WordPress 5.8 Tatum

The latest version of WordPress was named after Art Tatum, a legendary Jazz pianist. WordPress 5.8 brings some new features and improvements.

New Features

More Blocks

Now it is possible to add blocks in widget areas and live preview it through the Customizer.

There are also new blocks available like the Query Loop Block that makes it possible to display posts based on specific parameters, like categories, portfolios, or show a full page with favorite recipes.

The block editor allows you to edit templates that hold your content. It is now much easier to edit your layout and with 20 additional blocks, you have more customization available.

Page Structure and more Customization

Complex content isn’t easy to navigate, that’s why there is now List View available. It allows you to jump between layers of content and nested blocks, to find the precise block you need.

Pattern Transformations tool will suggest block patterns based on your usage.

Colorization of blocks and images is now possible with duetone filters that can pop color to your design/image. There are also black and white filters.

For Developers

theme.json introduces a global styles and settings API. It controls editor settings, style of blocks in the active theme and can enable and disable features that were set by default. It is for developers who create their own themes.

WordPress dropped support for Internet Explorer 11 and adds support for WebP, a modern image format.

Remember to create a backup before updating.

Picture by Phil Stern, 1947.