The WordPress Themes Repository has recently celebrated a significant milestone, reaching the impressive total of 1,000 block themes. This achievement is part of a broader context where the repository now houses over 12,000 free themes, showcasing the vibrant and diverse landscape of WordPress design options.
Block themes, which were first introduced with the release of WordPress 5.9, have transformed how users create and customize their websites. By leveraging the block editor, these themes empower users to design every aspect of their sites with unprecedented flexibility and creativity. The journey to this 1,000-block-theme milestone has been marked by rapid growth and community engagement. In July 2022, the repository celebrated the addition of its 100th block theme, followed by the 200th in December of the same year.
Despite the initial challenges in encouraging theme authors to adopt this new design paradigm, there has been a notable shift in momentum. A dedicated “Block Themes” menu item was added to the filter menu on the directory homepage, significantly improving visibility for developers and site owners seeking innovative designs. Ganga Kafle, a member of the WordPress.org Themes Team, has highlighted the importance of this visibility, stating, “The themes team would like to see more block themes. We expect an influx of innovative designs and functionalities.”
The story of block themes is rich with contributions from various developers, with Automattic leading the charge by offering 116 themes, followed by Creta Themes with 41. The first-ever block theme, Armando, created by Carolina Nymark, set the stage for this flourishing ecosystem of design options. The community’s collaborative efforts are evident in the recent tweet from Remkus de Vries, who noted the gradual yet significant momentum building around block themes, suggesting that the next 1,000 might come even faster.
The excitement surrounding this achievement is palpable, as evidenced by various voices within the community. Jeff Chandler humorously pointed out that the initial aspiration for 5,000 block themes, voiced by Matt Mullenweg in 2021, still looms large, highlighting the ambitious nature of the WordPress community.
For developers eager to dive into creating block themes, resources abound. Carolina Nymark’s guide on creating WordPress block themes serves as an excellent starting point. Additionally, the WordPress Theme Developer Handbook and the Learn WordPress platform offer extensive information to facilitate the development process. Engaging with the WordPress Community Themes repository on GitHub can also provide valuable insights and support.
As the WordPress community continues to innovate and expand the possibilities within block themes, it is clear that this design approach is not just a passing trend but a foundational shift in how websites are built. The potential for creativity and customization is vast, inviting developers, designers, and site owners alike to explore the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
