Introduction

Forefronting breathing space for web development, the most recent release of WordPress, 6.6 “Dorsey,” introduces numerous much-anticipated features and remarkable improvements. This version focuses on refining the block experience, ensuring that website creators and developers can maintain seamless design uniformity while boosting efficiency. Whether you are an avid WordPress user or just getting started, this update brings exciting changes that can enhance your WordPress journey.

One of the highlights includes the much-awaited pattern overrides feature, initially expected in WordPress 6.5, alongside a new version of theme.json. WordPress 6.6 also merged eight versions of Gutenberg and incorporated over 55 accessibility enhancements. In this blog post, we delve into these exciting features, discover essential updates, and explain how you can utilize them to better your site.

If you’re ready to take your WordPress experience to the next level, keep reading as we explore the significant improvements and key changes ushered in by WordPress 6.6 “Dorsey.”

Priority Features of WordPress 6.6

Pattern Overrides

The introduction of pattern overrides is one of the distinctive improvements in WordPress 6.6. This feature offers users the flexibility to designate which blocks can be overridden while preserving the synchronized properties across the website. The concept is similar to synced patterns but allows specific elements — such as text, headings, or images — to be adjusted individually, maintaining overall style coherence.

Grid Block

WordPress 6.6 debuts a new container block that provides an optimal way of organizing content layouts. Previously, users had to rely on a combination of row or column blocks to achieve a grid-like structure. This method often resulted in additional HTML overhead. The new dedicated grid block reduces this overhead, generating leaner code and potentially enhancing site speed. Users can adjust the number of columns, rows, and individual grid spans effortlessly.

Palette and Typography Presets

The style variations feature has been further developed in WordPress 6.6 to include a library of color palettes and typography presets specific to each style variation, contingent on the theme's design. This capability allows for greater customization and theme design flexibility, although theme authors must enable these presets within the theme’s JSON file.

Negative Margins

Negative margins are introduced in this update, allowing content blocks to overlap. This feature was previously absent, restricting the design possibilities within WordPress. With negative margins, users can create more dynamic and layered content designs by controlling the space between blocks.

Enhanced Data Views in the Site Editor

Continuing its user interface revamp, WordPress 6.6 updates the Site Editor to enhance data views. The Pages section now displays author information and publishing status, and the Templates section has been significantly refined, with previews becoming available. These updates facilitate better site management and overview for users.

Pattern Management in Classic Themes

Pattern management has been redefined for classic theme users. What was initially a feature introduction in WordPress 6.5 has been enhanced with a new interface in WordPress 6.6, providing users with pattern previews and management options similar to the Site Editor interface.

Additional Customization and Technical Improvements in WordPress 6.6

Site-Wide Background Image

The ability to add a site-wide background image has been simplified. Previously, achieving this required either a cover or group block, or custom CSS — both cumbersome methods for the uninitiated. In WordPress 6.6, this feature is part of the style configuration. Users can apply a background image to the entire site directly from the Site Editor.

Bulk Export Patterns

Efficiency in design migration has been improved with the ability to bulk export patterns to JSON files. This addresses the limitation of exporting patterns individually, streamlining the migration process. However, bulk import functionality is still absent, requiring individual uploads of these exported files.

Custom Aspect Ratio Presets

Custom aspect ratio presets expand the possibilities for image layouts. Although this customization requires editing the theme.json file, it significantly enhances flexibility in designing unique block content.

Theme.json Version 3

The updated theme.json version 3 offers new options for overriding default font and spacing sizes. This update includes adjustments to the defaultFontSizes and defaultSpacingSizes options, offering nuanced control over theme adjustments.

Dropping Support for PHP 7.0 and 7.1

Aligning with contemporary web development standards, WordPress 6.6 drops support for PHP versions 7.0 and 7.1. The minimum requirement now is PHP 7.2.24, although PHP 7.4 is recommended for optimal performance. This change ensures security and better compatibility with newer features.

Updating to WordPress 6.6

Updating to the latest WordPress version is straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:

Backup Your Site: Always start by backing up your WordPress site to ensure you can restore it if something goes wrong during the update.
Create a Staging Site: Test the update on a staging site to spot any compatibility issues.
Update PHP Version: If your site is running on PHP 7.1 or lower, upgrade your PHP version.
Apply the Update: Once everything works perfectly on the staging site, push the update to the live site.

Conclusion

WordPress 6.6 “Dorsey” is a substantial update packed with features and improvements that can greatly enhance your WordPress site’s functionality and design flexibility. From pattern overrides to bulk exporting patterns, the new grid block, and custom aspect ratios, this release gives users more power and efficiency in managing their websites.

As you explore and utilize these new features, they will not only improve your site’s performance but also open up new possibilities for creative designs and efficient site management. Stay updated and ensure your site operates at its best by transitioning smoothly to WordPress 6.6.

FAQ

What are the key features of WordPress 6.6?

Key features include pattern overrides, a new grid block, palette and typography presets, negative margins, enhanced data views in the Site Editor, and refinements in pattern management for classic themes.

How can I update my WordPress to version 6.6?

First, back up your site. Then create a staging site to test the update for any compatibility issues. Ensure you are running a PHP version of at least 7.2.24. If everything works well, update your live site to version 6.6.

Why is WordPress dropping support for PHP 7.0 and 7.1?

This change is made to align with contemporary web development standards, ensuring better security and compatibility with newer features, as these older PHP versions are now significantly outdated.

Stay ahead in the WordPress world by embracing these new features and updates. Keep innovating and enjoy your enhanced WordPress experience!

WordPress 6.6 "Dorsey" is Here – Key Features and Changes

Table of Contents

Introduction