This notice relates to the following platforms: VIP Go
As previously announced, the WordPress 5.0 update is targeting a November 19th merge. Many of you are already using the Gutenberg plugin (loaded by Ramp) on your sites, and we applaud you! We specifically built Ramp to support the development needs of those early adopters of Gutenberg, as well as maximize the opportunity to test out the new editor. However, as we near the WordPress 5.0 release, there is an action item for you early adopters:
Because of the way WordPress 5.0 loads the new editor (Gutenberg), all sites currently using the Gutenberg plugin must be using version 4.1 or higher. Gutenberg 4.1 release candidate is already available, and there is an expected UI freeze with this version. Gutenberg 4.2 is expected to signal the API freeze, and mark what is expected to be the final version of the editor that gets included in WordPress 5.0.
Recommended approach
To minimize risk of unexpected incompatibilities with the editor that ships in WordPress 5.0, we recommend getting your site updated to the latest version of the plugin now, and planning to update again with each incremental release. It’s imperative to be updated to at least Gutenberg 4.1 ahead of the WordPress 5.0 release, as previous versions will become incompatible.
Rather than waiting for Gutenberg 4.2 and just updating then, we recommend updating to 4.0 or 4.1 (release candidate available) now so you have more time to test this version and make any updates if needed. This is increasingly important for those currently running versions of the plugin that are more than a few releases behind (3.6 and older). Then, the update to 4.2 should be a very minimal update.
But everything will stay the same, right?
Yes! After the 5.0 merge, your editorial experience will stay the same. Gutenberg’s functionality will be opt-in for VIP clients.
For those that still haven’t tried out the new editing experience, you can try it out here to learn more about the block-based editing experience of the (near) future. If you decide you want to enable Gutenberg, you’ll be able to take advantage of our Ramp plugin, which allows you to selectively enable Gutenberg via post type or post ID.
For everybody, keep an eye out for future Lobby posts with more WordPress 5.0 details as well as VIP News for exciting things some of our clients are doing with the new editor.