WordPress 4.0, named as “Benny” is now released and those who want to get their hands on this latest version can use the auto update feature to quickly get it running. This being a major release, you will need to manually update your installation, and it won’t get updated automatically. This release is focused on improving the writing experience, and some other much-needed changes. So now without any further ado, let’s take a look at new features of WordPress 4.0.
Grid view in Media Library
The media library gets a facelift. You can now view uploads in a beautiful, endless grid. There’s also a new details preview which makes viewing and editing media files a snap.
Better support for different languages
WordPress has support for localization for many years, and many users are already using WordPress in their own preferred languages, but until now, the process had been confusing. Previously users need to manually upload translation files to WordPress and edit some files. But starting from WordPress 4.0, users are now presented with a choice of languages during the installation process so that users can select their preferred language right from the start.
The choice of language during the installation is surely a step taken in the right direction by WordPress. Now, even beginners won’t fear to install WordPress in other languages.
Embeds now show in Visual Editor
Till now when you embed a YouTube video or a tweet, a proper preview was not displayed in visual editor, instead only a URL was displayed. But now with WordPress 4.0, you will be able to see a real preview of the embedded content such as a YouTube video, tweet or any other embed. This means that you can now know whether you’re embedding the right content or not, without the need to see a preview of it.
Apart from that, you can now embed more services apart from the current ones, such as CollegeHumor, playlists from YouTube, and talks from TED.
Improved writing experience
The new editor in WordPress 4.0 automatically expands to fit longer content as you write. And if you write long content and scroll down, then now the formatting toolbar will stick at the top of the editor, making it available at all times.
Better Plugin search experience
Did you know that there are more than 30,000 free plugins in the WordPress plugin directory. WordPress 4.0 makes it easy to find the right plugin that you’re searching for, with new improved search and browsing. More focus is given to visual experience. There are also different links to switch between featured, popular, newest, favorites and beta testing plugins.
For Developers
Apart from the above new features and improvements, there are many bug fixes and tiny much needed improvements. Below are the three main updates for developers:
- Customizer Panels API
- Updated external libraries
- Better flexibility for WP_Query ORDER BY
You can view a list of all the changes from here.
So that’s it for now. Hope this article gave you a good idea on the new features of WordPress 4.0. Which feature are you particularly excited about? Do let us know in the comments below.
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