# What’s New in WordPress 6.5 (Features and Screenshots)
Alright, fellow WordPress enthusiasts and digital creators, buckle up because WordPress 6.5 is here to jazz up your 2024! This isn’t just any update; it’s the first major one of the year, and it’s like the WordPress team decided to sprinkle a little bit of everything – new features, bug fixes, and a whole lot of improvements that promise to make website management and content creation a breeze. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably buzzing with excitement to dive into what WordPress 6.5 has in store for us.
Before we jump into the pool of new features, let me sound like your digital lifeguard for a sec: WordPress 6.5 is a major release. So, if your WordPress hosting isn’t the kind to take matters into its own hands (read: managed WordPress hosting), you’ll have to roll up your sleeves and update manually. And yes, don’t even think about skipping a full WordPress backup. You’ve been warned!
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s a sneak peek of what we’ll cover:
– Introducing the Font Library
– Plugin Dependencies
– Block Editor Improvements
– Smart Overlay for the Cover Block
– Drop Shadow Effect
– Block Settings in List View
– Rename Blocks in List View
– Improved Link Control Adds NoFollow Checkbox
– Refreshed Preferences Panel
– Site Editor Changes
– New Data Views
– Improved Style Revisions
– New Interactivity API
– Under the Hood Changes in WordPress 6.5
## Introducing the Font Library
Ever felt like your website was the outfit at the party that just didn’t pop? Well, WordPress 6.5 is handing you the accessory you need: the Font Library. Now, you can manage, install, and strut those fonts right inside the WordPress editor. No more relying on third-party typography plugins to dress your text up. Just head over to the ‘Styles’ panel in the Site Editor, and let the fashion show begin.
## Plugin Dependencies
Ever installed a WordPress plugin only to find out it’s the digital equivalent of “batteries not included”? WordPress 6.5 feels your pain and introduces a way for developers to list required plugins right in the plugin header. This means no more surprises post-installation. It’s a bit like having a recipe that tells you about that one exotic ingredient before you start cooking.
## Block Editor Improvements
The block editor is like that friend who keeps getting better with age. With WordPress 6.5, we’re talking about a whole suite of improvements. From connecting blocks to custom fields to a smart overlay for the cover block that adjusts based on your image or color choice. And let’s not forget the drop shadow effect for that extra pizzazz.
## Smart Overlay for the Cover Block
Speaking of smart overlays, it’s like WordPress 6.5 knows just how to complement your images without you having to fiddle around endlessly. It automatically suggests an overlay based on the image or color, making your design process smoother than a well-aged whiskey.
## Improved Link Control Adds NoFollow Checkbox
Remember the days when adding a nofollow to a link felt like hacking the matrix? Well, those days are over. WordPress 6.5 introduces an improved link control with a nofollow checkbox. It’s like finally having the cheat code for what was an unnecessarily complex game.
## Site Editor Changes
The Full Site Editor continues to evolve, making strides towards a future where you have total control over your site’s design without diving into code. New data views, improved style revisions, and more intuitive navigation are just the tip of the iceberg.
## New Interactivity API
Brace yourself for the New Interactivity API, a game-changer for developers looking to create dynamic, interactive experiences without the drag. Live search results, auto-updating comments – the possibilities are as endless as your creativity.
## Under the Hood Changes in WordPress 6.5
For the tech-savvy and curious, WordPress 6.5 isn’t just about the flashy features. Under the hood, we’re talking performance boosts, an enhanced library for faster translations, and updates that make the block and site editors snappier than ever.
WordPress 6.5 is like the Swiss Army knife of updates – it’s packed with tools to enhance every aspect of your WordPress experience. From the font library that lets you express your site’s personality, to the block editor enhancements that streamline your workflow, it’s clear that the WordPress team has been busy. So, dive in, explore, and start creating with a newfound ease and flair. Your website won’t know what hit it!