Createscape Design Studio can provide custom theme development for both WordPress and ClassicPress
ClassicPress is a fork, or copy, of WordPress version 4.9, prior to the release of the Gutenberg or WP block editor. It is actively maintained and a stable solution for website content management.
ClassicPress as an Alternative to WordPress
ClassicPress is a lightweight alternative to WordPress. It is essentially WordPress without the block editor, and it uses the classic WordPress editor that has been around for well over a decade. If you’re frustrated with the WordPress block editor, called Gutenberg, ClassicPress may be an option for you.
What’s Different in ClassicPress
Mission and Goals
ClassicPress’s developers veered away from WordPress because they felt that the WordPress development team wasn’t listening to what the community wanted from WordPress when it launched the block editor. Initially the block editor was published to WordPress while lacking essential features. Even today (6 years after the initial launch of Gutenberg) the default block editor feels incomplete compared to third party page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder. Many users find it difficult or intimidating to use.
ClassicPress’s aim is to listen to the needs of the community first:
“We believe that by combining careful, deliberate planning with the insight and collective wisdom of the ClassicPress community, we will ensure the success of ClassicPress for many years to come.“
From ClassicPress’s Vision and Mission Statement
Some Performance Enhancements
- Obsolete JavaScript replaced with HTML5 elements
- Removing the “bloat” of loading Gutenberg when you’re not actually using it. No need to add a Classic Editor plugin.
- Some users report their admin is noticeably faster
- Removed outdated flash support for media (audio and video)
- Media library grid loads faster
Minor Improvements to Core Features
- Categories and tags for media library
- Next / previous page links in admin
- Option to save media library images to a single folder or by year, rather than year and month.
- See where media is in use on your website
- Some accessibility improvements for screen readers
Theme and Plugin Compatibility
Because ClassicPress is built from WordPress version 4.9, most WordPress plugins that still supports version 4.9 will be compatible with ClassicPress. ClassicPress also has its own directory of plugins including SEO, eCommerce, security, and more.
Page Builder / Advanced Custom Fields Compatibility
Although ClassicPress comes with the default Classic Editor from the original WordPress, you’re not tied to using the Classic Editor for your site. Here are some page builders that are compatible with ClassicPress.
BeaverBuilder
BeaverBuilder is a popular page builder and default theme that is compatible with ClassicPress. The developers of BeaverBuilder have committed to maintaining compatibility with CP.
LiveCanvas: Bootstrap 5 Page Builder for WordPress / ClassicPress
LiveCanvas is an advanced page builder built to be friendly for both developers and clients. LiveCanvas is built to output Bootstrap 5 code, which is a popular developer CSS framework. The developer of LiveCanvas recently published a YouTube video highlighting its compatibility with ClassicPress.
Add Custom Blocks Without Adding Plugins / Upgrading
What I like most about LiveCanvas is the ease of extendibility compared to other page builders. Any Bootstrap 5 code can be quickly adapted to be a new custom block or layout that can be reused by clients.
Optional Simplified Experience for Clients
It also features an option to allow Editor user accounts to see a simplified version of the block editor. This is a great feature for clients because although everyone loves the idea of being able to edit the website on their own, many page builders have become so complicated that clients can feel overwhelmed.
(Potential Createscape Design Studio Clients: Please inquire about LiveCanvas – I have an unlimited license and include this in the website design package fees.)
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)
(An example of Advanced Custom Fields used on my own website for my portfolio items)
Advanced Custom Fields is a plugin that your developer can use to create a custom admin interface for your website. It focuses mainly on content editing rather than layout and design, but your developer can add options to allow you to provide design input as well, such as allowing you to switch colour schemes.
ACF is great for users looking to stay focused on content. Here are some examples of my clients who use ACF:
- A non profit with archives of documents
- An author to create custom landing pages for new books as they are published
- A small business that wants to keep the design “as-is” and allow admin staff to edit content
One of the downsides of page builders is that they can sometimes give clients too much flexibility, including the flexibility to break or erase design elements. If you’re paying for website design services, it’s good to keep in mind how that design might change over time as various users (staff, volunteers) interact with the website. ACF allows easy editing of content without access to editing design elements (unless you choose to do that).
Is ClassicPress right for your website project?
Although ClassicPress is a stable and flexible alternative to WordPress, the features that your website will require will determine if this is a good fit for your business or non-profit. If you’re interested in learning more or discussing your project goals with someone who can help you decide, feel free to get in touch.
Createscape Design Studio can provide custom theme development for both WordPress and ClassicPress, with options to use any of the page builder options above in either CMS. Get in Touch.
