Patterns Bulk Up

WordPress Patterns allow users to create and reuse groups of blocks. In WordPress 6.3, the Patterns system has been enhanced to become more flexible and easier to use.

Synced and non-synced patterns

One of the biggest changes in WordPress 6.3 was the introduction of synced and non-synced patterns.

Synced patterns are reusable blocks. Changes made to a synced pattern will be reflected in all instances of that pattern used on your website. For example, you can create a synced pattern for your site’s header or footer. Any changes you make to the synched pattern will be reflected across your website. Another example of a synched pattern might be a Call-to-Action that can be used on multiple pages and posts.

Non-synced patterns are like classic patterns. They enable you to make changes to the blocks inserted when you use a pattern without changing the pattern itself. You can create non-synced to define standard layouts where the content may change. An example of this would be information about a book (title, author, blurb, cover) for book review posts. Another example might be the layout of lessons and topics when you are using an LMS like LearnDash.

This new integrated architecture makes patterns simpler to understand and use. Both are created and managed from the same place. You can create both types directly from the Block editor. You no longer need to code to create patterns.

Patterns in the Site Editor

Another major enhancement in WordPress 6.3 is the ability to use patterns in the Site Editor. This means that you can now use patterns to create and edit your site’s templates like you could with individual pages and posts. To use patterns in the Site Editor, simply click on the Patterns tab in the sidebar. You will see a list of all of your saved patterns, which you can then insert into your template or content.

Other enhancements

In addition to the major changes mentioned above, WordPress 6.3 also includes a number of other enhancements to the Patterns system, such as:

• The ability to create patterns from any group of blocks, not just blocks from the same category.
• The ability to filter patterns by category and keyword.
• The ability to preview patterns before inserting them into your content.
• The ability to export and import patterns.

Overall, the enhancements to Patterns in WordPress 6.3 make it a more powerful and flexible tool for creating and managing your website’s content and templates.

How to use the new Patterns system

To use the new Patterns system in WordPress 6.3 with a block theme, follow these steps:

1. Go to Appearance > Patterns.
2. Click on the Add New button.
3. Give your pattern a name and select whether you want it to be a synced or non-synced pattern.
4. Add the blocks you want to include in your pattern.
5. Click on the Publish button.

Once you have created a pattern, you can insert it into your content or template by following these steps:

1. Go to the page or post where you want to insert the pattern.
2. Click on the Add Block button.
3. Click on the Patterns tab.
4. Select the pattern you want to insert.
5. Click on the Insert button.

You can also edit patterns directly in the Site Editor. To do this, go to Appearance > Site Editor and click on the Patterns tab in the sidebar. You will see a list of all of your saved patterns, which you can then click on to edit.

If you are using a classic theme, go to the Site Editor options (three dots in the upper right and select the Manage Patterns tool. This will show you the list of custom patterns on your site. It will let you add or edit them.

Conclusion

The new Patterns system in WordPress 6.3 is a more powerful and flexible way to create and manage your site’s content and templates. With the ability to create synced and non-synced patterns, use patterns in the Site Editor, and export and import patterns, you can now create and reuse patterns in more ways than ever before.