Partially synced patterns let you change the content of individual blocks within a synced pattern. This allows some parts of the block pattern to sync while leaving others unchanged.
This new WordPress 6.6 feature bridges the gap between unsynced patterns, and fully synced patterns.
When would I use partially synching?
Let’s look at this example: a newsletter sign-up box.
You can now change the text of the paragraph and button blocks. While keeping the heading in sync.
Later, you decide to change the button color; this syncs to all patterns.
These block patterns are useful if:
- You want to change the content of blocks, but keep the styling in sync.
- You want some blocks to sync, but not others.
How does the partial syncing work?
Partially synced patterns disconnect the content of the blocks from the rest of the pattern.
Therefore, this feature is also referred to as Synced Pattern Overrides. That is the technical implementation, though, as the content of blocks you designate is overridden.
Another term floating around is Content-Only Editing because this feature limits the per-instance editing to content only. I don’t like this term, because it doesn’t explain that this feature only works with patterns.
For me, though, the term partially synced patterns makes a lot more sense because these patterns are midway between unsynced and synced patterns.
Powering this feature is the Block Bindings API. Like the name says it allows the content of blocks to be “bound” or connected to other data sources besides the block attributes.
What will you build with these new block patterns?
By offering a middle way between not syncing at all, and complete syncing, WordPress closes a big gap for freelancers and agencies.
Because in the past, these WordPress professionals had to rely on custom blocks to achieve that same outcome. And that wasn’t only more time intensive, but it also often involved building blocks that didn’t use WordPress’ customization features.
So I invite you to have a look at your current client projects, and see where partial synchronization of patterns could be helpful. And of course keep this at the forefront when planing new client sites!
