Block Patterns are a way to set up layouts of blocks, through themes and plugins. We’ve started work to create a Block Pattern Directory, similar to the Plugin and Theme directories. This will let anyone create and share a Block Pattern with any WordPress user.
Current state
The Block Pattern directory is in progress at wordpress.org/patterns. Following @shaunandrews’s design post, we’ve been working on the pattern browsing flow. The grid view is in progress:
When viewing a single pattern, you can see a live preview which can be resized to preview at different screen sizes. Copying and favoriting are not working yet.
The editor for creating block patterns is still in progress, but the idea will be that you can create a pattern right on the Pattern Directory site, and submit it. Shaun’s initial design post has more details on the flow, including moderation steps.
Targets
We’re aiming to have an initial version of the pattern directory launched in conjunction with WordPress 5.8. For the initial launch,
- Anyone will be able to browse through patterns on the directory web site, based on pattern categories, or by searching
- Anyone can see a live preview of a pattern, and use it on their site by copying the block code
- WP.org users will be able to create and share Block Patterns, view and manage their submitted patterns
- Patterns will be able to pick from a set of curated images and media to use, but no uploading your own media
- Submitted Block Patterns will go through some basic validation/automated moderation
- The block editor will search and fetch core patterns from the directory
Once we have a working directory, these are some of the next ideas:
- The directory will be in English at launch, but we are thinking about how to internationalize the directory and available patterns
- Forking an existing pattern to iterate on it, or to translate it
- Improve the media collection for use
- Add UI for searching and browsing third party patterns from the block editor
Where to contribute
The development work is all happening on GitHub, WordPress/pattern-directory. If you want to help, or share feedback, comment on any of the GitHub issues (or create one). You can also find most of us in #meta on Slack, or share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
+make.wordpress.org/themes/ +make.wordpress.org/design/
Thanks to @tellyworth for reviewing this post.