Discover WordPress 5.7: New Features and How to Upgrade

In this article, we will explore the new features introduced in WordPress 5.7 and provide a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your website to the latest version. As a premium managed WordPress hosting provider, Managed-WP is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in the WordPress ecosystem. We offer top-notch infrastructure, freedom in digital experiences, and expert support to help you make the most out of WordPress. To learn more, visit our website at https://managed-wp.com.

Introduction to WordPress 5.7

WordPress 5.7 is the first of three major releases planned for 2021. It brings a variety of new features and improvements, making it easier for both developers and content creators to build and maintain websites. This update focuses on the block editor, default colors, lazy loading iFrames, robots API, and password reset screens. Let’s dive into these new features and how you can take advantage of them.

New Features in WordPress 5.7

Below, we will discuss the most significant additions and changes introduced with WordPress 5.7. These updates aim to enhance the user experience and streamline web development.

Block Editor Improvements

WordPress 5.7 includes several updates to the block editor that improve its functionality, performance, and ease of use. The most notable enhancements are:

• Drag-and-drop functionality: You can now drag and drop blocks directly from the block inserter into the content area, allowing for faster and more intuitive content creation.
• Full-height blocks: Easily create full-height sections in your pages by activating the “full-height alignment” option for cover blocks.
• Reusable blocks: The UI for managing reusable blocks has been redesigned, making it more convenient to create and edit them.
• Social icons: The social icons block now supports additional platforms, including Twitch, Baidu, and Telegram.

Standardized Default Colors

WordPress 5.7 introduces a standardized color palette for the admin area, simplifying the design process for developers. The new palette consists of a limited range of colors that follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA recommendation for contrast. This update ensures a consistent look and improved accessibility across all WordPress admin screens.

Lazy Loading iFrames

Lazy loading of iFrames is now enabled by default in WordPress 5.7. This feature improves website performance by only loading embedded content when it becomes visible in the viewport. This update applies to both YouTube videos and other iFrame-based embeds.

Robots API Enhancements

The Robots API now allows developers to easily control the robots meta tag on a per-page basis. This update provides more flexibility in managing how search engines index and crawl different parts of a website. Additionally, the new “max-image-preview:large” directive has been added to the robots meta tag by default, enabling search engines to display larger image previews for search results.

Reset Password Screen Changes

The password reset screen in WordPress 5.7 has been updated for an improved user experience. The new design displays the strength of a user’s chosen password, making it easier to confirm that a strong password has been selected.

How to Upgrade to WordPress 5.7

Before upgrading, we recommend creating a backup of your website and testing the update in a staging environment. Here’s how to upgrade your WordPress installation to version 5.7:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin area.
2. Go to Dashboard > Updates.
3. Click the “Update Now” button next to “An updated version of WordPress is available.”
4. WordPress will download and install the update. Once completed, you will be directed to the “Welcome to WordPress 5.7” screen.
5. Review your website to ensure that everything is working correctly after the update.

If you encounter any issues during or after the update, reach out to our expert support team at Managed-WP for assistance.

Conclusion

With its impressive set of new features and improvements, WordPress 5.7 offers a more user-friendly and efficient experience for both developers and content creators. By upgrading to this latest version, you can enjoy the benefits of enhanced block editor functionality, standardized default colors, lazy loading iFrames, robots API enhancements, and an improved password reset screen.

As a leading managed WordPress hosting provider, Managed-WP is dedicated to helping you make the most of your WordPress experience. Visit our website at https://managed-wp.com to learn more about our services and how we can support your growing digital needs.