New Release: Bricks 2.1-beta

Bricks 2.1 beta is has been released.

This beta release reveals the 10 major new features coming in the final 2.1 version.

WARNING: Do not use a beta version on a production website.

The features in version 2.1 will streamline and improve development workflows.

Here are the 10 new Bricks features:

1. Components As Blocks - Use Bricks components directly inside the WordPress block editor (Gutenberg). Not all admins work inside the Bricks Builder interface or have access to it. This feature enables all site admins to edit Bricks content.
2. Bricks Wireframes & Design Sets - Layout Wireframes provide clean structural starting points, while Design Sets provide polished, fully-styled layouts.
3. Global Queries & Query Manager - Create a query once and reuse it across your site. Update a query in one place and the changes apply site-wide.
4. Query Data from APIs - Fetch & display third-party API data in your query loops—no custom code needed. Combine WordPress content with third-party data sources for richer, more dynamic websites.
5. Use Frontend Forms To Create & Update Posts - Let users create and edit content from the front end—without giving them admin access or building custom endpoints.
6. Fluid Typography Generator - Create fluid type scales visually. Enter minimum & maximum sizes and let Bricks do the math. Headings and body text scale gracefully across screen sizes. Apply the same type system across your entire site via Theme Styles.
7. New Map Element: Leaflet (OpenStreetMap) - Google Maps uses heavy scripts, API keys, and has usage costs. The new Map - Leaflet (OpenStreetMap) feature offers: Faster loading maps with fewer external dependencies.
8. User Activation Email - Sends an email with an activation link to every new user registrant. Only verified users can proceed, keeping memberships, downloads, and community areas clean. A clear “confirm your email” flow that’s familiar to users.
9. Tabs-to-Accordion Layout On Mobile - Transform Tabs into vertically stacked accordion panels optimized for touch, starting at any breakpoint you set. Users can see headings and open multiple sections without losing their place. No squished tab labels, overflow, or wrapping problems on small screens.
10. Image & Image Gallery Caption Styles - Define global typography, spacing, and color for all image and image gallery captions.

In my opinion, these are all important enhancements that will make better websites.

Bricks is one of my top 2 best builders for WordPress.

As a reminder Bricks is for developers. And coding skills are required to use Bricks effectively.

That being said… check out the Bricks 2.1 beta. And let me know what you think.

Cheers!