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Builder V4.5: Pre-Release Announcement (Beta Version Available!)

Builder V4.5: Pre-Release Announcement (Beta Version Available!)

After a few months of silent and hard work behind-the-scenes, we are proud to announce the pre-release of Builder V4.5! We basically re-coded the entire Builder core to now use Javascript for a better and faster user experience when it comes to loading the module options and styling.

Along with these performance enhancements, we've added a few new modules and many new and exciting Builder features! If you want a sneak peek at the latest version of the Builder and framework, try out our beta version of Builder V4.5. Read on for details and a friendly disclaimer.

Faster Performance

The biggest deal in the Builder V4.5 is the performance improvements. In the current version, the module lightbox is processed and loaded with PHP. As we add more modules and options, the page parsing gets bigger and this can cause performance issues. To solve this performance concern, we are now using Javascript to load the module lightbox, and the lightbox is only loaded when the user triggers it. This helps the Builder to load much much faster than before.

The Builder is more scalable as well — we can load more modules and options without affecting the Builder's speed or performance. What does this mean? More goodies! We'll be working on bringing you more cool features and enhancements to existing ones.

New Modules

  • Opt-in Form: Increase the numbers of subscribers, leads, and visitor to buyer conversions with the new Optin Form module. As a starter, we've included the major newsletter providers (such as Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, ConvertKit, GetResponse) and also a free Newsletter plugin option that does not require any subscription fees (it uses your own mail server to send newsletters).
  • Login Form: The custom login form module was a popular request! We are extremely please to be able to include it in this release. Now you can display the login form anywhere with this new module. Users can reset passwords using the same form. You also get a full set of styling controls on all form elements including their hover state.

Bing Maps

For those who are concerned about the Google Maps Pricing Change and looking for an alternative, we have good news. In the upcoming version of the Builder, you can choose Bing Maps as the map provider. Bing Maps still requires an API key to use it, however, you don't need to setup the billing plan or attach your credit card with it.

New Styling Features

  • Hover Styling: It is one of the most exciting features in Builder V4.5. Hover styling allows you to change the color, background, font, etc. when an element is hovered over. You can make things glow, expand, shrink, pop, and camouflage, all with hover. All styling options now have a hover state styling.
  • Height and Min-Height: The height and min-height styling option allows you to set the row and column to specific heights regardless of the content inside. In the past we've been using the padding option to control the row and column's height, now you can use the height property for this purpose.
  • Rounded Corners: Not a fans of sharp and squared corners? Make it rounded then. You can make each element's corner to have a different border radius, or have them all be the same (similar to padding).
  • Text Shadow: Previously we added gradient font styling. Now we are excited to introduce text shadow. It is a great feature to make large headings pop!
  • Box Shadow: Make things stand out and add more depth to an element by adding shadow. It supports RGBA colour, so you can apply nice semi-transparent soft shadows that blend in with the background nicely.
  • Blend Mode: Blend mode affects how colours should appear when elements overlap. If you want to change the appearance of a module and how it overlaps with the background layers, you would use the blend mode feature.

New: Find and Replace Tool

The find and replace tool allows you easily find and replace content within the Builder. Lets say you have a lot of buttons linking to your old site, now you can mass replace them without going to each page and edit them manually. It is definitely a huge time saving tool!

Floating or Docked Panel

The new Builder now offers two interface modes: floating or docked. With the floating mode, the module panel is draggable, resizeable, and collapsible. You can place it anywhere as you want or close it to give yourself the maximum working space. If you drag the module panel to either the left or right edge, it will trigger the docked mode. With the docked mode, the module and option lightbox are always docked on the side which gives you a complete unobstructive preview of the layout.

Themify Setting Quick Search

As our theme features are growing, there are more options on the Themify panel. Now you can easily search the Themify panel settings without having to look through the setting tab. For example: if you search "portfolio", it will show you all fields related to the term "portfolio".

Beta Version Available

Are you tempted and interested in trying all of the new features? We have a beta version available for you! But please note, we do our best to test something extensively before releasing it, but of course we can't be perfect. The beta version of Builder V4.5 may have a few bugs or issues yet unknown to us. We're grateful for your feedback. Please follow the instructions below to install the beta version.

WARNING: Please do not use the beta version on your live site as it is not finalized yet. We recommend that you use it on a testing site only. Also, the new update requires the new versions of all the Builder addons which we haven't released yet. If you have the old Builder addons activated, please disable them, or else the Builder won't turn on.

How to Install Themify Builder V4.5 Beta Version:

  • Download the themify-beta.zip and upload it as is to WP-admin > Appearance > Themes (do not use it on a live site, install it on a test site!)
  • Deactivate all Builder addons if you have any
  • Have fun with the new features! :)

Bug Report & Feedback

If you encounter any issues or bugs, feel free to contact us or comment on this blog post below. This update was possible with the help of all of our hardworking developers, as well as all of you! Because of your continued support, we have been able to keep making Themify better and better. Thank you!

65 Comments

  1. Jerry de Brabander
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 08:07

    Sounds good Themify! What is the date of this release?

    Reply

    • Cecilia @ Themify
      Mar 20, 2019 @ 16:53

      We’d like to run more tests for the next several weeks, but if all goes well, should be within a month!

      Reply

      • banks
        Apr 03, 2019 @ 18:37

        its april already. can we have a launch date?

        Reply

        • Cecilia @ Themify
          Apr 04, 2019 @ 19:35

          Banks, patience is a virtue! Lol, actually it should be ready in a few weeks. We’re working really hard behind the scenes to squash every little bug and work out all the kinks before we officially launch it. We wouldn’t want to give you guys a ferrari with holes in the engine! ;) Thanks for your patience.

          Reply

  2. Denis
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 11:50

    Hey this sounds GREAT!!! Cant wait to install the beta Version!
    Did you also include a login logout page in the Menu?
    Cheers,
    Denis

    Reply

    • Cecilia @ Themify
      Mar 20, 2019 @ 16:55

      We don’t have a new login/logout page with this update – just the new login/logout form module for now.

      Reply

      • Denis
        Mar 20, 2019 @ 17:00

        Mh, something like a preDefined Menu part.
        Thanks

        Reply

  3. Dominik
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 11:57

    Very nice.

    For The Features:
    “New Modules – Opt-in Form”

    Will Aweber also be possible for Form Integrations?

    Regards
    Dominik

    Reply

  4. Gurkenglas
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 12:11

    Cool. That all sound very nice.

    Please add Openstreetmap, too.

    Reply

  5. Banks
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 12:13

    Keep getting better themify
    And thanks for the bing map option.
    Google has been holding us ransom for ages and need fresh competition.
    I am glad to be with you

    Reply

  6. Bert
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 12:15

    This is awesome. I am heavily invested in the Themify Framework, and news like this is very welcome! Most of what you listed here are things I have been wanting. I especially like the new styling features.

    Reply

    • Cecilia @ Themify
      Mar 20, 2019 @ 16:51

      That’s great news! We’ll be adding even more hopefully by the end of this year!

      Reply

  7. Keith Atkinson
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 12:15

    all looks good, do you have a short video to show the updates?

    Reply

    • Cecilia @ Themify
      Mar 20, 2019 @ 16:51

      For now, just the beta version of Builder V4.5 is available.

      Reply

  8. ivan sanchez
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 12:35

    Great Themify

    Reply

  9. Elle Draper
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 12:45

    Damn you guys! I have deadlines to meet but now you’ve dangled a new toy in front of me… so I’m going to be itching to have a play ha ha.
    Seriously though – keep up the good work. You’re the best theme authors I’ve ever worked with. Worth every centimo and more!
    Elle x

    Reply

    • Cecilia @ Themify
      Mar 20, 2019 @ 16:50

      We’re definitely forwarding this to the team. They’ll be thrilled for such positive feedback! Thank you :)

      Reply

      • Elle Draper
        Mar 22, 2019 @ 09:25

        My pleasure. I’ve been a customer of yours for 2 or 3 years now – and it has really helped my business. What used to take me a week to build, now takes me a day.
        it’s also a million times easier to train a new client on how to update their own site too.
        Elle xxxx

        Reply

        • banks
          Apr 03, 2019 @ 18:39

          Truth.
          My exact experience

          Reply

          • Cecilia @ Themify
            Apr 04, 2019 @ 18:18

            You guys – our support staff and I will have to dry our keyboards now from all the tears… Thanks a million. We’re also coming up with an About Us page, so you’ll finally get a sort of introduction to the people behind the scenes!

  10. Nick Suykerbuyk
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 12:45

    Hey guys,

    I’m very, very excited for this update. It has a ton of new features and things I have been waiting for like height setting, hover controls, and bing maps.

    You should check out Leaflet Map too – it’s an alternative to Google Maps, is free, and has really nice styling options!

    Thanks!
    Nick

    Reply

    • Gurkenglas
      Mar 20, 2019 @ 12:55

      +1

      Reply

    • Denis
      Mar 20, 2019 @ 13:12

      YES! Leaflet Map!

      Reply

  11. Denis
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 13:14

    If possible, I really like to have a contact form, that send the message to the PSOT AUTHOR :-)
    Cause I have lots of diffrent authors in my blog. So readers can directly get in touch with tem.
    thanks,
    Denis

    Reply

  12. Brian White
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 15:25

    These sound great – thanks.

    Will the search and replace allow site wide changes to colors/fonts?

    Reply

  13. Tad Nelson
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 15:32

    Fantastic upgrades! I can’t wait till they roll out!

    Reply

  14. James
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 15:36

    Regards

    Download the file and when trying to install it in wp multisite, I get an error.

    you can help me with that?

    Thank you

    Reply

    • Cecilia @ Themify
      Mar 20, 2019 @ 16:49

      Can you please send a screenshot along with details of your issue to [email protected]? Thanks!

      Reply

    • James Guzmán Méndez
      Mar 20, 2019 @ 16:49

      Fixed: I was uploading it as a plugin and should be uploaded as a theme.

      Thank you

      Reply

      • Cecilia @ Themify
        Mar 20, 2019 @ 16:57

        Oh nice! That was what I was about to recommend but wasn’t sure about your previous installation process. Awesome, enjoy.

        Reply

  15. Usha
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 17:13

    Great improvements!

    Reply

  16. Prism Hue
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 17:26

    MAMP Themify-Beta installed without issues.
    WordPress – Latest Version
    MAMP – Latest Version

    Reply

  17. Fausto
    Mar 20, 2019 @ 19:43

    Have you also thinked to improve the Popup, to activate it with a trigger (inserting specific css) and very light loading page (and his content)?

    Reply

  18. Will Warger
    Mar 21, 2019 @ 06:29

    That sounds exciting. I installed the theme and hit activate, then the page went blank and I get ahttp 500 error. Now everything on that wordpress install is blank, including the wp-admin page. When I view the source code there’s nothing there. Deleting the beta theme via ftp restores everything.

    Reply

    • Csaba @ Themify
      Mar 21, 2019 @ 22:30

      Hi Will,

      We had a Classic Editor / Disable Gutenberg plugin conflict, that might have caused the error, please download themify-beta.zip again from the above link and re-install, it was updated to fix the plugin conflict.

      Reply

      • Will Warger
        Mar 21, 2019 @ 23:04

        Ah, thanks! I actually did an install on a brand new WP installation and that worked. I really like the speed improvements and hover effects. Very exciting. #1 on my wishlist are styling options for the lightbox.

        Reply

  19. Hans Henrik Bay
    Mar 21, 2019 @ 10:32

    Can I uninstall the Betabuilder and go back the old one ? Just in case I regret .

    Reply

    • Csaba @ Themify
      Mar 21, 2019 @ 22:31

      Hi Hans,

      The download file is Ultra Theme with the Beta version of the Builder, so will install it as a new Theme, in case you want to switch back to your previous theme, you just switch back to it from wp-admin > Appearance > Themes.

      Reply

    • Nick @ Themify
      Mar 22, 2019 @ 21:40

      Technically you can do this. The only downside is the new version uses different method to re-generate the styling css. Once you downgrade back to the old version, you might have to re-save the Builder to regenerate the styling file.

      Reply

  20. DNN
    Mar 21, 2019 @ 19:29

    Sound like this can help WordPress bloggers also improve SEO.

    Reply

  21. Sandy Sailer
    Mar 21, 2019 @ 20:42

    I’m getting errors after installing the classic editor.
    _____________________________________________________________________________________
    Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Class ‘Themify_Builder_Gutenberg’ not found in C:\xampp\htdocs\NewBuilder\wordpress\wp-content\themes\themify-beta\themify\themify-builder\classes\class-themify-builder.php:187 Stack trace: #0 C:\xampp\htdocs\NewBuilder\wordpress\wp-content\themes\themify-beta\themify\themify-builder\themify-builder.php(76): Themify_Builder->init() #1 C:\xampp\htdocs\NewBuilder\wordpress\wp-includes\class-wp-hook.php(286): themify_builder_init(”) #2 C:\xampp\htdocs\NewBuilder\wordpress\wp-includes\class-wp-hook.php(310): WP_Hook->apply_filters(NULL, Array) #3 C:\xampp\htdocs\NewBuilder\wordpress\wp-includes\plugin.php(465): WP_Hook->do_action(Array) #4 C:\xampp\htdocs\NewBuilder\wordpress\wp-settings.php(489): do_action(‘after_setup_the…’) #5 C:\xampp\htdocs\NewBuilder\wordpress\wp-config.php(90): require_once(‘C:\\xampp\\htdocs…’) #6 C:\xampp\htdocs\NewBuilder\wordpress\wp-load.php(37): require_once(‘C:\\xampp\\htdocs…’) #7 C:\xampp\htdocs\NewBuilder\wordpress\wp-admin\admin.php(34): require_once(‘C:\\ in C:\xampp\htdocs\NewBuilder\wordpress\wp-content\themes\themify-beta\themify\themify-builder\classes\class-themify-builder.php on line 187

    Reply

    • Csaba @ Themify
      Mar 21, 2019 @ 22:36

      Hi Sandy,

      We had a Classic Editor / Disable Gutenberg plugin conflict, that might have caused the error, please download themify-beta.zip again from the above link and re-install, it was updated to fix the plugin conflict.

      Reply

      • Sandra Sailer
        Mar 22, 2019 @ 15:47

        Perfect – thank you. Question … will the builder panel always be floating, like it is with the new beta release, or will we be able to dock it and keep it in one place?

        Thanks!

        Reply

        • Nick @ Themify
          Mar 22, 2019 @ 21:37

          It will be floating by default. We are still deciding whether to have the module panel open on initial load. Without the floating module panel, users get maximum layout area.

          Reply

  22. Sandy Sailer
    Mar 21, 2019 @ 20:49

    Couple of things with the beta builder…

    1. Will there be the ability to specify column height, like there is row height?
    2. The margin option is missing from the Column Styling tab. I use this all the time!

    Thanks.

    Reply

    • DNN
      Mar 21, 2019 @ 23:00

      Gutenberg for WordPress is pure GARBAGE. Restore the default editor!

      Reply

    • Nick @ Themify
      Mar 21, 2019 @ 23:59

      Row and column styling now have height and min-height option. :)

      Reply

      • Sandra Sailer
        Mar 22, 2019 @ 15:41

        Sorry, I missed that. I am SO EXCITED about this builder!!! ♥

        Reply

      • Sandra Sailer
        Mar 22, 2019 @ 15:49

        Will you please put the margin option back in for the column styling tab? :D

        Thanks!

        Reply

        • Nick @ Themify
          Mar 22, 2019 @ 21:35

          Thanks for reporting this. Didn’t realized the margin styling option is gone in column styling. We will re-add it.

          Reply

    • Nick @ Themify
      Mar 22, 2019 @ 21:39

      1) Yes, you can specify column and row height now.
      2) We will restore margin option on column styling (think it was removed by mistake during the rebuild).

      Reply

  23. Hans Henrik Bay
    Mar 22, 2019 @ 19:48

    I can’t drag in sub-rows. It does not work. Must be a bug.

    Reply

    • Nick @ Themify
      Mar 22, 2019 @ 21:42

      Thanks for flagging this. Will report to our developers to fix.

      Reply

    • Nick @ Themify
      Mar 25, 2019 @ 01:20

      The subrow issue has been fixed. You just need to update the Themify Beta theme.

      Reply

  24. Sandra Sailer
    Mar 22, 2019 @ 22:25

    Thank you!

    Reply

  25. Andrea Rojas Penuela
    Apr 01, 2019 @ 15:18

    When will you add custom fonts to Themify that don’t require touching CSS? This is one crucial thing other competitors have.

    Reply

    • Nick @ Themify
      Apr 01, 2019 @ 17:48

      Hi Andrea,

      Thanks for the suggestion. Note that there might be copyright concerns using custom fonts on the web (ie. the fonts that you want to use might not allow to be used on the web). We will log this request in our todo list.

      Reply

  26. Frits
    Apr 02, 2019 @ 12:41

    I’m very pleased with the height setting option for row and columns. Will this option also be implemented in modules? That would make a perfect world for me.

    Reply

  27. Napex
    Apr 03, 2019 @ 00:03

    Can we get a Header Menu designer like that of Amazon and Alibaba for the shopee and ultra theme?

    Reply

  28. Frits
    Apr 05, 2019 @ 12:17

    And, o yes, please: custom css panels per row, columns and module, for fast css fine tuning…

    Reply

  29. Sandra Sailer
    Apr 05, 2019 @ 15:11

    @Nick … what about including a font dropdown list for the classic editor? I know there are plugins out there that do this, but if Themify did this, I know it would always be updated and available. A dropdown list of font faces, and sizes? :)

    Reply

  30. Sandra Sailer
    Apr 05, 2019 @ 15:13

    p.s. Google fonts — that way, there’s no copyright issue. Thanks!

    Reply

  31. Sandra Sailer
    Apr 09, 2019 @ 16:11

    It would be SO AWESOME … if we could apply a class to a module title (or other module components) separately from the module in general. I’m referring to the “Additional CSS Class” setting. It would be great if this was an option on all module option tabs. :)

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Nick @ Themify
      Apr 12, 2019 @ 02:38

      You can do this by adding custom CSS class in the module option and use it as the parent class. A sample CSS rule would be like: .custom-class .module-title { background: #666; }

      Reply

  32. wrinklie44
    Apr 29, 2019 @ 18:08

    Couldn’t wait for final version, backed up a live site then installed the builder beta version (with the ability to quickly reinstall the original site). Every thing is working fine!

    The new builder is awesome! It allows me to do what I’ve been trying to do without the need for a theme. You provide the framework, I build my own theme from ground up. Perfect.

    I have a testing site where I can play with the latest versions and continue to explore beta builder. Looking forward to the release date!

    Reply

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