When WordPress 5.0 was released in late 2018, it came with a brand-spankin-new editor known as Gutenberg. Gutenberg is a block editor which has set out to transform the editing experience in WordPress. The block editor introduces a modular approach to pages and posts: each piece of content in the editor, from a paragraph to an image gallery to a headline, is its own editing block.
The goal of introducing Gutenberg to the WordPress world is to make the experience of designing and publishing a site more intuitive and customizable in a simplistic manner. The block editor was created and absorbed into the WordPress core meaning that WordPress development will be optimized for Gutenberg’s use. So love it or hate it—it’s here to stay.
Since it made its way into the WordPress core, the Gutenberg team has continued to make massive strides both for user interface and design-facing capabilities. Staying informed on Gutenberg’s updates is advantageous to designers and developers so they stay sharp on their WordPress game. They’re constantly refining the block editor with new version releases to improve the experience so check back every few weeks for what’s new in Gutenberg!
It’s also a great idea to stay informed on WordPress versions as they release! Read the most up-to-date versions here.
The latest update is Gutenberg 9.7 which was released on January 6th, 2021. Other recent versions include:
- Gutenberg 9.6 release
- Gutenberg 9.5 release
- Gutenberg 9.4 release
- Gutenberg 9.3 release
- Gutenberg 9.2 release
- Gutenberg 9.1 release
- Gutenberg 9.0 release
- Gutenberg 8.9 release
- Gutenberg 8.8 release
- Gutenberg 8.7 release
- Gutenberg 8.6 release
- Gutenberg 8.5 release
- Gutenberg 8.4 release
- Gutenberg 8.3 release
- Gutenberg 8.2 release
- Gutenberg 8.1 release
- Gutenberg 8.0 release
- Gutenberg 7.9 release
- Gutenberg 7.8 release
- Gutenberg 7.7 release
- Gutenberg 7.6 release
- Gutenberg 7.5 release
- Gutenberg 7.4 release
- Gutenberg 7.3 release
- Gutenberg 7.2 release
Gutenberg 9.7
This version update was released on January 6, 2021.
It’s the first release of the new year, bringing some great improvements and fixes to the publishing experience!
Highlights of Gutenberg 9.7 include:
- The ability to drag and drop block patterns from the inserter into the post canvas. (This builds upon the ability to drag and drop blocks into the post, which was released in version 9.6)
- Updates to reusable blocks, specifically how they’re shown and edited. This will likely inspire some UI updates in weeks to come!
- When you insert a block variation, the editor will match it to the block being used and show the icon and description of the variation, so you can keep track of exactly what variant you’re working with.
This release also features three new APIs, a number of bug fixes, and several experiments to kick the year off right.
To see what else Gutenberg 9.5 has to offer, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 9.6
This version update was released on December 23, 2020.
Gutenberg 9.6 primarily continues progress on Full Site Editing and Global styles.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.6 release include:
- The ability to drag and drop blocks from the inserter into the post canvas, giving you a little extra visual control when publishing posts.
- The option to vertically align buttons, instead of just horizontally.
- 25 bug fixes, ranging from fixing block to crashes to minor UI improvements!
To see what else Gutenberg 9.5 has to offer, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 9.5
This version update was released on December 2, 2020.
Gutenberg 9.5 brings updates on Full Site Editing and Global styles, which have been in development for several weeks now.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.5 release include:
- Full height alignment. This can be used in several blocks, but one of the best to view it is the Cover block.
- Font size support in Code blocks. (No more squinting at small text!)
- Improved block pattern previews in the Block Inserter.
- Restoring the gray background in the Post Editor.
There are over 20 more bug fixes that come with this release, so it’s packed full of updates for your sites.
To see what else Gutenberg 9.5 has to offer, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 9.4
This version update was released on November 18, 2020.
Gutenberg 9.4 focused on updates to existing blocks and APIs, while work on Full Site Editing and Global styles continues.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.4 release include:
- The ability to change the width of buttons based on percentage, instead of just the dynamic width. (For example, if you have two buttons side by side, you can set one to have a larger width than the other, to establish a little hierarchy.)
- The option to change the size of social icons via the Social Icon block.
- The option to change the font size of text in a list block.
You’ll also find a bunch of bug fixes with this release, including the option to add headers by typing /h1, /h2, etc. and small polishes to various UI elements like improving the high-contrast mode for Windows 10.
To learn more about Gutenberg 9.4, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 9.3
This version update was released on November 4, 2020.
With WordPress 5.6 getting closer and closer, this release focused on some stability improvements as well as full-site editing flows. (If you activate a block-based theme, this will be automatically enabled.)
Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.3 release include:
- Support for all units in font-size presets.
- Making sure all alignment options are always rendered in the same order. (So less clicking the wrong one!)
- Dark mode UI enhancements for those of you (like me!) who prefer a darker screen.
- New Patreon, Tiktok, and Telegram icons for social links.
This release also included over 20 bug fixes, bringing lots of little quality of life improvements to the block editor experience.
For more information on Gutenberg 9.3, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 9.2
This version update was released on October 21, 2020.
This release is the final version that made it into the WordPress 5.6 beta, with features and enhancements to continue improving the block editor.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.2 release include:
- Support for video subtitles! You’ll find a new drop-down in the video block.
- The ability to select multiple blocks and transform them into a Columns block. (You can see an example converting three images into a three-column layout in the official release post.)
- The option to add background patterns (repeating images) in Cover blocks.
As for enhancements, there were a lot of improvements made to the widget screen and new APIs added/updated to further expand functionality.
To learn more about Gutenberg 9.2, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 9.1
This version update was released on September 30, 2020.
This release includes almost 200 commits from 77 contributors. Wow! The primary focus is on features related to WordPress 5.6, such as the Widgets Screen and Block API.
Highlights of Gutenberg 9.1 include:
- Progress on the Global styles project, with the possibility to use the theme.json config file to control block editor features and presets (like color palettes, font sizes, etc.)
- Block patterns are now organized per category for better navigation.
- There’s now an “Open in new tab” option for the “Social Links” block.
- There’s a new “Image Size” control in the Media & Text block.
You’ll also find a bunch of enhancements, like reducing the minimum height for the Spacer block to 1px and allowing HTML editing and rich text content in Code blocks.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 9.0
This version update was released on September 16, 2020.
The Gutenberg 9.0 release included several highly anticipated updates to the navigation screen. You’ll notice a newly designed user interface and improved functionality here! The query block was another strong focus for this update as it got jacked with several new commands.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 9.0 version release include:
- The navigation block got a facelift in terms of a new interface and features. It can now support drag and drop functions inside the list view!
- New robust features added to the query block. Updates to this block include the ability to search all, filtering by author, order options, and added support for tags (woohoo!).
- Saying goodbye to Facebook and Instagram embedding options since Facebook will be dropping their own embedding support in the future.
- Several experimental features including heaps of new support for the block editor theme control!
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 8.9
This version update was released on September 2, 2020.
The Gutenberg team has two main focuses to refine and update which are full site editing capabilities and the widgets screen additions.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.9 version release include:
- Block-based widgets have moved out of experiments as a full-fledged feature, enabled by default now. Lots of testing and feedback is still needed to get this feature right but it’s a great step in the right direction for the future of Gutenberg!
- The option to add a character count to the info panel.
- 30(!) bug fixes were added to refine and improve the overall editing experience.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 8.8
This version update was released on August 19, 2020.
Cheers to WordPress 5.5 and the release of Gutenberg 8.8 to go along with that! 🎉
The Gutenberg team has made major progress in their move towards full-site editing capabilities with several UI enhancements and experimental features with this release.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.8 version release include:
- A redesigned widget screen that’ll rely on new dedicated endpoints. This is a part of a bigger goal to add more block enabled sections to the WordPress experience!
- The ability to add undocumented global style blocks and properties.
- 12 Enhancements.
- 24 Bug fixes.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 8.7
This version update was released on August 5, 2020.
With the release of WordPress 5.5 right around the corner, the Gutenberg team has released a quieter update this go-around with the bulk of this release containing minor enhancements and bug fixes.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.7 version release include:
- 30+ Bug fixes.
- 20+ Enhancements and updates.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 8.6
This version update was released on July 22, 2020.
The Gutenberg expansion plan continues forward with the release of version 8.6. This time around, don’t expect a ton of new shiny features but do expect the Gutenberg team to continue refining the overall editing experience through interface redesigns and enhancements.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.6 version release include:
- More reign of control over the cover block positioning of videos. You can now pick a focal point within a video and position it as you please!
- New block pattern updates for the following elements: Large header and paragraph, Large header, Text two columns, Three buttons, Two buttons, Quote.
- A few enhancements and a lot of bug fixes.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 8.5
This version update was released on July 8, 2020.
This plugin release will be entirely included in the WordPress 5.5 core on its target date of August 11. This wasn’t a major release but Gutenberg 8.5 was still packed with a few notable feature improvements, bug fixes, and enhancements (all the goooood stuff).
Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.5 version release include:
- Improvements to the drag-and-drop block feature, so you can now drag and drop multi-block selections.
- Accessibility improvements to disable arrow navigation across blocks to avoid confusion when you’re writing long-form content.
- The option to upload media to the media library when pasting into the block editor from an external source so external media will no longer be in limbo and can be safely kept in your media library.
- A new feature to add anchor/id support to all static blocks.
- A new feature to have the ability to keep the caret inside blocks in edit mode.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 8.4
This version update was released on June 24, 2020.
This plugin release came out with an extra helping of editing features and bug fixes (always positive news)! Several experimental blocks evolved into permanent blocks to be downloaded for every install so there are a lot of user-facing updates in this release.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.4 version release include:
- A new image editing feature that allows you to zoom, rotate, or change the aspect ratio for an image directly in the editor. Previously, you might’ve used third-party software like Adobe Photoshop to accomplish this so three cheers for quick image edits done in the editor!
- A feature that allows new multi-block controls. You can now select multiple blocks and customize them all at once with this new editor! The only limitation is that the blocks have to be the same type in order to fulfill multi-selection action.
- The long-awaited block directory feature. This allows you to discover, install, and insert third-party blocks into your post from the editor.
- Lots of bug fixes to improve editor performance.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 8.3
This version update was released on June 11, 2020.
The latest Gutenberg editor was released with a few new notable features. This version includes several user-facing features and performance enhancements.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.3 version release include:
- A new intuitive padding option so you have more control over the spacing within the blocks.
- Saying goodbye to previous default-set link colors, and hello to new link color control options.
- A new block category system that has been renamed and updated. The new categories are: text, media, design, widgets, and embeds.
- A new parent block selector to child blocks to improve your chances of selecting the correct block when in nested contexts.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 8.2
This version update was released on May 27, 2020.
Say hello to the latest Gutenberg editing experience! This release has heaps of improved editing functions. There are lots of updates so let’s dig into it!
Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.2 version release include:
- New block pattern categories. The categories are: text, hero, columns, buttons, gallery, features, and testimonials.
- In the Cover Block, a new content alignment feature. The functionality is now easier to do with nine(!) alignment options.
- The ability to copy/cut an entire block (if no text is selected) with keyboard shortcuts. You can use
Ctrl + Cto copy a block orCtrl + Xto cut a block. - Several enhancements to improve the writing and editing experience. Commands such as copy, cut, and paste are smoother thanks to the enhancements.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 8.1
This version update was released on May 13, 2020.
Another day, another Gutenberg release! The latest update doesn’t include a lot of bells-and-whistles feature updates, but does include plenty of important user interface improvements.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.1 version release include:
- A new block pattern feature so it’s easier for you to insert desired patterns and a new pattern (the testimonials).
- New Transform functions so it’s easier for you to shift blocks into different forms:
- Embed blocks into paragraph blocks.
- Code to HTML block and the opposite.
- A small, yet incredibly useful, copy block action. You can now copy one or multiple blocks with a simple click.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 8.0
This version update was released on April 29, 2020.
*You have now reached the next level*
Let’s welcome Gutenberg 8.0 to the WordPress world today! This plugin is chalked full of performance refinements and the addition of a few nifty features.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 8.0 version release include:
- A new tab-panel has been added to the block to allow you to browse and insert block patterns. This function has been redesigned so now it’s heaps easier to browse through patterns in the space it allows!
- A collapsible dropdown list of formatting options. The previous interface was very limited in screen space so this should improve the editing experience of formatting moving forward.
- A new and improved code editor (which looks exactly how it should now). The Gutenberg team redesigned the code editor to use a monospace font for the title with a newly resized editor viewpoint.
- New formatting options! You can now add subscript and superscript formatting options.
- Lots of good ‘ole enhancements and bug fixes.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 7.9
This version update was released on April 15, 2020.
After a slight delay, the Gutenberg team has released the newest editor version–7.9. With the longer-than-usual wait, we were awarded with more new features and user interface enhancements for compensation!
Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.9 version release include:
- Tons of additions to the block design tools. You now have more functionality over the height unit control for the cover block, line-height control for the paragraph and heading blocks, and background gradient support for group, columns, and media and text blocks. This is a great step towards redefining the editing experience in WordPress with Gutenberg!
- Three new block patterns. Say hello to the following new patterns: Hero Two Columns, Numbered Features, and It’s Time.
- The usual lot of bug fixes and performance enhancements.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 7.8
This version update was released on March 25, 2020.
This smaller plugin release focused mainly on block user interface redesign and official API modifications. While this release isn’t all that big, the user interface continues to improve (and that in itself is huge)!
Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.8 version release include:
- A polished user interface so you’ll notice that several elements in the block editor have been redesigned for ease.
- Lots of bug fixes and user enhancements to go along with the user interface redesign.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 7.7
This version update was released on March 11, 2020.
Big things were promised with version 7.7 and the Gutenberg team delivered. This plugin release featured a newly designed user interface and new block editing functions.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.7 version release include:
- A newly designed user interface. While this won’t be the final design of the Gutenberg editor, this new version comes with a simpler block toolbar, better user interface color contrast, and consistent focus styles. The main goal was to elevate the previous editor so it felt more professional and clean!
- The introduction of new block patterns that will be offered as predefined block layouts, ready to insert and customize as needed! There are currently four patterns with more to be released in the later versions.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 7.6
This version update was released on February 26, 2020.
The Gutenberg 7.6 editor introduced several notable experimental features for expanded block controls. Hopefully these functions will move their way into the permanent boat over the course of the next releases!
Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.6 version release include:
- A new transition from single-tip to now rotating-tips in the block inserter. Instead of one, a list of several suggested actions will appear when you press [/] to quickly insert new blocks.
- New experimental full-site editing blocks for elements such as the post featured image, post tags, comments count, and comments form.
- A lot of bug fixes and enhancements that make up a majority of this release.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 7.5
This version update was released on February 12, 2020.
This plugin release will be fully included in WordPress 5.4. The latest Gutenberg editor comes with a heavy emphasis on improving the social functions!
Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.5 version release include:
- The previously experimental social links block is now a stable block in the editor.
- A new feature so you can add color to rich text and inline color to text.
- A new feature to display featured images in the latest post block.
- A good chunk of bug fixes and performance enhancements.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 7.4
This version update was released on February 5, 2020.
The latest release is a colorful new edition to the next Gutenberg editor. The Gutenberg team added a lot of exciting functions to liven up your design capabilities!
Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.4 version release include:
- A new feature where you can now add background color support to the columns block.
- A new feature where you can now add text color support for the group block. In previous versions, you couldn’t apply a text color to every sub-element of the block so now you can design with a bit more ease and customization.
- Navigation block enhancements to improve your editing experience.
- Several bug fixes and enhancements to make everything run a bit smoother.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 7.3
This version update was released on January 22, 2020.
The second release of 2020 consisted mainly of performance and interface improvements, and a good helping of bug fixes and enhancements. On a very exciting note—the navigation block received some noticeable interface changes!
Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.3 version release include:
- A fresh navigation block perked up with colorful feature enhancements. With these new options, you can now set the text color for all navigation and set the background color for the entire navigation block.
- Load time for page loads and commands have improved 30-50% faster according to the team. A great win for the editing experience!
- New block collections API that can be used to group blocks in the block inserter.
- Bug fixes and enhancements.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
Gutenberg 7.2
This version update was released on January 22, 2020.
The first Gutenberg release of 2020 includes some of the most asked features from you and the WordPress community! The Gutenberg team set the bar high with this release—perhaps it’s setting the tone for the rest of the year for Gutenberg’s course.
Highlights of the Gutenberg 7.2 version release include:
- A new buttons block to align more than one button in a row. This was previously a huge headache for designers in the editor but the Gutenberg team heard your concerns to remediate this function!
- A new tabbing navigation has been introduced for edit mode to improve accessibility. This will be one of many interface updates to improve the editing experience.
- A new gallery block so you now have more control over the proportion and ratio of the media in the block.
- The ability to add a link for the image in the media and text block.
- Bug fixes and enhancements.
For more information about this release, check out the official release post.
What’s next in Gutenberg?
The first phase of the Gutenberg rollout packs an exciting punch in the world of WordPress editing. It’s design capabilities will only continue to expand to provide designers and developers with a wealth of block choices and commands. Check back every few weeks for the latest update to the editing block!
To download Gutenberg, visit the WordPress plugin directory.
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