WordPress Gutenberg 13.8 is here, bringing further incremental improvements to the Gutenberg block editor.
Some enhancements are relatively minor, like adding a WhatsApp icon to the Social Icon Block. However, others are more significant as they provide template designers with more design options for their users.
A key new feature allows easier visibility and insertion of template parts from the block inserter. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for template designers, enabling users to select variations more effortlessly.
According to WordPress:
"Gutenberg 13.8 introduces improvements for those who leverage variations and patterns to provide flexibility for their users. Specific template part variations are now available in the block inserter, making it easy to add ‘Header,’ ‘Footer,’ or ‘Newsletter Subscription’ template parts to your site."
New Template Search Component
Another valuable update includes search functionality, which simplifies locating and using specific template parts.
Border Block Support for Color, Width, and Style
The Image block now supports a full range of border controls, including Color, Style, and Width. Testing of this new feature was positive, with one contributor noting successful performance across various block and classic themes, as well as effective operation of crop tools and custom border settings both in the editor and on the site.
Video of New Border Block Control
Improvements to Accessibility
Gutenberg 13.8 includes cumulative accessibility enhancements. Fixes involve the addition of tooltips and correcting discrepancies between visible text and the aria-label of the Toggle block inserter button.
Some improvements are:
- BorderControl: Update labeling, tooltips, and wrap with fieldset and legend.
- Add aria-hidden to query pagination arrows.
- Fix labeling and semantics of the paragraph block Left to right control.
- Fix mismatching label and visible text on the Toggle block inserter button.
- Fix the description text of block movers for horizontal movement.
- Replace clickable div elements with buttons in the Add template modal.
Improvements to the Code
One appreciable improvement for SEOs is the removal of React fragments from the Block Library. While not dramatic, any positive change in code size is always welcome, even minor ones.
Incremental Change Continues
WordPress Gutenberg 13.8 continues to evolve with incremental improvements, a characteristic feature of most updates to WordPress and the Gutenberg full site editor.
Citation
Read the Official WordPress Announcement
Screenshots and Featured Image Screenshot by Author
