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Web Platforms and Documentation

NC State Theme Release 4.0

November 28, 2023
Howling wolf

This major release includes several new features and changes to build the foundation of the v4 theme. Adjustments have been made to the codebase to allow an unbranded version of the theme to be used by sites outside of the NC State branding guidelines. Several new blocks as well as alternative layouts have been provided as part of the overall theme offering. Additionally, a solution for prebuilt Academic Programs pages and filtering is included in the release.

Features

  • The ability to override specific NC State branding elements and colors via a Theming settings page has been added to the theme, this page is only viewable to users added to a whitelist in the database.
  • A new Custom Post Type has been added to manage and generate consistent Academic Programs within sites. Users can input data into an initial form and have pre-styled and designed program pages built automatically. An associated archive page is also included for visitors of the site to filter programs based on name, degree type, and delivery method.
  • A new block is now available to create content with text and visual elements side-by-side. This block is named Fancy Paragraph and includes seven sub-blocks that can be displayed beside copy text. The ability to switch between a 60:40 and 70:30 split allows the editor to adjust how wide the text and visual elements will be.
  • Prebuilt elements called Block Patterns are being added to the theme architecture, with the first free-tier pattern being the About NC State block that provides a pre-filled Featured Content block providing visitors information regarding NC State. These block patterns can be found under the Patterns tab of the block inserter.

Quality of Life Enhancements

  • The left-hand navigation has been redesigned to improve functionality and reduce whitespace on pages where it exists.
  • The names of many of the existing blocks have been changed with the intention of making these blocks’ usage more apparent.
  • New categories have been created and many of the existing blocks have been moved into the categories related to the functionality the block provides.
  • A selector has been added to the page sidebar allowing the user to more easily change the heading block between the different versions.
  • Styling adjustments have been to the following blocks: Split Header, Arrow Decorators, Contact Us, and Headings.