WordPress 2.5: The new widgets panel

With WordPress 2.5, some changes are going to be introduced, regarding the style and color scheme of the admin panel, as well as new backend navigation structures. The widgets panel, which has been part of WordPress since version 2.2 has experienced major changes. This articles shall give the reader some guideline to the usage of the widgets panel in WordPress 2.5.

New order

The widgets panel is now divided into two columns: The first column on the left shows the widgets available, and the second column on the right shows the widgets that you are currently using on your blog. If you take a closer look, you will notice that you cannot define the number of text widgets and RSS widgets anymore like in the old panel. All widgets avalable are in the left column. The number of your used widgets are displayed above the right column.

Display choices

In the left column, which shows all widgets available, you can sort the widgets using the above dropdown menu. You can choose between “all widgets”, “used widgets” and “unused widgets”.

Adding a widget

Here comes the big change: In the old widgets panel, you could add and remove widgets via drag and drop. Now, every widgets has got a link to click on. The widgets of the left column, which are not yet used, all have a link on the right, which says “Add”. Once you click that link, the widget will appear in the right column with all other widgets being used so far. Do not forget to click on “Save Changes” under the right column to save.

Editing and removing widgets

Some widgets can be configured after having been added to the blogs sidebar. Have a look at the widgets listed on the right: They have a link “Edit”. If you click on the link, the widgets will slide open and reveal the options. In case there are no options, it will say “There are no options for this widget”. Some widgets though, for example the Archives Widget, offer the possibility to enter a custom title or define the number of list items within a widget. Just try it! If you do not want to apply the changes, you can click on “Cancel” at the bottom of the widget. Next to the “Cancel” button, there is a button “Remove”. By clicking on that button, the widget will be removed from your sidebar.

Sort them all

You are still looking for the usual drag and drop? It is still there. You can sort the widgets that are already in your sidebar (right column of the widgets panel) by dragging and dropping them where you want them to be. Click on “Save Changes” to save it, before returning to your blog to view the results.