Umbraco 15, the latest version of the popular open-source content management system (CMS), brings a range of new features and improvements aimed at enhancing performance, usability, and development flexibility. Whether you’re a content editor or a developer, there are plenty of exciting updates to explore. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new in Umbraco 15:

1. Full Support for .NET 7

Umbraco 15 is built on .NET 7, ensuring compatibility with the latest features and performance enhancements of the .NET ecosystem.

Benefits:

• Improved runtime performance.
• Access to the newest .NET features for modern application development.
• Enhanced stability and security.

2. Improved Backoffice Experience

The backoffice has received significant updates to make content management more intuitive and user-friendly:

• Enhanced UI/UX: A modernized interface for improved usability and accessibility.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Navigate and manage content faster with new keyboard shortcuts.
• Customizable Dashboards: Tailor the backoffice experience to your team’s needs.

3. Block Grid Editor Enhancements

The Block Grid Editor, introduced in earlier versions, gets a major upgrade:

• Better Preview Options: Preview your block configurations in real-time.
• Drag-and-Drop Support: Simplify block arrangement with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality.
• Reusable Block Presets: Save and reuse common block configurations across projects.

4. Content Delivery API

The new Content Delivery API provides a lightweight and efficient way to retrieve content, ideal for headless CMS scenarios:

• Fully RESTful.
• Optimized for performance.
• Secure with API key support.

5. Performance Improvements

Umbraco 15 introduces several performance upgrades:

• Faster Caching: Improved caching mechanisms for quicker content delivery.
• Optimized Database Queries: Reduced latency for database-intensive operations.
• Smaller Footprint: Leaner deployments with reduced resource consumption.

6. Improved Multilingual Support

Managing multilingual content is easier than ever:

• Language Variants: Simplified workflows for creating and maintaining language-specific content.
• Enhanced Translation Tools: Better integration with third-party translation services.
• Fallback Language Options: Ensure content displays correctly in cases of missing translations.

7. Dependency Injection Improvements

Developers can now enjoy more flexible dependency injection configurations, making customizations and integrations easier:

• Scoped Services: More options for registering and managing services.
• Simplified Configurations: Cleaner syntax and better debugging tools.

8. Extensibility Updates

Umbraco 15 makes it easier for developers to extend the CMS:

• Improved Property Editors: Create custom editors with less code.
• Modular Packages: More robust support for third-party packages.
• Better APIs: Refined APIs for integrations and customizations.

9. Security Enhancements

Keeping your site secure is a priority:

• Improved Authentication: Support for OAuth2 and OpenID Connect for secure logins.
• Enhanced Data Encryption: Better encryption options for sensitive data.
• Automatic Security Updates: Ensure your CMS stays up-to-date with minimal manual effort.

10. New Workflow Features

Content editors and teams benefit from advanced workflow capabilities:

• Content Approvals: Streamlined approval processes for publishing.
• Role-Based Access Control: More granular permissions for users and groups.
• Activity Logs: Detailed logs for tracking changes and updates.

11. Cloud Integration Enhancements

Umbraco Cloud users get additional benefits:

• Improved Deployment Tools: Faster and more reliable content and schema deployments.
• Environment Previews: Easily preview changes in staging environments.
• Seamless CDN Integration: Improved performance and availability for global users.

12. Improved Media Management

The media library in Umbraco 15 has been refined:

• Advanced Search: Find media assets faster with better filtering options.
• Bulk Actions: Simplify media management with bulk upload and editing capabilities.
• Media Previews: Preview images, videos, and documents directly in the media library.

13. Scheduled Publishing Updates

Take more control over content publishing:

• Recurring Schedules: Set up recurring publishing/unpublishing tasks.
• Audit Trails: Track all scheduling-related activities.
• Notifications: Get notified about scheduled content changes.

14. Improved Package Manager

Umbraco 15 introduces a revamped package manager:

• Dependency Tracking: Automatically resolve package dependencies.
• Package Recommendations: Discover new packages based on your project needs.
• Simplified Installations: Easier setup for developers.

15. Community Contributions

As with all releases, Umbraco 15 benefits from the vibrant community:

• Dozens of community-submitted bug fixes and enhancements.
• Improved documentation and tutorials.
• A growing ecosystem of plugins and integrations.

Conclusion

Umbraco 15 is a powerful step forward for content editors and developers alike. With improved performance, enhanced usability, and modern development features, it sets the stage for creating even more engaging and dynamic websites.

If you haven’t upgraded yet, now is the perfect time to explore Umbraco 15 and take advantage of all it has to offer. Happy building!