Not sure if you want to update to WordPress 6.4? Read more to learn what the WordPress 6.4 release contains and why you need to update.
WordPress 6.4 is named after the iconic jazz singer and pianist Shirley Horn. Just like her distinctive voice, this version of WordPress brings a smooth and versatile experience for both new users and seasoned creators.
WordPress 6.4 release comes with some smooth changes and more flexibility. With its announcements, it is clear you will be getting better than the best.
What WordPress 6.4 Released With?
With some slight changes, 6.4 is more exquisite. New default theme, keyboard shortcuts, block addition, etc, and more, the new version is a good start. Let’s check the details.
New Theme Twenty Twenty-Four
The new default theme, Twenty Twenty-Four in WordPress 6.4 is a versatile theme crafted for writers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Boasting over 35 templates and patterns, it provides flexibility for almost any type of site.
Keyboard Shortcuts
WordPress now lets you create content more easily with new keyboard shortcuts, smarter list merging, and better link control.
The toolbar for Navigation, Lists, and Quotes works seamlessly, making your workflow efficient with all the necessary tools in one place.
You will find it in the Post Editor section.
New Command Palette
In the new WordPress 6.4, the Command Palette got a makeover and some cool additions.
It now looks nicer and has extra commands to do specific things with blocks.
This makes it super easy to find what you’re looking for and get your tasks done quickly.
Go to your post. Press Control+k for Windows and Command+k for Mac to find the Command Palette.
Organize Filter Patterns
Now you can better organize your patterns in WordPress.
Use custom categories and new filters in the Patterns section to easily find and manage your design elements.
This update makes building your website simpler and more straightforward.
In the block Editor, click on three dots. Go for ‘Create pattern’.
Now set pattern for your content. It will help you to organize content with custom categories.
Creative Design Tools
Now, you can easily add background images to Group blocks and buttons to Navigation blocks without using any complicated code.
These tools make it simple for you to create stunning and practical layouts for your website.
Full Screen Images
Make your site look better by turning on the lightbox feature.
This cool tool lets visitors click on images to see them in full screen, making the experience more fun and personalized.
Select image > Enable ‘Expand on click’. This will allow your visitor to view the image in full screen.
Other Notable UX Improvements
Rename Group
Rename Group blocks to easily organize and distinguish content areas. This will help you sort your content. All you have to do is right-click three dots and you will find the rename option.
Image Preview
Preview images in List View for quick visualizations. You can see the position of every image for a better outlook.
Share Patterns
Now you can share patterns across sites by importing and exporting them as JSON files. Once you create a pattern, click on manage pattern and you will be directed to JSON file import-export directories.
Block Hooks
Block Hooks in WordPress 6.4 empower developers to easily add dynamic blocks to specific parts of your website. This nifty feature enhances the flexibility of block themes through plugins.
WordPress 6.4 Block Hooks only work with Dynamic blocks, not Static blocks. This ensures smooth functionality without validation errors.
You can implement Block Hooks in two ways:
01. Using block.json
Quick and easy but lacks flexibility. Add hooked blocks via the blockHooks property in the block.json file, specifying the block name and its position relative to the target block.
Example:
When using firstChild or lastChild with block.json, a new Plugins panel in the block inspector lists the blocks slated for auto-insertion, with toggles to opt in/out.
02. Using hooked_block_types filter
More flexible, allowing conditional hooking. The filter accepts four parameters: $hooked_blocks, $position (before, after, first_child, or last_child), $anchor_block (name of the anchor block), and $context (block template, template part, or pattern).
Note: If you want to learn about WordPress 6.2 or 6.3, you can take a look at WordPress 6.2 vs WordPress 6.3 blog. Click here.
Why Update To WordPress 6.4?
Updating to WordPress 6.4 is essential for several reasons that enhance your website’s performance, security, and user experience. Here’s why you should make the move to the latest version:
Improved User Experience (UX)
WordPress 6.4 introduces a user-friendly experience with a new default theme, Twenty Twenty-Four. More enhanced content creation tools, like new keyboard shortcuts and improved toolbar experiences etc. Block Hooks enables automatic insertion of dynamic blocks at specific content locations. This gives more control over customization.
Performance Boost
Experience a faster and smoother website with the latest WordPress 6.4 update! This major release brings more than 100 performance improvements, making your user experience more efficient. Enjoy quicker template loading, smarter script loading, and optimized autoloaded options for a seamless website operation.
Enhanced Accessibility
WordPress 6.4 is committed to making your site accessible to everyone. With List View improvements and aria-label support for the Navigation block, this update ensures that your website is user-friendly for all visitors, including those with accessibility needs.
Security Enhancements
Staying up-to-date with the latest WordPress version is crucial for security. WordPress 6.4 comes with security updates that protect your website from potential vulnerabilities, providing a safer environment for you and your visitors.
Bug Fixes and Stability
Each new WordPress release addresses bugs and improves overall system stability. By updating to 6.4, you benefit from a more reliable platform, reducing the risk of glitches and ensuring a smoother website operation.
How To Upgrade To WordPress 6.4?
Upgrading to WordPress 6.4 is easy! Follow these steps:
- Go to the official WordPress website.
- Find and download WordPress 6.4.
- Follow the instructions and install the new version.
You can update from your WordPress dashboard.
- Log in to your WordPress account
- Go to Dashboard > Updates
- You will a button to update to the new version. Click on it.
- And you are done.
Note: Make sure your server is running PHP 8.1 or 8.2.
Final Thought
More than 600 people from 56 countries worked together to make it happen. 1150 things are fixed to make WordPress even better.
For all the technical details, check out the WordPress 6.4 Field Guide. Upgrade to WordPress 6.4 for a better, faster, and more enjoyable website-building journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
To download WordPress 6.4, visit the official WordPress website or use the built-in update feature in your WordPress dashboard.
For optimal compatibility with WordPress 6.4 in 2023, it is recommended to use PHP 8.1 or 8.2. These versions provide the best performance, security, and support for the latest WordPress features.
WordPress blocks offer diverse functionalities. Some examples include:
- Paragraph Block: Basic text content.
- Image Block: Insert images into your posts/pages.
- Quote Block: Highlight quotes with a distinct style.
- Gallery Block: Display a collection of images.
- Button Block: Create buttons with custom links.
- Spacer Block: Add space between elements.
- Heading Block: Format and stylize headings.
On November 7, 2023, WordPress 6.4 release announcement was made officially.
