Permanent link for CMS5 Technical Launch Now Live! on October 2, 2024

We’re excited to announce the launch of CMS5, the latest iteration of our content management system. While this is a technical launch with limited features, it introduces new functionality and builds on the foundation set by CMS4. We’re still working on adding more, like the Form Builder, which is currently in development. Here's what you need to know!

What’s New and What’s Familiar?

Some features from CMS4 will feel familiar, while others have been updated or redesigned to streamline your workflow. Basic functionality is fully included, and we’ve focused on ensuring that you can hit the ground running with the tools you use most.

Here’s a breakdown of some key features:

Features at a Glance

• Navigation & Content: The essential tools for building and managing your site are available, with a few changes.
• Chunks: These are blocks of content you can add to your pages. CMS5 includes:
  • Heading
  • Paragraph
  • Image
  • Video
  • Table
  • Horizontal Rule (Line)
  • Anchor

What’s Different in CMS5?

• Tabordion: We've combined the Accordion and Tabs from CMS4 into one chunk to simplify things. Now, managing these elements is much more convenient.
• Calendar Embed: In addition to embedding Google calendars, you can now also embed Outlook calendars.
• Chunk Library & Favorite Chunks: The Chunk Library, accessible from the toolbar, shows all available chunks on your site. You can also “favorite” chunks for quick access, making it easier to find the ones you use most often.

Other Changes

• Footer: The footer section is now more flexible, using familiar editor functionality, so you can create custom layouts that suit your needs.
• Gallery: Previously known as "Photo Gallery," each module now acts as its own photo album.
• Posts: We’ve combined the Blog, Spotlights, and News modules from CMS4 into a single Posts module, giving you more flexibility and control.

What’s Still in Development?

• Form Builder: This important tool isn’t part of the initial CMS5 launch, but don’t worry—it’s coming soon!
• Events: While this feature is live, it currently doesn’t integrate with the main Events Calendar on the homepage. That functionality will be added in the future.

Change Log

• The Editor now has fewer background color options to stay consistent with our branding and improve the look of your pages.
• Row themes have been simplified to two options:
  1. None (background and content constrained)
  2. Full (background wide, content constrained)

The third option from CMS4, where both background and content are 100% wide, is under review for a future update.

Next Steps for Migrating to CMS5

Ready to move your site over to CMS5? Start by registering for migration through our registration form. We’ll be reaching out to registered sites in the coming weeks and months to guide you through the migration process. Keep an eye on your inbox for more details and timelines!

 

Posted by Keith Curry on Permanent link for CMS5 Technical Launch Now Live! on October 2, 2024.