Next-gen UW Theme will bring modern editing experience to campus websites

Big changes are on the horizon for how university employees create and edit websites.

Web developers from University Marketing and WiscWeb are collaborating on the next generation of the UW Theme, the official WordPress theme that sets the standard for how university websites look and function.

The new theme will introduce a block-based WordPress editor called Gutenberg, a more modern, user-friendly and flexible user interface. It will allow website admins and editors to drag and drop web content like text, images and buttons around a page, significantly improving the classic editor most UW websites use today.

Classic WordPress editor — The classic editor uses a traditional what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) interface, similar to word processors like Microsoft Word.

WordPress block editor — The block editor provides a modern drag-and-drop interface, allowing you to add blocks (images, buttons, quotes, etc.) to your pages or posts and select from existing layouts and templates.

While block-based editing will change how university web editors use WordPress, the UW Theme team is committed to providing the highest accessibility standards in partnership with the Center for User Experience, along with the speed, security and branding you’ve come to expect from the UW Theme.

The team aims to have a simple version of the block editor theme ready to launch in 2025 and will add more features over time. Completing the process of designing, developing, testing and transitioning all UW Theme websites to the new editor will take several years.

Visit the Gutenberg Transition web hub to learn more about the new editing experience and how the migration will impact your work. You can also stay informed about project updates, sign up for project emails, join the WP Users group in Teams, and learn about WiscWeb’s monthly virtual lunch and learn sessions.