WordPress, the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, has recently released its latest version, WordPress 6.3. This update brings a range of new features and improvements that enhance the user experience and make website management even more efficient. In this article, we will explore the key features of WordPress new release 6.3 and explore how they can benefit website owners and developers.
WordPress New Release 6.3 Review
WordPress new release 6.3 scheduled for release on August 8, 2023, is the second update this year and it comes with a number of significant new features and improvements. These include:
- Improved Site Editor navigation
- New Block Selectors API
- WordPress Command Palette API
- Layout updates in the editor
- Social Icons block
Lets take a more detailed look at each of these new features and improvements.
Improved site editor navigation
The site editor in WordPress 6.3 has been improved with a new navigator that makes it easier to find and edit different parts of your site. You can now select pages, styles, patterns, and navigation menus from the navigator, and you can also quickly open your site in a new tab by clicking the “View Site” button.
New Block Selectors API
The Block Selectors API allows developers to create custom blocks that can be selected from a list of available blocks. This makes it easier for users to find the blocks they need, and it also makes it easier for developers to create blocks that are compatible with different themes and plugins.
WordPress Command Palette API
The WordPress Command Palette API allows developers to create custom commands that can be accessed from the command palette. This makes it easier for users to perform common tasks, such as adding blocks, editing content, and managing media.
Layout updates in the editor
The layout of the editor in WordPress 6.3 has been updated to make it easier to work with blocks. The toolbar has been redesigned, and the block settings have been moved to a new sidebar.
Social Icons block
The Social Icons block in WordPress 6.3 now applies colors dynamically based on the theme.json file and Global Styles. This means that the colors of the social icons will automatically update if you change the colors in your theme or Global Styles.
Miscellaneous Editor changes in WordPress 6.3.
There are a number of other miscellaneous editor changes in WordPress 6.3, including:
- The ability to undo and redo block moves
- The ability to copy and paste blocks between different templates
- The ability to preview blocks before they are added to the editor
Bugs & Fixes
In addition to these new features, WordPress 6.3 also includes a number of bug fixes and performance improvements.
Overall, WordPress 6.3 is a significant release that includes a number of new features and improvements that will make it easier for users to create and manage their sites. If you are using WordPress, I encourage you to upgrade to WordPress 6.3 as soon as possible.
Here are some additional details about the new features in WordPress 6.3:
- Improved site editor navigation. The new navigator in the site editor makes it easier to find and edit different parts of your site. You can now select pages, styles, patterns, and navigation menus from the navigator, and you can also quickly open your site in a new tab by clicking the “View Site” button.
- New Block Selectors API. The Block Selectors API allows developers to create custom blocks that can be selected from a list of available blocks. This makes it easier for users to find the blocks they need, and it also makes it easier for developers to create blocks that are compatible with different themes and plugins.
- WordPress Command Palette API. The WordPress Command Palette API allows developers to create custom commands that can be accessed from the command palette. This makes it easier for users to perform common tasks, such as adding blocks, editing content, and managing media.
- Layout updates in the editor. The layout of the editor in WordPress 6.3 has been updated to make it easier to work with blocks. The toolbar has been redesigned, and the block settings have been moved to a new sidebar.
- Social Icons block: Applied colors now dynamically update based on theme.json and Global Styles. The Social Icons block in WordPress 6.3 now applies colors dynamically based on the theme.json file and Global Styles. This means that the colors of the social icons will automatically update if you change the colors in your theme or Global Styles.
- Miscellaneous Editor changes in WordPress 6.3. There are a number of other miscellaneous editor changes in WordPress 6.3, including:
- The ability to undo and redo block moves
- The ability to copy and paste blocks between different templates
- The ability to preview blocks before they are added to the editor
Core Web Vitals Improvements
WordPress 6.3 includes a number of improvements that will help websites improve their Core Web Vitals (CWV) scores, particularly with regard to Largest Contentful Paint (LCP). These improvements include:
- Automatic Fetch Priority for Images. WordPress 6.3 will automatically add the
fetch=priority:high
attribute to images that are larger than a certain threshold. This will tell browsers to prioritize the loading of these images, which can help to improve LCP scores. - Improved Lazy Loading. The lazy loading functionality in WordPress 6.3 has been improved to make it more efficient and effective. This can help to reduce the amount of time it takes for pages to load, which can also improve LCP scores.
- New Core Web Vitals Tools. WordPress 6.3 includes a new set of tools that can help website owners track and improve their CWV scores. These tools include a CWV dashboard that shows a breakdown of a website’s CWV scores, as well as a set of recommendations for improving those scores.
These improvements are a significant step forward for WordPress in terms of CWV performance. By making it easier for website owners to improve their LCP scores, WordPress 6.3 can help websites rank better in search results and attract more visitors.
Additional Improvements
In addition to these improvements mentioned above, WordPress 6.3 also includes a number of other features that can help to improve website performance, such as:
- Improved minification of CSS and JavaScript. WordPress 6.3 includes a new minification engine that can help to reduce the size of CSS and JavaScript files. This can help to improve page load times and CWV scores.
- Improved caching. WordPress 6.3 includes a new caching system that can help to improve page load times. This can also help to improve CWV scores.
- New performance optimizations. WordPress 6.3 includes a number of other performance optimizations that can help to improve page load times and CWV scores.
Overall, WordPress new release 6.3 is a significant release that includes a number of improvements that can help websites improve their Core Web Vitals (CWV) scores. These improvements can help websites rank better in search results and attract more visitors.
WordPress New Release 6.3 Review Video
Want to have a glimpse into the new WordPress admin? Take a look at WPCrafter’s founder Adam Preiser video tutorial where he takes you inside showing you what’s new.
Conclusion
This WordPress new release brings a range of exciting features and updates that enhance the user experience and make website management more efficient.
From the new block pattern directory to the revamped widget screen, users can enjoy a more intuitive and streamlined website building process.
The enhanced site health tool helps users maintain a secure and reliable online presence, while improvements to the block editor and accessibility features cater to the needs of both content creators and users with disabilities. Additionally, developers can take advantage of new features like Global Styles and block supports API to create more dynamic and personalized websites.
By embracing WordPress 6.3, website owners and developers can stay ahead of the curve and create exceptional online experiences.
Resources
Search Engine Journal: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/wordpress-6-3-will-improve-lcp-seo-performance/491691/
Video Source: Building Websites Is About to Change in a Big Way – WordPress 6.3 Is Coming!