WordPress has introduced Gutenberg 13.7, bringing numerous enhancements to improve workflow, offer more granular control within the full site editor, and refine the user interface.
As with previous releases, this update is cumulative, making the editing experience more intuitive and natural.
Block Locking Offers More Granular Control
Version 13.7 enhances the ability to lock block elements to prevent modifications. Users can now apply the lock feature to block elements contained within a locked block. By toggling an option, the lock applied to the main block can cascade down to all its inner blocks.
Block Locking Menu
Selecting the lock option for a block triggers a submenu, offering detailed locking control for each nested block.
Closeup of Block Lock Modal
Improved Popup Modal Menus
Popup menus, or modals, can appear over the page, allowing changes such as updating preferences. This update applies a blur effect to the underlying document, improving focus. Concerns were raised that this might cause users to lose context with what is being edited, but it was resolved that if context is needed, modals are not the appropriate user interface element.
Example of Blur Behind the Modal
Template System Offers More Design Control
This update allows users to create more specialized templates for individual categories, tags, pages, and custom post types. Example templates for various types of blog posts and site-specific content types are now supported, extending the capabilities for creating diverse website designs.
Improvements to Workflow
Other improvements streamline the workflow by adding more options, such as selecting a featured image from the media placeholder instead of the media library.
Screenshot of Featured Improved Modal
New: Time to Read
A new feature allows users to check how long it will take to read the document. This is integrated into the information bar in the Post Editor screen, which also shows the number of words, characters, heading elements, paragraphs, and blocks.
Screenshot of Updated Information Bar
Sidebar Settings Panel User Interface Improved
The updated sidebar settings panel is more intuitive, making it easier to scan and select from the menu options.
Screenshot of Before and After
So Many Improvements
Gutenberg 13.7 is a cumulative update enhancing nearly every aspect of the editor. While changes may not be immediately noticeable, they collectively contribute to a more seamless and natural editing experience.
This update includes new components like a color picker, improved document settings, a better full-site editing experience, and numerous bug fixes.
Citations
Read the Full WordPress Announcement
What’s new in Gutenberg 13.7?
Read the Block Lock Pull Request
Block Locking: Add the ‘Apply to inner blocks’ option #41876
Background Blur on Modals
Update the modal design #40781
Start With Featured Image Pull Request
Start with featured image in media placeholder #41722
Featured image by Shutterstock/Vulp
Modified by author
