Well, expectations are over! Drupal 10 is finally released, and there's a lot to know to ensure you're prepared. This major update promises to bring a whole new level of functionality and power to the Drupal platform. In this article, we'll be discussing the changes to come with Drupal 10 and what you need to do to be ready for the upgrade. We'll cover topics like the key features and how to prepare for the upgrade from different versions of Drupal.
What Has Been Improved in Drupal 10?
Drupal 10 features a new design system that makes it easier for users to quickly create custom layouts for their content and improved accessibility features that help make the platform more accessible to more people. Additionally, Drupal 10 now has a built-in media library, allowing users to quickly and easily find and embed images, videos, and audio files into their content. It also has a built-in editor for creating custom blocks of content that can be used to quickly create complex layouts for your content.
In addition to the new features, Drupal 10 will also have performance improvements, support for newer technologies, and improved scalability. This will make it easier for developers to create complex and powerful websites. It will also make it easier for non-technical users to create and maintain websites.
For businesses, Drupal 10 will provide a more secure, reliable, and powerful platform for creating and maintaining websites. The new version will make it easier to keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices.
Let's explore the new features in Drupal 10 that will result in these improvements.
What’s New with Drupal 10?
The latest Drupal update has many exciting features, allowing organizations to take their digital experience to the next level. Drupal 10 brings new features to the platform, including:
1- A new front-end theme (Olivero)
Named after Rachel Olivero (1982–2019), a Drupal contributor and accessibility expert, the Olivero theme has become the default front-end theme in Drupal core. Drupal 10 Olivero has a modern, minimalistic look. It utilizes whitespace, legible fonts, and vibrant colors. Olivero is built with accessibility in mind, meeting the WCAG Level AA standard.
2- A new back-end theme (Claro)
Drupal 10 has taken a modern approach with the Claro theme, replacing the 2009-designed Seven theme. Much work has gone into the color contrast and element unification of the user interfaces, resulting in bigger touch targets and higher accessibility with a refreshed look that is inviting and highlights Drupal’s power. The Claro theme has also achieved a level AA in the WCAG, providing an accessibility win for Drupal 10.
3- Upgrades to CKEditor 5
CKEditor 4 will reach its end of life in 2023, so upgrading to CKEditor 5 is the way to go. CKEditor 5 offers a fresh experience to Drupal 10, providing an interface similar to Microsoft Word and Google Docs with improved collaboration tools such as comments, suggested edits, version history and the ability to export to .docx and .pdf files. On the front end, it offers a greatly refined content editing experience, allowing users to edit links and images in place and copy-paste from Word Documents or Google Docs without the markup.
In addition, CKEditor 5 Premium allows you to take advantage of real-time collaborative editing, commenting and even exporting to Word and PDF - all for an additional fee and with a 30-day free trial.
4- Starterkit theme generator
In Drupal 10, Starterkit provides a safer approach to theme building compared to Drupal 9's runtime inheritance, as it allows developers to create a "fork" from a compatible theme and work on their own copy, while retaining the version they copied from. This makes it easier to review and apply any changes and ensure its stability.
5- Overall accessibility
The Drupal Project Browser and Easy Out of the Box initiatives are making it easier than ever for users of all skill levels to get up and running with the open-source content management system. The Project Browser facilitates the discovery and installation of modules, while the Easy Out of the Box initiative simplifies the admin level with the Claro admin theme, perfect for non-technical users.
6- Automatic updates
Drupal 10 will feature a game-changing update, automatic updates! With just one click, Drupal will take care of all the tasks associated with updates that users typically dread - downloading files, readiness checks, staging copies and performance checks. To make things even better, Drupal will send notifications to alert users when updates have been completed and if any further steps are required. With this new feature, Drupal users can kiss goodbye to the stress of manual updates and enjoy a smoother, more streamlined experience!
Prepare for Working with Drupal 10
In preparation for the release of Drupal 10, it is important to note the new features and requirements to ensure a smooth transition. This includes planning how you will use the new features and capabilities and ensuring your developers are up to speed on the latest technologies.
Drupal 10 will be the first version to include Symfony 6.2, PHP 8.1 (with the option of PHP 8.2 compatibility), and Composer 2.3 for development. It is also worth noting that Internet Explorer is no longer supported. These updates will bring a variety of improvements to the Drupal experience, such as improved support, enhanced performance, and a more modern user experience for developers and non-technical users alike.
Take the Leap: Upgrade to Drupal 10, No Matter What Version You're On
We have put together some tips and tools to simplify the process of migration to Drupal 10. Whatever your current situation, utilize the following advice to get you underway.
From Drupal 7
Drupal 7 end of life in November 2023, and Drupal 9 will be retiring along with it If you're using Drupal 7, you'll need to migrate your site to Drupal 9 or 10. Acquia provides the Acquia Migrate Accelerate tool to help streamline the process. If you're not on Acquia Cloud, use the Upgrade Status Module to check for compatible releases, and the Migrate module suite to migrate your content and configuration manually. When deciding between Drupal 9 and 10, it's best to consider your project timeline. If your updated site isn't launching soon, Drupal 10 would be the better option.
From Drupal 8
If you're still using Drupal 8, it's time to upgrade! On November 2, 2021, Drupal 8 reached its end of life and is no longer supported. There is no direct upgrade path to Drupal 10, but you can easily upgrade to Drupal 9 by following these simple steps.
- Step 1: Upgrade to Drupal 9.
- Step 2: Install the Upgrade Status Module to assess your site’s upgrade readiness.
- Step 3: Go to the Drupal Admin UI and enable the module once installed.
- Step 4: Scan modules for Drupal 9 readiness and update modules with deprecated code as needed.
- Step 5: Finally, update Drupal core to Drupal 9, and you’re all set.
Upgrading to Drupal 9 is not only important to keep your website secure, but also offers plenty of new features and functionality. So, don't delay and upgrade your Drupal 8 website today!
From Drupal 9
- Step 1: You'll need to install the Upgrade Status Module and enable it. This will run a check of the environment and note down everything you'll need to do before you can update from Drupal 9 to Drupal 10, along with a handy checklist to follow.
- Step 2: You'll need to update your modules, and use Drupal Rector to fix any incompatibilities with your custom code. For any remaining issues, follow the documentation to make any manual fixes.
- Step 3: You can upgrade Drupal Core to version 10.
Have Symetris Experts at Your Side!
To make sure you're ready for the upgrade, you need to have the right resources and know-how. With Symetris' expertise and experience, you can trust us to provide you with the best Drupal upgrade services. We know Drupal 10 inside and out; Take advantage of our services to ensure a smooth migration to Drupal 10 no matter what your current Drupal version is. Contact us today to get started!
You can also download the Drupal 10 migration checklist from the sidebar!
Drupal 10 is a game-changer for Drupal users and the Drupal community, bringing new features and improvements to the platform. The new design system is modern and user-friendly, making it easier to create custom layouts for your content. Accessibility has also been improved, making the platform more inclusive for all users, even non-technical users. Performance enhancements and automatic updates round out the list of exciting new features.
It is important to stay informed about the changes coming with this new version and to be prepared for it. With the right resources and expertise, the migration or upgrade to Drupal 10 can be smooth and successful. Make sure to plan ahead and take advantage of the resources available to ensure a seamless upgrade.
