Renee ShupeWordPress Update: WP 4.3 – Billie
WordPress has just released WP 4.3, named “Billie” in honor of jazz artist legend Billie Holiday.
WordPress v. 4.3 released on August 18, 2015 is all about making it even easier to format your content and customize your site.
Here are just some of the changes you will see in the new WordPress version:
Menu Customizer
Coinciding with the release of version 4.3 is a new improvement to the WordPress Customizer …
You can create, update and assign menus in the Customizer …
And “live” preview changes without altering how your site looks to visitors until you are happy with your changes …
The streamlined customizer design provides a mobile-friendly and accessible interface to WordPress users …
(WordPress 4.3 – Menu Customizer)
Additional customizer improvements include smoother menu creation and location assignment, enhanced accessibility, and the ability to handle nameless menus.
Formatting Shortcuts
Coinciding with the release of version 4.3 are new improvements to your content writing flow …
(New Formatting Shortcuts)
New formatting shortcuts in WordPress 4.3 let you use asterisks (*) and hyphens (-) to create lists, and hash symbols (#) to make headings in the WordPress visual editor without breaking your creative flow …
(Formatting shortcuts)
Site Icons
WordPress version 4.3 now lets you manage favicons for desktop and mobile browser tabs directly from your customizer ….
(Manage Favicons)
Favicons help to better represent your site in web browser tabs, bookmark menus and on mobile device screens …
(Add Favicons)
Your site icon is theme independent. The new Site Icons feature works right out of the box and does not require theme support.
Improved Password Security
WordPress 4.3 has improved its approach to password security …
(WP version 4.3 – Improved Passwords)
You start out with a strong password by default and are given the option to keep it or choose your own.
A password strength meter is included as well as the option to hide the password. You will find the new password interface on the password reset screen and the WordPress install screen …
(Better Passwords)
If you choose to set up a password that WordPress considers to be weak, you will need to confirm the use of this password …
(Improved Passwords)
From v. 4.3 onwards, WordPress will no longer send passwords via email and password reset links will expire in 24 hours. E-mail notifications will be sent out, however, when emails or passwords are changed.
Additional WP V. 4.3 Release Notes
Here are some other changes you will see when you next log into your WordPress admin area after updating to WordPress 4.3:
Improved Admin Experience
WordPress 4.3 has improved admin accessibility in its list tables (these power screens such as posts, comments, plugins, etc.), making it easier to work with WordPress on any responsive device.
For example, here is a screenshot of a small-sized WordPress screen pre-v.4.3 …
In v. 4.3, all list data is kep under a toggle, showing only the bulk selection checkbox (when available) and a designated primary column by default …
Clicking on the toggle reveals other list settings …
New Page Comments Turned Off
When you create a new page, comments are unticked by default …
Toolbar Customize Link
If you need to make changes to your site while viewing the front-end, just click on the Customize link …
And you will be taken to the Customizer section in the back-end …
Additional Enhancements
In addition to the improvements and enhancements listed above, WP 4.3 also includes many other enhancements and bug-fixes.
Important Update Tips
We recommend doing the following before upgrading to any new version of WordPress:
- Perform a complete backup of all your WordPress files and database.
- Search online for any problems or issues that other WordPress users may be experiencing with the new version. This includes incompatibilities and conflicts with plugins, themes, and other issues (search online for something like “WordPress 4.3 problems” or “WordPress 4.3 Billie errors”, then go through some of the results to see what kind of issues and errors users are experiencing).
- Once you have done the above, then upgrade to the new version as soon as possible to ensure that your site remains protected against any security vulnerabilities found in previous versions.
Need to update your WordPress Site?
Not sure what do? Afraid you might blow up your site?
Get in touch now, be sure to mention you read my recent blog post to learn about my special WordPress Update & Maintenance Package.
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Note: Some images on this page were sourced from WordPress 4.3 release material.
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