Ghost Release: 5.67.0

TL;DR

Ghost 5.67.0 introduces Source as the new default theme for fresh installations, increases the maximum number of custom theme settings to 20, and fixes filtering for tier-specific posts in the admin panel. This release also includes significant improvements to the AdminX interface, particularly for theme management, recommendations, and search functionality. The update enhances user experience with better design, more intuitive controls, and updated branding (replacing Twitter with X).

Highlight of the Release

• Source is now the default theme for new Ghost installations
• Maximum number of custom theme settings increased to 20
• Fixed filtering for tier-specific posts in the admin panel
• Added ability to install themes directly from Ghost Marketplace
• Improved recommendations system with click/subscriber-based sorting
• Updated UI to replace Twitter references with X

Migration Guide

Upgrading to v5.67.0

1. New Default Theme: For new installations, Source is now the default theme instead of Casper. Existing sites will have Source installed but not activated. To use Source on an existing site, simply click 'Activate' in design settings.

2. Custom Theme Settings: The maximum number of custom theme settings has been increased to 20. Theme developers can now add more customization options to their themes.

3. Twitter to X Transition: All references to Twitter have been updated to X throughout the platform. If you have custom integrations or code that references Twitter, you may want to update these for consistency.

4. Theme Installation: You can now install themes directly from the Ghost Marketplace using a URL. This provides a more streamlined way to add new themes to your site.

5. CLI Version: The minimum required Ghost CLI version has been updated to 1.25.0 to accommodate shipping multiple built-in themes. Make sure to update your CLI if you're managing Ghost via command line.

Upgrade Recommendations

This release is recommended for all Ghost users, especially those who:

1. Are setting up new Ghost sites and want to benefit from the new Source theme
2. Use themes with many custom settings and need the increased limit
3. Manage membership tiers and need accurate post filtering
4. Want to take advantage of the improved recommendations system
5. Frequently install or manage themes

The upgrade process should be straightforward with no breaking changes reported. As always, it's recommended to:

1. Back up your Ghost installation before upgrading
2. Test the upgrade in a staging environment if possible
3. Update your Ghost CLI to version 1.25.0 or higher before upgrading
4. Check theme compatibility if you're using a custom theme

Bug Fixes

Post Management Fixes

• Fixed filtering for tier-specific posts under 'Paid-member only' filter in admin panel
• Fixed post edit button URL that wasn't working with an empty link

Theme Management Fixes

• Fixed overwritten theme duplication in ThemeList
• Fixed theme name display in theme modal

Recommendations Fixes

• Fixed uniqueness validation of Recommendation URL
• Updated logic for whether a site is recommending you back with stricter checks

UI Fixes

• Fixed the top part of the outline highlight of a setting group
• Fixed toggle label style inconsistency in Newsletter settings
• Fixed Storybook failing to load due to @tryghost/nql usage

New Features

Source as the New Default Theme

Ghost now ships with the Source theme as the default for new installations. This modern, clean theme provides a fresh starting point for new Ghost sites. Existing sites will have Source installed but not activated, allowing users to choose when to switch.

Enhanced Theme Management

• Install themes directly from the Ghost Marketplace via URL
• Improved theme management interface in AdminX
• Better handling of overwritten theme duplication in ThemeList

Improved Recommendations System

• Added click/subscriber-based sorting to recommendations list
• "Show more" button added to "Recommending you" list
• "Copy link" and "Recommend back" buttons added to settings
• Updated recommendation preview design
• Better logic for determining if a site is recommending you back

Search Enhancements

• Added functionality to highlight searched keywords in AdminX settings
• Improved search service with better filter and highlight logic

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Added keyboard shortcuts section to post settings menu
• Swapped control symbol for text on Windows platforms

Security Updates

No significant security fixes were included in this release.

Performance Improvements

API Improvements

• Relations can now be included in one query instead of extra queries for recommendations
• Added order option to recommendations API with sorting on counts

Build System Improvements

• Switched from yarn workspace to yarn nx run ... for better command execution
• Configured dependent tasks that are cacheable for future improvements

Browser Tests

• Updated browser tests to use class names from Source theme
• Fixed uploading of Playwright reports

Impact Summary

Ghost 5.67.0 represents a significant update focused on enhancing the platform's visual identity and user experience. The introduction of Source as the default theme marks an important shift in Ghost's aesthetic direction, providing a more modern starting point for new users while respecting existing installations by not forcing the change.

The increase in custom theme settings to 20 gives theme developers more flexibility to create highly customizable themes, which benefits both developers and end users who want more control over their site's appearance.

AdminX continues to mature with numerous UI improvements, particularly in theme management, recommendations, and search functionality. The ability to install themes directly from the Ghost Marketplace streamlines the theme installation process, making it more accessible to less technical users.

The fix for tier-specific post filtering improves content management for publications using Ghost's membership features, ensuring that content targeting specific tiers is properly organized and displayed in the admin panel.

Overall, this release enhances Ghost's position as a modern, user-friendly publishing platform with improvements that benefit new users, existing users, theme developers, and content creators alike.

Full Release Notes