News on Hypotheses – July 2024

A trio of updates has arrived on Hypotheses. A large number of improvements have been deployed.

Among the new features, there are two changes to the administration interface display, as well as the addition of two new content editing blocks, including the “Footnote” block. In this article, we have collected the main improvements that may be useful to you. For more details, feel free to consult the official WordPress documentation regarding updates named Lionel, Shirley, and Regina.

Changes to the administration interface display

The “Reusable Block” has been removed. This element is now included in the creation of “Patterns,” which is based on the same principle. This change aligns with WordPress’ desire to promote the use of patterns. These can be selected from a tab to the right of the list of available blocks, and are being used more and more in the general design of sites, particularly with the developments to be integrated into block-based graphic themes. In the latest versions of WordPress, this functionality is central and can greatly facilitate content structuring.

It is now also possible to modify your own patterns from “Appearance” -> “Patterns.” You will find a more detailed guide on using patterns by consulting the official WordPress documentation.

Two New Blocks 

The new “Footnote” and “Details” blocks offer more tools to edit your articles and pages.

“Footnote” Block

A new way to add footnotes has been introduced. More intuitive, it is similar to the method used by word-processing software. Once the cursor is where you want to insert a new footnote reference, click on the logo representing a downward-pointing arrow, then click on “Footnote.”

A cursor is then automatically placed after the footnote number (which is also inserted automatically), allowing you to enter the text of the note. The numbering will increment automatically. Adding the first note will generate the insertion of a “Footnote” block positioned by default at the end of the article. This block can be manually moved within the body of the article like any other type of block. The settings of this block are identical to those of a paragraph block.

Caution: It is important to always use the same method to insert footnotes. The old method of inserting footnotes (using the double parenthesis system) and the new method mentioned above are not compatible within the same article. If both are used, they will be displayed separately. So, for example, there will be a note added using the old method which will be numbered 1, and then a new note which will follow but will also be numbered 1 because it was added using the new method. This will also be the case if you are editing an article where you have copied and pasted the text previously written and annotated in a word processor such as OpenOffice or Word. A second list of notes will appear.

“Details” block

This block allows you to create a display in the form of an accordion menu, making only the titles of the sections visible and enabling your readers to open these sections or not. The aim is to create a betterdisplay. This block can be useful for hiding a long paragraph behind a title or displaying a list of items that can be viewed separately based on the interests of the readers to whom they are addressed.

Example of Using the Details Block

Here you will find a description that is initially hidden.

Note: By selecting the “Open by default” option, it is possible to offer the reverse display. The content included in the “Details” block will be visible when the page opens, and clicking on the arrow will allow it to be hidden.

Enhanced Customization Options for Images

• The “Image” block now features a functionality that allows you to adjust its size to optimize its display. In the block settings, the “Aspect ratio” field enables you to select a size that is better suited for mobile display, for example: 4:3.
• In the “Cover” block, it is now possible to add a color “Overlay” that matches the image. This action is visible in the style customization options.

In an “Image” block, when you click on the icon to add a link, a new option called “Expand on Click” is now available. You can see the effect of this feature by clicking on the screenshot above.

Easier structuring of your articles with List View

The improvements to the “List View” make it easier to structure your articles and better identify the different blocks they contain. The list view not only displays all the blocks that make up your article but also allows you to reorganize them to create the desired layout. Additionally, to help you navigate more easily, a thumbnail preview of the image used in each Image block appears next to the block title.

From the list view, you can also:

• rename blocks via the three vertical dots menu that appears when you move the mouse cursor over the name of a block;
• drag and drop to move blocks;
• delete a block.

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