Developer Hours: Alternatives to Custom Meta Boxes in the Block Editor

Custom meta boxes have been a common tool used by plugin and theme developers to add additional functionality to posts and pages in WordPress. While meta boxes are supported in the Block Editor, they are considered a “legacy” tool and do not provide an ideal user experience. There are also a number of technical downsides to meta boxes, and developers are encouraged to migrate to alternatives.

In this session, we will explore the current options available for custom plugin and theme settings in the Block Editor and how you can manage metadata using React and native WordPress components. You will learn how to:

• Use slots to add custom panels in the Settings Sidebar
• Implement a modal for additional settings
• Fetch and save post metadata using JavaScript
• Connect post metadata to blocks

At the end of the session, we’ll have an open discussion about blockers that have prevented developers from migrating away from meta boxes and possible solutions. If you are currently using meta boxes in your work or are interested in building custom user interfaces in the Block Editor, this session is for you!

Meetup Information

• Where: Zoom (Link will be visible after RSVP)
• Level: Intermediate
• Language: English with live Zoom transcription