The release of WordPress 6.3 marks the second major update for WordPress in 2023.
This version of WordPress introduces numerous important updates, exciting new features, enhancements, and bug fixes that enhance its power and usability.
In this article, we will explore the new features of WordPress 6.3 and highlight which ones you should try after updating.
Please Note:WordPress 6.3 is a significant release, and if you are not using a managed WordPress hosting service, you will need to manually initiate the update. Refer to our guide on how to safely update WordPress for detailed instructions.
Important Reminder:Make sure to create a complete backup of your WordPress site before proceeding with the update.
With that said, here’s an overview of the new features in WordPress 6.3.
- New Navigation in the Site Editor
- Enhanced Pattern Management
- Edit Pages Directly in the Site Editor
- Manage Navigation Menus within the Site Editor
- Easily Switch Between Theme Styles in the Site Editor
- Preview Themes Right in the Site Editor
- Style Revisions for Easy Change Reversion
- Introducing the New Command Palette Tool
- Two New Blocks Added to the Block Editor
- Improved Padding and Margin Adjustment Tools
- Select Aspect Ratios for Your Images
- Enhanced Top Toolbar Functionality
- Cover Block Featuring Layout and Color Customization
- Enhanced Link Control in WordPress 6.3
- Technical Improvements Under the Hood
Revamped Navigation in the Site Editor
WordPress 6.3 offers a more streamlined navigation experience for the site editor.
The left column now displays Navigation, Styles, Pages, Templates, and Patterns, allowing users to easily find the section they wish to edit.
The new navigation interface features a search button at the top, which opens a command palette for quick access to functions.
Template Parts are now categorized under Patterns, rather than being listed as main navigation items.
Enhanced Management of Patterns
WordPress 6.3 introduces an upgraded pattern management experience within the Site Editor, with Patterns included as a primary navigation item.
Selecting Patterns reveals both synced and unsynced patterns, along with template parts.
Reusable blocks are now referred to as Synced Patterns. You can access your reusable blocks under the My Patterns tab, allowing for consistent use across your website, with any changes reflecting everywhere the pattern is applied.
Unsynced patterns can be utilized anywhere, and modifications made to them will not impact the original pattern.
You can also click the Add (+) button to create a new pattern or template part.
At the bottom of the navigation column, you’ll find links to manage all your patterns and template parts.
Edit Pages in the Site Editor
Many users transitioning from other web platforms may wish to add or edit a page while working on their website.
WordPress 6.3 simplifies the process of creating and editing pages directly from the site editor.
Just click on the Pages menu in the Editor navigation to view a list of your pages.
You can select a page to begin editing or click the Add (+) button to create a new page draft.
Manage Navigation Menus in the Site Editor
WordPress 6.3 also brings a new method for managing navigation menus within the Site Editor.
Previously, users needed to add a navigation block and then edit it. Now, users can create, edit, and manage menus by clicking on the Navigation tab in the site editor.
This will display all the navigation menus you have created on your website.
To modify a menu, simply click to open it in the site editor.
The navigation column now displays menu items as a list, allowing you to easily rearrange them by moving them up and down.
To modify a menu, simply click the edit button or the editor canvas to start making changes in the site editor.
Easily Change Theme Styles in the Site Editor
Previously, theme styles were hidden within the Styles panel of the site editor, making them less visible for newcomers.
Now, users can access styles directly from the navigation in the site editor, enabling them to select their preferred style and customize it right away.
Preview Themes Directly in the Site Editor
In the past, users could preview WordPress themes using the Theme Customizer, which allowed them to see a theme without activating it on their site.
With WordPress 6.3, you can now preview block themes directly within the site editor. Navigate to the Appearance page in the admin area and click the Live Preview button under a block theme.
This feature will launch the theme in the site editor, providing a live preview of how your content will look with the new theme.
You can customize your theme by experimenting with different styles, colors, and modifications before making a final selection. However, to save your changes, you must activate the theme.
Important Note:Classic themes that do not support the site editor will continue to display a live preview using the traditional theme customizer.
Easily Undo Changes with Style Revisions
WordPress automatically saves multiple revisions of your content, enabling you to effortlessly revert changes made to your posts and pages.
With WordPress 6.3, you can now view revisions for your styles and easily undo any modifications.
To edit a style or block, simply select it in the Styles panel. Click the ‘Revisions’ button and choose ‘Revision history’.
This feature will display the changes you’ve made to that specific style or block, allowing you to navigate through different revisions to see how it appeared at various points.
To revert changes, just click the Apply button, and WordPress will restore that specific revision.
Introducing the New Command Palette Tool
Keyboard shortcuts enhance your productivity by allowing you to perform tasks quickly without removing your hands from the keyboard.
WordPress 6.3 introduces a new command palette tool alongside its existing keyboard shortcuts.
To try it out, edit a WordPress post or page or access the site editor. In the editor, press CTRL+K or Command+K on your keyboard.
This will open a search popup where you can discover keyboard shortcuts for toggling panels, creating new posts or pages, navigating to the site editor, and more.
The command palette tool also includes an API that enables third-party developers to integrate their own commands.
Introducing Two New Blocks in the Block Editor
WordPress 6.3 features two new blocks that enhance the block editor experience.
Footnotes Block
Footnotes provide a simple way to reference resources at the end of your article. Previously, WordPress users had to create footnotes manually or rely on additional plugins.
Now, with WordPress 6.3, you can easily use the Footnotes block by selecting the ‘Footnote’ option from the three-dot menu in the toolbar.
Details Block
The Details block enables you to conceal content, allowing users to click on an item to reveal the hidden information.
Easily add a Details block to showcase content for your users. Below the main content, you can include additional information that will be revealed when users click on it.
You can hide various types of blocks, such as paragraphs, images, media, and even blocks added by plugins.
Combine multiple detail boxes to create engaging FAQ sections, trivia, information panels, and more.
Enhanced Padding and Margin Controls
In the past, unlinked padding and margin controls occupied excessive space.
The updated padding and margin controls now occupy significantly less space and offer a more intuitive user experience.
Choose Aspect Ratio for Your Images
With WordPress 6.3, you can select the aspect ratio for images, allowing for a visually appealing display across different devices without the need for resizing or cropping.
Revamped Top Toolbar
WordPress now features a toolbar that appears above the block you are editing in the post editor.
You can also opt to position the toolbar at the top for a more streamlined editing experience.
Previously, the top toolbar was positioned just below the main toolbar.
This arrangement took up more space and did not provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
WordPress 6.3 features an upgraded toolbar on the top panel, providing easier and faster access to essential tools.
Cover Block with Enhanced Layout and Color Options
The Cover block has been redesigned in WordPress 6.3 for a more modern look.
Similar to the Group block, users can now select the layout for the Cover block.
Additionally, it offers more design customization options in the block settings panel.
You can now apply Duotone filters to the Cover block, just like with the Image block.
Enhanced Link Control Features in WordPress 6.3
Link control is the feature used by the block editor to insert links. WordPress 6.3 introduces improved link control settings.
For example, you can now create a new page directly from the link control popup.
WordPress 6.3 has also relocated the option to open a link in a new tab or window.
This option is now found under the Advanced settings when adding a link.
Significant Backend Improvements
WordPress 6.3 includes several updates aimed at developers. Here are some of the key backend enhancements.
- Image performance improvements have been made to enhance page load times and address common core web vital issues, such as optimizing LCP rendering and prioritizing images within users’ viewport. (Details)
- Enhanced emoji loader to minimize the loading time for emoji scripts. (#58472)
- Added support for defer and async attributes in the WP Scripts API. (#12009)
- Introduced fetch priority support for images. (#58235)
- Lazy loading for images outside the loop is now skipped in classic themes. (#58211)
- Implemented rollback functionality for unsuccessful plugin and theme updates. (#51857)
- Combined the functionalities of get_posts() and get_pages(). (#12821)
We hope this article has helped you explore the new features of WordPress 6.3 and inspired you to try them out. We are especially thrilled about the updates to the site editor and the performance enhancements.
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