Title: Help Test the Widgets Editor for WordPress 5.8 Author: Andrei Draganescu Published: May 12, 2021 Last modified: June 25, 2021 --- [ ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 10:26 am _on_ May 12, 2021 Tags: [5.8 ( 99 )](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/5-8/), [call for testing ( 7 )](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/call-for-testing/), [customizer ( 6 )](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/customizer/), [feature-widgets-block-editor ( 8 )](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/feature-widgets-block-editor/), [gutenberg ( 554 )](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/gutenberg/), [testing ( 26 )](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/testing/), [widgets ( 26 )](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/widgets/)    # Help Test the Widgets Editor for WordPress 5.8 ![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/B6YW1JYazSi_bYz8_7iCLsE4KRO9PDaeTz7kioa6OpWNJSYeBamM8atObkUVXD9siqlSofFgkAo3kefKVGk0scUBFiMXdhP0_9vv- oOUvFihfW9FoZEwtloxSfE80krsglIa_FU) Remember the blockBlock Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience. based Widgets Editor? In case you missed it, this new feature had both a previous [call for testing](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2020/09/30/call-for-testing-the-widgets-screen-in-gutenberg-9-1/) and a [merge proposal](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/51506) ahead of WordPress 5.6. After months of hard work, it’s back and better than ever! For a quick refresher, the block based Widgets Editor is an upgrade to the widgetWidget A WordPress Widget is a small block that performs a specific function. You can add these widgets in sidebars also known as widget-ready areas on your web page. WordPress widgets were originally created to provide a simple and easy-to-use way of giving design and structure control of the WordPress theme to the user. areas provided by WordPress through themes, that enables users to add blocks right next to widgets to their headers, footers, sidebars and other widget areas. ## Help test this feature This is a call for testing for the new block based Widgets Editor. Please report your findings on GithubGitHub GitHub is a website that offers online implementation of git repositories that can easily be shared, copied and modified by other developers. Public repositories are free to host, private repositories require a paid subscription. GitHub introduced the concept of the ‘pull request’ where code changes done in branches by contributors can be reviewed and discussed before being merged by the repository owner. [https://github.com/](https://github.com/) in the [Gutenberg repository](http://github.com/wordpress/gutenberg) as issues or in the comments below. If you have triagetriage The act of evaluating and sorting bug reports, in order to decide priority, severity, and other factors. access, labeling any issue with [[Feature] Widgets Screen](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues?q=is%3Aopen+is%3Aissue+label%3A%22%5BFeature%5D+Widgets+Screen%22) or [[Feature] Widgets Customizer, ](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues?q=is%3Aopen+is%3Aissue+label%3A%22%5BFeature%5D+Widgets+Customizer%22) depending on the issue, would be very helpful. Alternatively, you can simply include“[ Widgets Screen]” in the title to help those who can set the labels appropriately. Check out the instructions below for more detailed information. ## What’s new? ![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/0w0gYs1hckAcKewh8-xmwSruORkpSQExKPdpybRs8fhoIKsMvqOnT3nM79kwdC- wEzcK3sAK0MUcFrOkCTWs76ORGtWkOdHVvLEGYbDwqQciFxuquG63KhlaBciP812zt7JkRwA) The most important addition since the last call for testing is that the CustomizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings. now supports editing blocks and widgets in widget areas with live preview. Compared to the first iteration of this project, where the widget areas in the Customizer were read only, now you can add widgets and blocks with live preview, scheduling and sharing right from the Customizer. The main benefit of upgrading the widgets functionality to blocks comes from the ability to directly edit widgets using the familiar block interaction that you use when editing a page or post on your site.  Being able to use blocks opens up tons of new creative possibilities, from no-code mini layouts to tapping into the vast library of coreCore Core is the set of software required to run WordPress. The Core Development Team builds WordPress. and 3rd party blocks to create content.  For developers, unlocking blocks in widget areas also offers a core path to upgrade widgets to blocks and get ready for the future. With more aspects of content creation and management moving to blocks, including the upcoming block based theme format, this also helps bring consistency to the user experience.  ### Is it ready? This is currently betaBeta A pre-release of software that is given out to a large group of users to trial under real conditions. Beta versions have gone through alpha testing in-house and are generally fairly close in look, feel and function to the final product; however, design changes often occur as part of the process. software and it has a host of [known bugs](https://github.com/wordPress/gutenberg/projects/27). But it is also intended to be merged into core for the 1st beta of [WordPress 5.8](https://make.wordpress.org/core/5-8/). As a merge candidate the goal of the testing is not to discover a bugbug A bug is an error or unexpected result. Performance improvements, code optimization, and are considered enhancements, not defects. After feature freeze, only bugs are dealt with, with regressions (adverse changes from the previous version) being the highest priority. free feature, but to observe if there are blockers for merging. During WordPress 5.8 beta releases, the bug list will be prioritized ahead of the release candidaterelease candidate One of the final stages in the version release cycle, this version signals the potential to be a final release to the public. Also see [alpha (beta)](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/help-test-the-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/?output_format=md#alpha-beta).. ## What to test: Please keep in mind that it’s recommended that you test this feature on a development siteDevelopment Site You can keep a copy of your live site in a separate environment. Maintaining a development site is a good practice that can let you make any changes and test them without affecting the live/production environment. rather than a production siteProduction Site A production site is a live site online meant to be viewed by your visitors, as opposed to a site that is staged for development or testing.. For information about how to set up a development site, please refer to the [Setting Up a Development Environment documentation.](https://developer.wordpress.org/themes/getting-started/setting-up-a-development-environment/) Test using the [WordPress Beta Tester Plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-beta-tester/) and set it to: – Update channel to “Bleeding edgebleeding edge The latest revision of the software, generally in development and often unstable. Also known as [trunk](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/help-test-the-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/?output_format=md#trunk).” – Stream options to “Beta/RCrelease candidate One of the final stages in the version release cycle, this version signals the potential to be a final release to the public. Also see [alpha (beta)](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/help-test-the-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/?output_format=md#alpha-beta). only” You can install the WordPress 5.8 Beta 1 in two ways: * Install and activate the [WordPress Beta Tester](https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-beta-tester/) pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory [https://wordpress.org/plugins/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/) or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party. (select the “Bleeding edge” channel and “Beta/RC Only” stream). * Direct download the [beta version here (zip)](https://wordpress.org/wordpress-5.8-beta1.zip). #### **For users:** **Migrating from classic widgets** 1. Be on the latest version of WordPress (5.7.1) 2. Go to Appearance > Themes 3. * [Install and activate a theme that has support for sidebars](https://wordpress.org/themes/tags/left-sidebar+right-sidebar+footer-widgets/)( e.g. TwentyTwenty). 4. Go to Plugins > Add new 5. * Install and activate a plugin that provides widgets 6. Go to Appearance > Widgets 7. * Add some core widgets. For example, Search or Recent Posts. * Add some 3rd party widgets (aka widgets provided by a plugin) 8. Go to Plugins > Add new 9. * Install and activate the latest version of the GutenbergGutenberg The Gutenberg project is the new Editor Interface for WordPress. The editor improves the process and experience of creating new content, making writing rich content much simpler. It uses ‘blocks’ to add richness rather than shortcodes, custom HTML etc. [https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/](https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/) plugin 10. Go to Gutenberg > Experiments 11. * Check “Enable Widgets screen in Customizer” 12. Go to Appearance > Widgets 13. * Are all the widgets you added there? * Can you customize their settings? * Can you drag and drop widgets to different places? 14. Go to Appearance > Customize > Widgets 15. * Are all the widgets you added there? * Can you customize their settings? --- **Adding blocks next to widgets** 1. Be on the latest version of WordPress (5.7.1) 2. Go to Appearance > Themes 3. * Install and activate a theme that has support for sidebars 4. Go to Appearance > Widgets 5. * Add some core widgets.  For example, Search or Recent Posts. 6. Go to Plugins > Add new 7. * Install and activate the latest version of the Gutenberg plugin 8. Go to Gutenberg > Experiments 9. * Check “Enable Widgets screen in Customizer” 10. Go to Appearance > Widgets 11. * Click the inserter plus button in the top bar * Add some blocks - Do they work? * Save - Are they published on the front end next to the widgets? 12. Go to Appearance > Customize > Widgets 13. * Click the inserter plus button in the top bar * Add some blocks - Do they work? * Edit some of the block contents - Does the preview update accordingly? * Edit some of the classic widget’s contents - Does the preview update accordingly? * Publish - Are they published on the front end next to the widgets? --- **Opting out of the new widgets screen** 1. Be on the latest version of WordPress (5.7.1) 2. Go to Plugins > Add new 3. * Install and activate the Gutenberg plugin * Install and activate the [Classic Widgets plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/classic-widgets/) 4. Go to Appearance > Widgets 5. * Is the classic interface present? 6. Go to Appearance > Customize > Widgets 7. * Is the classic interface present? --- **What to notice:** * Did it crash? * If it worked, did the editor perform as expected? * Was it intuitive for you to add blocks and third party widgets (ie from other plugins)? * Were you able to properly customize widgets as you wanted?  * Did it work using Keyboard only? * Did it work using a screen reader? **For developers:** Make sure to go through the [general “How to” documentation](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/tree/trunk/docs/how-to-guides/widgets) available in the Gutenberg codebase for specific instructions.  **Test upgrading classic widgets to blocks.** * The new block based widget editor introduces a new filterFilter Filters are one of the two types of Hooks [https://codex.wordpress.org/Plugin_API/Hooks](https://codex.wordpress.org/Plugin_API/Hooks). They provide a way for functions to modify data of other functions. They are the counterpart to Actions. Unlike Actions, filters are meant to work in an isolated manner, and should never have side effects such as affecting global variables and output. `widgets_to_exclude_from_legacy_widget_block`. It is used to hide widgets that have block equivalents. * We now have a [documented way](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/blob/trunk/docs/how-to-guides/widgets/legacy-widget-block.md#allowing-migration-to-a-block) to upgrade widgets to blocks via block transforms.The transform may be added to the legacy widget via typical block extending. This in turn enables users to migrate widgets they already have configured to new block equivalents  provided by plugins. --- **Test enabling and disabling theme support** * Test widget areas provided by themes, particularly “dynamic” sidebars, which appear depending on other factors. --- **Test 3rd party widgets compatibility.** * The most common case is for widgets that work in the Customizer but not in the stand alone widgets editor. Previously, developers opted to present the widget UXUX User experience differently in the widgets screen compared to the Customizer. However, the best practices are preserved in the Customizer. * We’re having [an audit](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues/31126) of extension points and how well supported they are. Please add missing things that you may find. ### Considerations around Opt-in vs Opt-out Because there is not enough data and stories, a decision has not yet been made on whether the block based Widgets Editor will be opt-out by default or an option for each theme to opt into. Currently, we’re providing the following options for opting out: * The [Classic Widgets plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/classic-widgets/) which allows users to easily opt out of the new blocks in widget areas feature and see the classic widget editor only. * The `widgets-block-editor` theme supports which allows theme authors to opt out of supporting blocks in widget areas. This also reverts WordPress adminadmin ( and super admin) to the classic widget editor. * The `gutenberg_use_widgets_block_editor` filter which allows administrators to opt out of supporting blocks in widget areas in cases where this is required. Like the two above, this also reverts WordPress admin to the classic widget editor. A [recent discussion](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/06/editor-chat-summary-5th-may-2021/) in the Core Editor chat is a good summary on why we’re opting out via a plugin for users. Briefly, it seems to be the cleanest and least prone to maintenance requirements mode possible, versus settings in other plugins or user settings. This is a difficult decision to make since supporting blocks in widget areas is an important part of the roadmap of WordPress and it will eventually be the default experience. Today, it’s important to determine the impact and significance of the current work on backwards compatibility. ### Thank you! Thank you for helping with testing the new Widgets Editor! Since it is one of the major focuses of WordPress 5.8 any help in this early stage is immensely valuable as it will help determine how viable it is for merging. Later updates **Monday, May 17th** – updated the instruction steps for the user section and added a step to enable the Customizer widgets block editor. This is essential to test the most important addition, adding blocks to widget areas using the Customizer. **Monday, June 14th** – updated the instruction steps with newer recommended versions for testing ([WordPress 5.8 Beta 1](https://wordpress.org/wordpress-5.8-beta1.zip) and [Gutenberg Plugin 10.8](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/releases/tag/v10.6.0)). Thanks to all the testers and all the feedback below. It was instrumental in advancing the state of the editor, and it’s now better than ever. Friday, June 25th – updated the instructions to test using the [WordPress Beta Tester Plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-beta-tester/). [#5-8](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/5-8/), [#call-for-testing](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/call-for-testing/), [#customizer](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/customizer/), [#feature-widgets-block-editor](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/feature-widgets-block-editor/), [#gutenberg](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/gutenberg/), [#testing](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/testing/), [#widgets](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/widgets/) ### Share this: * [ Threads ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/help-test-the-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/?share=threads) * [ Mastodon ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/help-test-the-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/?share=mastodon) * [ Bluesky ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/help-test-the-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/?share=bluesky) * [ X ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/help-test-the-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/?share=x) * [ Facebook ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/help-test-the-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/?share=facebook) * [ LinkedIn ](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/help-test-the-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/?share=linkedin) 1. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 2. [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 10:26 am _on_ May 12, 2021 3. +make.wordpress.org/test/ 4. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1a2da15bcc05b6e4b140261dbfffc3e44ab439a17526636e3ab3aff67c96cc2d? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [Susan Hayse](https://profiles.wordpress.org/suhayse/) 1:33 pm _on_ May 12, 2021 * No crashes, very intuitive to use the WidgetWidget A WordPress Widget is a small block that performs a specific function. You can add these widgets in sidebars also known as widget-ready areas on your web page. WordPress widgets were originally created to provide a simple and easy-to-use way of giving design and structure control of the WordPress theme to the user. Editor. I didn’t use keyboard only or a screen reader. * I chose the Astra Widget pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory [https://wordpress.org/plugins/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/) or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party. to add third-party widgets on the Genesis Breakthrough Pro theme. In the Widget Editor, all the customization choices for those Astra widgets are present but not easy to work with because you can’t see color choices the way you can in the CustomizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings. widget area. The coreCore Core is the set of software required to run WordPress. The Core Development Team builds WordPress. widgets worked fine and adding a blockBlock Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience. to the widget area was easy. * Specifically the Astra List Widget wouldn’t let me add items to a list while working in the Widget Editor. Screenshot of Widget Editor: [https://snipboard.io/sYCp8A.jpg](https://snipboard.io/sYCp8A.jpg). Screenshot of Customizer/Widgets: [https://snipboard.io/57OLnT.jpg](https://snipboard.io/57OLnT.jpg). - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) - [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 10:43 am _on_ May 17, 2021 - Thank you for testing! - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) - [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 10:56 am _on_ May 17, 2021 - I have updated the steps for testing, as there was a problem found by Justin, to test the widgets blockBlock Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience. editor in the CustomizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings. the experiment has to be enabled. The steps now include that as well. - Sorry for this mistake! 5. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/52525485c604c4ed417a11636a0884d89395675d139245024cb71ac3ebe88dcc? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 6. [Justin Ahinon](https://profiles.wordpress.org/justinahinon/) 7:22 am _on_ May 17, 2021 7. I have tested the “users” section. Here are what I went through as issues, or things that could benefit from clarification: 8. * In « Migrating from classic widgets » section: 9. – **Install and activate a pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory [https://wordpress.org/plugins/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/) or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party. that provides widgets**: In future tests or documentation, we could add examples of such plugins 10. * In « Adding blocks next to widgets » section : 11. – **Click the inserter plus button in the top bar** (number 6): it doesn’t seem like there is this button in the customizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings.. See [https://cln.sh/Q9ZhSV](https://cln.sh/Q9ZhSV) 12. Except for these, all the users tests work as expected. 13. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 10:47 am _on_ May 17, 2021 * Aww, great catch. There is a step missing, using the GutenbergGutenberg The Gutenberg project is the new Editor Interface for WordPress. The editor improves the process and experience of creating new content, making writing rich content much simpler. It uses ‘blocks’ to add richness rather than shortcodes, custom HTML etc. [https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/](https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/) 10.6 pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory [https://wordpress.org/plugins/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/) or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party., we still need to _enable_ the widgets blockBlock Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience. editor in the Gutenberg experiments. I will update the steps now. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 10:55 am _on_ May 17, 2021 * I have updated the steps to include enabling the CustomizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings. experiment. It should now make more sense to test in the Customizer. 14. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b07d3bec4e07209b562a4734ed07c920bfa40da90086396c0c63f5da431bbc2d? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 15. [manzwebdesigns](https://profiles.wordpress.org/manzwebdesigns/) 9:33 pm _on_ May 17, 2021 16. I am using Astra Pro and Smart Slider 3. I added the [slider block](https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T024MFP4J-F021QRPQUMD/image.png) to the main sidebarSidebar A sidebar in WordPress is referred to a widget-ready area used by WordPress themes to display information that is not a part of the main content. It is not always a vertical column on the side. It can be a horizontal rectangle below or above the content area, footer, header, or any where in the theme., but can’t select the slider. The default widgets appear to work correctly. 17. The site is [https://sandbox.manzwebdesigns.us/](https://sandbox.manzwebdesigns.us/) 18. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b07d3bec4e07209b562a4734ed07c920bfa40da90086396c0c63f5da431bbc2d? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [manzwebdesigns](https://profiles.wordpress.org/manzwebdesigns/) 10:33 pm _on_ May 17, 2021 * Not sure what happened, but I added the blockBlock Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience. slider again and it works now. - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) - [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 11:49 am _on_ May 18, 2021 - Howdy, thanks for this! Were you using the stand alone editor or the CustomizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings.? * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b07d3bec4e07209b562a4734ed07c920bfa40da90086396c0c63f5da431bbc2d? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [manzwebdesigns](https://profiles.wordpress.org/manzwebdesigns/) 12: 55 pm _on_ May 18, 2021 * Stand alone editor. I will note that when I added it and it didn’t work, the sidebarSidebar A sidebar in WordPress is referred to a widget-ready area used by WordPress themes to display information that is not a part of the main content. It is not always a vertical column on the side. It can be a horizontal rectangle below or above the content area, footer, header, or any where in the theme. was empty. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b07d3bec4e07209b562a4734ed07c920bfa40da90086396c0c63f5da431bbc2d? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [manzwebdesigns](https://profiles.wordpress.org/manzwebdesigns/) 1: 16 pm _on_ May 18, 2021 * I am trying to use the customizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings. but none of the edit links work. - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) - [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 11:23 am _on_ June 11, 2021 - Howdy. Yes it was a bugbug A bug is an error or unexpected result. Performance improvements, code optimization, and are considered enhancements, not defects. After feature freeze, only bugs are dealt with, with regressions (adverse changes from the previous version) being the highest priority. at the time of this call for testing. Should be fixed now. If you can retest using the WordPress 5.8 BetaBeta A pre- release of software that is given out to a large group of users to trial under real conditions. Beta versions have gone through alpha testing in-house and are generally fairly close in look, feel and function to the final product; however, design changes often occur as part of the process. 1 which was released this week, thatt would be amazing. 😀 19. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b07d3bec4e07209b562a4734ed07c920bfa40da90086396c0c63f5da431bbc2d? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 20. [manzwebdesigns](https://profiles.wordpress.org/manzwebdesigns/) 9:39 pm _on_ May 17, 2021 21. The slider shortcodeShortcode A shortcode is a placeholder used within a WordPress post, page, or widget to insert a form or function generated by a plugin in a specific location on your site. works fine… 22. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a68b035a79126681dcec5b30ea5809ee3bc1aa31fc6c0771ed0e02f284676887? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 23. [shaunandrews](https://profiles.wordpress.org/shaunandrews/) 6:55 pm _on_ May 18, 2021 24. I didn’t manage to get all the way through in the time I had to test, but I took some notes and screenshots that might be helpful: [https://shaunandrews.com/2021/05/testing-the-widget-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/](https://shaunandrews.com/2021/05/testing-the-widget-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/) 25. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/806cdf52fb22765d5448f0fb4fc8baa0e2d35c744924ca9b3a84721ea1b5d906? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 26. [critterverse](https://profiles.wordpress.org/critterverse/) 11:40 pm _on_ May 18, 2021 27. Hi all, wrote about my testing experience here: [https://critterverse.blog/2021/05/18/welcome-to-block-widgets/](https://critterverse.blog/2021/05/18/welcome-to-block-widgets/) 28. TL;DR: Found some bugs along the way but it’s amazing how much more customization is possible than ever before. Very exciting! 29. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c95de1e6c222121175c2c0dddf4631d2ea45704938f53332d12710379c6153e6? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 30. [Jeffrey Paul](https://profiles.wordpress.org/jeffpaul/) 7:05 pm _on_ May 19, 2021 31. Just wrapped my testing on this and not seeing any blockers but there are some minor bugs and some new user experience issues to consider. Here are the notes that I took while testing: 32. > 1.) There is initial confusion upon entering the Appearance > Widgets screen > as the “Footer” text on the top left is dramatically smaller font than the heading > fonts of the active widgets in that section (note I’m testing with the TwentyTwenty > theme) which makes it hard to grasp what it is you’re initially looking at. > There is also some confusion given muscle memory from the “old” widgets screen > wherein you drag widgets from the lefthandside to the righthandside widgetWidget > A WordPress Widget is a small block that performs a specific function. You can > add these widgets in sidebars also known as widget-ready areas on your web page. > WordPress widgets were originally created to provide a simple and easy-to-use > way of giving design and structure control of the WordPress theme to the user. > area containers. This is not helped much by the “Add widgets here to appear > in your footer.” Text in the righthandside panel. This should admittedly be > minimized as folks are more comfortable in the blockBlock Block is the abstract > term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content > or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts > of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed > discovery into a single consistent API and user experience. editor context, > but is likely a good area for education alongside the release of this feature(“ > hey this screen works this way now…”). > 2.) Hovering over the “squiggly line” toolbar option shows “Move to widget area” > but for the TwentyTwenty theme only presents Inactive widgets and Footer, so > the helper text might be better written as “Move widget to other area” or something > less precise on where it’s going (e.g., “widget area”). > 3.) The Recent Posts widget’s description in the sidebarSidebar A sidebar in > WordPress is referred to a widget-ready area used by WordPress themes to display > information that is not a part of the main content. It is not always a vertical > column on the side. It can be a horizontal rectangle below or above the content > area, footer, header, or any where in the theme. panel says “Your site’s most > recent Posts.” So an escaping issue to handle for there. Similar issue for the > Recent Comments, Archives, and MetaMeta Meta is a term that refers to the inside > workings of a group. For us, this is the team that works on internal WordPress > sites like WordCamp Central and Make WordPress. widgets. > 4.) Updating the widgets does not give a link to view the changes on a live > page nor is there a preview option to see how these appear. This is admittedly > hard to show in this context, but something to understand may be confusing for > folks more expecting an experience like the block editor proper. > 5.) In the Customize > Widgets screen the inserter plus button could be moved > to the left to mimic its location in the larger widget editor and block editor > screen. > 6.) Using the Custom Twitter Feeds (Tweets Widget) pluginPlugin A plugin is > a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress > website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress > websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and > integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org > Plugin Directory [https://wordpress.org/plugins/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/) > or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party. [https://wordpress.org/plugins/custom-twitter-feeds/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/custom-twitter-feeds/) > and its Custom Twitter Feeds widget, I added a custom title to that widget and > it does not render in the Customize > Widgets preview section. I’m also seeing > a “Unable to save due to 1 invalidinvalid A resolution on the bug tracker (and > generally common in software development, sometimes also _notabug_) that indicates > the ticket is not a bug, is a support request, or is generally invalid. setting.” > Error with no further details or information on what’s wrong or needs to be > changed before I can Publish. > 7.) Classic Widgets plugin could benefit from a banner and icon similar to the > Classic Editor plugin. 33. Let me know if any of these needs more information, screenshots, screencasts, etc. and if you’d like any opened as issues in the GutenbergGutenberg The Gutenberg project is the new Editor Interface for WordPress. The editor improves the process and experience of creating new content, making writing rich content much simpler. It uses ‘blocks’ to add richness rather than shortcodes, custom HTML etc. [https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/](https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/) repo… thanks! 34. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/944ddfc8d4b2f5bad1918020a033eeb4c59f850565d2b7f286efa210fde70db2? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 35. [David Smith](https://profiles.wordpress.org/get_dave/) 10:37 am _on_ May 20, 2021 36. Hi [@andraganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/). I wrote up my testing experience at: 37. [https://aheadcreative.co.uk/articles/testing-the-gutenberg-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/](https://aheadcreative.co.uk/articles/testing-the-gutenberg-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/) 38. I’d like to say thanks to the team working on this. The effort to retain backwards compatibility is _very_ clear and the addition of CustomizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings. support is a welcome addition. 39. Overall, I experienced some UIUI User interface/UXUX User experience bugs but nothing that it shouldn’t be possible to clear up during the BetaBeta A pre-release of software that is given out to a large group of users to trial under real conditions. Beta versions have gone through alpha testing in-house and are generally fairly close in look, feel and function to the final product; however, design changes often occur as part of the process. testing period. 40. I hope you find my findings helpful. 41. Thanks again! 42. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f3be1972cdd27bfc2f3d5ffeae483bb4982a9d6659d1af51f1f9d2e6b1db3173? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 43. [Nick Halsey](https://profiles.wordpress.org/celloexpressions/) 5:02 pm _on_ May 22, 2021 44. Testing in the customizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings., this generally looks good. I have a few notes testing on GutenbergGutenberg The Gutenberg project is the new Editor Interface for WordPress. The editor improves the process and experience of creating new content, making writing rich content much simpler. It uses ‘blocks’ to add richness rather than shortcodes, custom HTML etc. [https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/](https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/) 10.6.2: 45. 1. The blockBlock Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience. inserter in the sidebarSidebar A sidebar in WordPress is referred to a widget-ready area used by WordPress themes to display information that is not a part of the main content. It is not always a vertical column on the side. It can be a horizontal rectangle below or above the content area, footer, header, or any where in the theme. should always open straight to the full-height inserter that aligns with the scale of the former customizer widgetWidget A WordPress Widget is a small block that performs a specific function. You can add these widgets in sidebars also known as widget-ready areas on your web page. WordPress widgets were originally created to provide a simple and easy-to-use way of giving design and structure control of the WordPress theme to the user. inserter. The intermediate pop-up doesn’t save space in the editing canvas and adds cognitive complexity in needing to type something in to search or push another button to see more blocks. Always presenting the full-size block inserter is closer to the current experience and will ease the transition – with the benefit of immediately showcasing all of the new blocks available in widget areas. This part is also currently broken on small screens. 2. I’m seeing scrollbars on every legacy widget’s block preview in the editing canvas. Most of them are disabled but visible. (testing with Chrome on Windows) 3. The “Widgets” categoryCategory The 'category' taxonomy lets you group posts / content together that share a common bond. Categories are pre-defined and broad ranging. in the block inserter should be at the top, when opened in the context of a widget area. This would again ease the transition by showing tools that users expect to see first, while also exposing the entire block library. 4. “Show more (block) settings” needs to open in a slide-out next to the block canvas similar to the inserter (except on small screens). I think it makes sense to keep it closed by default, and somewhat hidden to open, but it’s very difficult to work with if you can’t see the block canvas simultaneously. 5. The block patterns section in the inserter was blank (nothing loaded). 6. Reusable blocks are not available to add to widget areas? 7. Wide and full width alignments need to be disabled by default in widget areas. This is something that themes would need to specifically opt into (and add support for). Theme support for wide/full alignments in post content won’t translate to working out of the box for widgets in most cases. 8. I saw a lot of “legacy widget – widget is missing” errors when switching to some themes. I’m guessing that blocks are getting messed up during the widget- area-mapping part of the theme switch process? (or possibly caused by this error:` Uncaught TypeError: window.wp.deprecateL10nObject is not a function at widgets. min.js?ver=5.8-alpha-50950:2) 46. It’s fantastic to see customize selective refresh working for the previews! And I saw minimal compatibility issues when testing my themes and plugins. Editing blocks in the sidebar with both inline and contextual live previews definitely makes me want to see further explorations into taking over the preview to offer a larger editing canvas. But the current work is now absolutely a shippable experience and an improvement over the legacy widgets editor. 47. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/398099564f4c387cafb1f7df942ac04adb67de4cdb49d78ff332a118253fe748? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [askdesign](https://profiles.wordpress.org/askdesign/) 4:31 pm _on_ May 27, 2021 * Hi there, I like the direction the widgets are heading towards! Thanks for all of your work. I began the test with the free version of Astra, but was unable to do several things (see my responses below). So, I switched to Generate Press and had more success. * 6. Go to GutenbergGutenberg The Gutenberg project is the new Editor Interface for WordPress. The editor improves the process and experience of creating new content, making writing rich content much simpler. It uses ‘blocks’ to add richness rather than shortcodes, custom HTML etc. [https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/](https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/) > Experiments Check “Enable Widgets screen in CustomizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings.” **NOTE: I didn’t see this option with either theme. Instead, I had the option to “Enable Navigation screen”. See screen grab #1: [https://dev.askdesign.biz/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/fse-widgets-Gutenberg-experiments-screen.png](https://dev.askdesign.biz/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/fse-widgets-Gutenberg-experiments-screen.png) * 7. Go to Appearance > Widgets Are all the widgets you added there? **Yes, all of the widgets are there. However, at the top of the Widgets page, there were error messages. See screen grab #2: [https://dev.askdesign.biz/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/fse-widgets-Widget-find-notfunction.png](https://dev.askdesign.biz/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/fse-widgets-Widget-find-notfunction.png) * Can you customize their settings? **Yes** * Can you drag and drop widgets to different places? **No** * 8. Go to Appearance > Customize > Widgets Are all the widgets you added there?** Astra theme – I am unable to view any of the menu items in the Customizer. Generate Press theme – I can view the widgets. Can you customize their settings? Astra – No Generate Press – Yes * Adding blocks next to widgets 6. Go to Appearance > Widgets Click the inserter plus button in the top bar Add some blocks Do they work? **Yes** * Save Are they published on the front end next to the widgets? **Astra Theme– Not all of them. Missing: headerHeader The header of your site is typically the first thing people will experience. The masthead or header art located across the top of your page is part of the look and feel of your website. It can influence a visitor’s opinion about your content and you/ your organization’s brand. It may also look different on different screen sizes. and footer widgets Generate Press Theme – All but one are visible. Simple Social Icons is not visible. * Go to Appearance > Customize > Widgets Click the inserter plus button in the top bar Add some blocks Do they work? **Yes, I can add the blocks. But I encountered errors with many.** * Edit some of the blockBlock Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience. contents Does the preview update accordingly? **No. Encountered errors: (1) Modula Gallery – “has encountered an error and cannot be previewed”. (2) Simple Social Icons – “unable to save due to 1 invalidinvalid A resolution on the bug tracker (and generally common in software development, sometimes also _notabug_) that indicates the ticket is not a bug, is a support request, or is generally invalid. setting.” * Edit some of the classic widgetWidget A WordPress Widget is a small block that performs a specific function. You can add these widgets in sidebars also known as widget-ready areas on your web page. WordPress widgets were originally created to provide a simple and easy-to-use way of giving design and structure control of the WordPress theme to the user.’s contents Does the preview update accordingly?** Yes, except for the 2 with errors. * Publish Are they published on the front end next to the widgets? **Yes, except for the 2 with errors. * Opting out of the new widgets screen **Everything worked fine.** * Other notes **(1) The widgets editor crashed 1 time. (2) I didn’t find it completely intuitive. I wasn’t sure if I was adding a block or a widget. - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9d562e7120942d22426f454671157f1e47c3357016dc8bc4b08c2eaad78293f? s=32&d=mm&r=g) - [Evan Mullins](https://profiles.wordpress.org/circlecube/) 9:43 pm _on_ May 28, 2021 - I was able to test all these steps in each scenario. The steps were all clear and easy to follow. Overall, a very pleasant update bringing blocks that have become familiar into the widgetWidget A WordPress Widget is a small block that performs a specific function. You can add these widgets in sidebars also known as widget-ready areas on your web page. WordPress widgets were originally created to provide a simple and easy-to-use way of giving design and structure control of the WordPress theme to the user. area. - **Migrating from classic widgets ✅ ** - **Adding blocks next to widgets** * I noticed a few issues while in the customizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings. editing blockBlock Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience. widgets. Using the coreCore Core is the set of software required to run WordPress. The Core Development Team builds WordPress. latest posts block I updated the layout setting to grid and arrived at a broken block. The Posts display in a grid layout on site front end, but error displayed in customizer. “This block has encountered an error and cannot be previewed”. * I also had some issues using a reusable block in the widgets within the customizer. I’ll point out that this did work in the widgets screen in the back end, but on customizer there was no interface to update the reusable block content. It did allow me to edit the content, but the customizer didn’t recognize there had been an edit so the blue publish button was not enabled. I could make other edits to other blocks or widgets fine and the button state became enabled, but publishing changes did not update the reusable blocks. - **Opting out of the new widgets screen ✅ ** 48. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 49. [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 11:31 am _on_ June 14, 2021 50. June 14th, 2021 – updated the instruction steps with newer recommended versions for testing (WordPress 5.8 BetaBeta A pre-release of software that is given out to a large group of users to trial under real conditions. Beta versions have gone through alpha testing in-house and are generally fairly close in look, feel and function to the final product; however, design changes often occur as part of the process. 1 and GutenbergGutenberg The Gutenberg project is the new Editor Interface for WordPress. The editor improves the process and experience of creating new content, making writing rich content much simpler. It uses ‘blocks’ to add richness rather than shortcodes, custom HTML etc. [https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/](https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/) PluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory [https://wordpress.org/plugins/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/) or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party. 10.8). 51. Thanks to all the testers and all the feedback. It was instrumental in advancing the state of the editor, and it’s now better than ever. If you’re willing and interested take it for another spin. In the new WordPress beta release many (hopefully all) of the problems above were fixed. 52. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e7b27b178ff5a141aa26976d2f17272a6483508f92d4fc6a210bcf8df560921f? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 53. [Courtney Engle Robertson](https://profiles.wordpress.org/courane01/) 7:29 pm _on_ June 14, 2021 54. Can you update the post content to reflect needing WP BetaBeta A pre-release of software that is given out to a large group of users to trial under real conditions. Beta versions have gone through alpha testing in-house and are generally fairly close in look, feel and function to the final product; however, design changes often occur as part of the process. Tester pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory [https://wordpress.org/plugins/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/) or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party. and updating to bleeding edgebleeding edge The latest revision of the software, generally in development and often unstable. Also known as [trunk](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/help-test-the-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/?output_format=md#trunk). nightly? 55. GutenbergGutenberg The Gutenberg project is the new Editor Interface for WordPress. The editor improves the process and experience of creating new content, making writing rich content much simpler. It uses ‘blocks’ to add richness rather than shortcodes, custom HTML etc. [https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/](https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/) > Experiments does not display “Enable Widgets screen in CustomizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings.”. If I go to Customizer > Widgets, I do have the option to turn on blocks. However, I am making a blueprint install for [#training](https://make.wordpress.org/core/tag/training/) and would like the ability to toggle back and forth I configure file to get us up and testing quickly. 56. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e7b27b178ff5a141aa26976d2f17272a6483508f92d4fc6a210bcf8df560921f? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [Courtney Engle Robertson](https://profiles.wordpress.org/courane01/) 7:36 pm _on_ June 14, 2021 * Opting out by installing/activating Classic Editor does not revert WP 5.8.1 back to classic widgetWidget A WordPress Widget is a small block that performs a specific function. You can add these widgets in sidebars also known as widget- ready areas on your web page. WordPress widgets were originally created to provide a simple and easy-to-use way of giving design and structure control of the WordPress theme to the user. interface. They remain blocks in both Appearance > Widgets & Appearance > Customize > Widgets. - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e7b27b178ff5a141aa26976d2f17272a6483508f92d4fc6a210bcf8df560921f? s=32&d=mm&r=g) - [Courtney Engle Robertson](https://profiles.wordpress.org/courane01/) 7:37 pm _on_ June 14, 2021 - Using Desktop Server for local testing. Uninstalling GutenbergGutenberg The Gutenberg project is the new Editor Interface for WordPress. The editor improves the process and experience of creating new content, making writing rich content much simpler. It uses ‘blocks’ to add richness rather than shortcodes, custom HTML etc. [https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/](https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/) while keeping Classic Editor active did not revert either Widgets methods back to classic interface. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 6: 54 am _on_ June 25, 2021 * Howdy! I will update the post to contain instructions to be with the betaBeta A pre-release of software that is given out to a large group of users to trial under real conditions. Beta versions have gone through alpha testing in-house and are generally fairly close in look, feel and function to the final product; however, design changes often occur as part of the process. tester pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory [https://wordpress.org/plugins/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/) or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party. set to bleeding edgebleeding edge The latest revision of the software, generally in development and often unstable. Also known as [trunk](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/help-test-the-widgets-editor-for-wordpress-5-8/?output_format=md#trunk).. * Also to opt out as a user, the [Classic Widgets](https://wordpress.org/plugins/classic-widgets/) plugin is required, not the Classic Editor. 57. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4dc68abe564790fe9575e27366be98fbc17adb710ea9bd7f9929372921a86921? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 58. [Ryo](https://profiles.wordpress.org/looswebstudio/) 4:14 am _on_ June 16, 2021 59. I am testing 5.8 betaBeta A pre-release of software that is given out to a large group of users to trial under real conditions. Beta versions have gone through alpha testing in-house and are generally fairly close in look, feel and function to the final product; however, design changes often occur as part of the process. 2. 60. Currently, I feel there is a major problem. 61. I have already reported it in the following issue and would like you to check it out. 62. [https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues/29019](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues/29019) 63. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4dc68abe564790fe9575e27366be98fbc17adb710ea9bd7f9929372921a86921? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [Ryo](https://profiles.wordpress.org/looswebstudio/) 7:15 am _on_ June 16, 2021 * I’m sorry, I’ve re-started the issue topic. * [https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues/32723](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues/32723) - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) - [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 6:55 am _on_ June 25, 2021 - Thanks for all your superb effort to document this probelm. It is immensely helpful and it offered a lot of insight. 64. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/11177b397354c97025f395594f49e10041be4497df46e5d8b1f5b7ca4b063a3a? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 65. [Phil Johnston](https://profiles.wordpress.org/johnstonphilip/) 1:31 pm _on_ June 23, 2021 66. I have been testing the customizerCustomizer Tool built into WordPress core that hooks into most modern themes. You can use it to preview and modify many of your site’s appearance settings. and there are some major issues IMO. 67. 1. In the customizer blockBlock Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience. editor. there’s no block editor sidebarSidebar A sidebar in WordPress is referred to a widget-ready area used by WordPress themes to display information that is not a part of the main content. It is not always a vertical column on the side. It can be a horizontal rectangle below or above the content area, footer, header, or any where in the theme., which makes blocks with sidebar controls impossible to edit. 68. 2. Is using a wysiwygWhat You See Is What You Get What You See Is What You Get. Most commonly used in relation to editors, where changes made in edit mode reflect exactly as they will translate to the published page. editor the right approach to edit something unrelated visually? The blocks/widgets are edited in a totally different context than where they show up. 69. In the spirit of offering ideas instead of just problems, I feel either of these are better options: 70. * Make a form-style block editor that goes in the customizer, where you can populate block attributes in a form (which fits the space of the sidebar so much better) * Render the block-editor in the widgetWidget A WordPress Widget is a small block that performs a specific function. You can add these widgets in sidebars also known as widget-ready areas on your web page. WordPress widgets were originally created to provide a simple and easy-to-use way of giving design and structure control of the WordPress theme to the user. area directly (and not in the customizer sidebar) 71. Right now, this is what it looks like (pretty confusing IMO): [https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T024MFP4J-F026K33M1J4/screen_shot_2021-06-22_at_3.05.06_pm.png](https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T024MFP4J-F026K33M1J4/screen_shot_2021-06-22_at_3.05.06_pm.png) 72. * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) * [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 7:02 am _on_ June 25, 2021 * Howdy! Great to have this. It was a [recurrent](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues/26900) topic[ throughout the development](https://github.com/WordPress/gutenberg/issues/27343) of this new feature (started since last year in April). * While the current implementation is by all means not perfect, it is answering to the most important requirements quite well. I hope after 5.8 will be released, people will interact with this upgrade in their work (like making themes, plugins or websites for clients) and we’ll get even better ideas. All of us. And these ideas will find their way in making things better in new iterations. For now we’re upgrading a decades old feature with a huge benefit to the end user, we’re bound to have some quirks to take out 🙂 73. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/121e7ab195ec67c6a14b0940f9cbc4c9a732adeaaa1457e1af8e8855a17d0c98? s=32&d=mm&r=g) 74. [Andrei Draganescu](https://profiles.wordpress.org/andraganescu/) 7:13 am _on_ June 25, 2021 75. Wpdated the instructions to test using the [WordPress Beta Tester Plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-beta-tester/). Comments are closed. # Post navigation [← Dev Chat Agenda for May 12, 2021](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/11/dev-chat-agenda-for-may-12-2021/) [CSS Chat Summary: 06 May 2021 →](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2021/05/12/css-chat-summary-06-may-2021/)