rich text.
- Aspect Ratio for Image Placeholders: An aspect ratio feature has been introduced for image placeholders, ensuring a more visually appealing layout.
- Image Lightbox Updates: The user interface for the image lightbox has been revised, offering a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
Gutenberg 16.7 is the result of collaborative efforts, incorporating 331 pull requests from 88 contributors. For a detailed overview of all the enhancements, bug fixes, accessibility improvements, and more, refer to the comprehensive changelog in the official release post. Stay tuned for WordPress 6.4, where these revolutionary features will shape the future of WordPress web design.