A new feature at WordPress for users with FSE (Full Site Editing) themes now provides for an assignment of blocks as having a “sticky” (fixed) position. I learned about this while reading an article at WP Tavern and have since applied it to my primary navigation, which now remains in place at the top of my web site.
To do so, I defined the Navigation block as a Group block and set its position to “Sticky”. In the templates, I also made it a top-level element. Because I use a Cover block in my header, it was also necessary to add the following CSS (Appearance > Additional CSS) to keep the menu and header image plum…
I’m not a WordPress expert, but I’m happy to share information about features which I enjoy using on my site. This particular post relates to use of block patterns.
Footnote: As a result of this fundamental change, theme updates regarding compatibility have ensued, and several themes have been discontinued. These themes remain in use, however, until such time as owners change the theme used on their respective sites; after which, the previously used (discontinued) theme will no longer be available.
Here is a list of themes which “fully support use of the new block editor to create and edit content”.
Here’s a video demonstrating how you can add block patterns into a post or page on your web site:
Examples
One of my favorite block patterns serving to complement use of a vertical perspective photograph, can be found at Patterns > Images > Images And Text. You can see an example post, and I’ve also included a screenshot below:
After replacing the provided image with my own photograph, I select the desired image size to use from the right sidebar. Then, add text.
If you should decide to delete the block pattern you’ve selected, simply click in the editor on the top edge of the block pattern, then on the three (vertical) dots & choose “Remove block”.
Here’s another one of my favorite block patterns to use. It’s can be found at Patterns > Images > Two Images And Quote. Screenshot:
You can adjust the spacing of your image in Column 1 by changing the Offset numbers (from 0 to 1 shifts the image right, towards center). To do so, first select “Block” at top of the right sidebar. Next, you’ll need to click within the block itself, in between the two columns. Having done so, you’ll see the aforementioned spacing options become available in the right sidebar. Adjust as desired.
Here are linked examples of other block patterns I commonly use:
Though many themes in the past have provided WordPress users with varied aesthetic and functional capacities, the new block editor with block patterns has changed the extensibility of what is possible.
Now, users have the opportunity to create content in a myriad of manners, using block patterns individually, or in combination with other blocks (i.e., Media, YouTube, Lists, Quotes, etc.).
There are presently dozens of block patterns available, with many more in the pipeline. This is the likely future of WordPress, one in which users will have much greater control over their content.
I hope you’ve found this post informative & useful. Thanks for reading!
This structural digital artwork is based on a photograph of a ticket booth and entryway from a local, historical theater. You can visit these shops for a variety of fine products: Pixels, ArtFlakes and ArtPal. ✅