{"id":40440,"date":"2026-09-30T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/?p=40440"},"modified":"2026-09-29T21:34:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T01:34:57","slug":"nc-state-theme-release-v4-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/university-communications.ncsu.edu\/documentation\/nc-state-theme-release-v4-18\/","title":{"rendered":"NC State Theme Release v4.18"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

What’s new<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is an especially large update to the NC State Web Platform, with more changes you’ll notice than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It marks a turning point in how the theme’s features are organized and how training is delivered. Feature Packs<\/strong>, now in beta, let site administrators choose which blocks appear in the editor. New on-demand trainings<\/strong> let your team learn those features whenever it suits them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The theme is also changing how it uses red. Most headings now display in dark gray, so red can be saved for calls to action and draw visitors’ attention where it matters most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This release also adds a new Due Dates<\/strong> block that helps visitors plan ahead by showing deadlines and turnaround times that update on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feature Packs (Beta)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can now choose which blocks show up in your editor. Blocks are grouped into five Feature Packs: Base<\/strong>, Advanced<\/strong>, Storytelling<\/strong>, Engagement and Events<\/strong> and Dynamic Content<\/strong>. Turn on the packs your site needs and leave the rest off, so the block list stays short and easy to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feature Packs are in beta until February 1, 2027<\/strong>, and using them is optional during the beta. Nothing changes on your site unless an administrator turns on a pack. To try them, go to NC State Settings -> Feature Packs<\/strong>. Each block there has a plain-language description of what it does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each Feature Pack has a matching on-demand training<\/a> with short videos and hands-on tasks. Anyone can start them now. Starting with version 4.19 in November, administrators can choose to require the trainings before editors can add a pack’s blocks. When the beta ends on February 1, 2027, Feature Packs and the training requirement will be turned on for every site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about Feature Packs<\/a>, including the full rollout timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Updated Heading Colors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Subheadings (H2 through H6) now use dark gray text instead of your site’s primary color (red on most sites). Page titles (H1) haven’t changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using red less often makes it more effective. When most headings are gray, red buttons and links stand out, so visitors can more easily spot what you want them to do next. No action is needed on your part.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n \n\n
\"Before
Before:<\/strong> headings used your site’s primary color.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"After
After:<\/strong> headings are dark gray, so the red button stands out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pro Tier: New Due Dates Block<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The new Due Dates block<\/a> shows deadlines that update on their own. It has two modes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n