Widgets in WordPress 5.8

Hi Lukas

Thanks for reaching out.

5.8 will change the look and functionality of the Appearance > Widgets screen; it won’t change or impact Page Builder or the Widgets Bundle functionality. The Widgets Bundle and Page Builder will be 100% compatible with the changes included in WP 5.8. Users can continue to use SiteOrigin Widgets in theme widget areas; they can also use the SiteOrigin Widgets Block. If you have clients that make use of the Appearance > Widgets interface regularly and are satisfied with that interface, then you might consider installing the WordPress Classic Widgets plugin. Themes have also been provided with an option to opt-out of the new interface; that’s another option if you manage client sites.

As queries or feature requests arise, please, let us know. We’re here to lend a hand wherever possible.

Thank you very much for the answer!
You mentioned that I could opt-out the new interface in the theme-menu. Is already clear where to make this setting? I’d like to not change the look but also I’m not happy installing a new plugin to prevent it

best regards!

Sure, no problem.

The Classic Widgets plugin would be the easiest option.

Alternatively, are you using a custom theme or a child theme or do you have a custom-made plugin installed where you add your site customizations? If so, you could add something like:

function siteorigin_theme_setup() {
	remove_theme_support( 'widgets-block-editor' );
}
add_action( 'after_setup_theme', 'siteorigin_theme_setup' );

You could also use a plugin like Code Snippets to add the above function.

Just for interest’s sake, here is a post on creating a custom plugin to store functionality like your Analytics tracking code and other similar small customizations: https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/what-why-and-how-tos-of-creating-a-site-specific-wordpress-plugin/. The Code Snippets plugin can do the same job, a custom plugin is another way to go. A custom theme, child theme, custom plugin, adding the function above via Code Snippets, or using the Classic Widgets plugin are the options I can think of.