JCE Pro 2.9.0 released

UPDATE: JCE Pro 2.9.1 has been released to fix a bug where pressing backspace in the editor when editing specific content would cause the browser to hang.

This update consolidates and builds on the new features and enhancements introduced in JCE Pro 2.8 and includes a number of new features of its own, as well as the usual stash of bug fixes.

Primarily aimed at power users and site admins, the new features include a new way to manage code in the editor with Code Blocks, a Text Editor for editing text-like files such as html, txt, md and json, and options to set restrictions on iframe urls. We've also made some changes to the JCE Admin layout, moving parameter descriptions into inline help boxes, and tweaked some layout stuff to get the editor Joomla 4 ready.

Code Blocks

The editor has always included support for script, style and php code when enabled in an editor profile. After adding the code in the Code Editor, a small placeholder would indicate where in the editor the code had been placed. Editing the code required moving back to the Code Editor, and then back to the editor to continue working on the rest of the article.

Code Blocks completely change this process. Now the code can be pasted directly into the editor, where it is wrapped in a labelled Code Block that allows it to be edited directly, as if it were any other text. Code added in the Code Editor will also be wrapped in Code Blocks when switching back to the editor, and a new Code Block can be created by selecting the option from the Format list. In addition to <script>, <style> and <?php?> code, we have also added support for any custom <xml>, including SVG, Mathml and custom elements.

All code in Code Blocks is treated strictly as text, and retains formatting on saving. HTML elements within custom XML are still validated for security, and all the Code Block options are disabled by default, recommended only for site admins and trusted users. Code Block options can be enabled in Editor Profiles -> Editor Parameters -> Advanced.

Text Editor

JCE Pro has a great Image Editor for performing simple edits and enhancements to images, and now you can do the same to text files too! With support for html, txt, md and json files, the Text Editor is available for the File Browser, File Manager and Template Manager, and can be enabled in the parameters for each one. When enabled for the Template Manager, template snippets can now be created and edited with the Text Editor.

With all the features of the Code Editor - syntax highlighting, code formatting, search and replace - it is familiar and easy to use.

IFrame URL Restrictions

A new option is available for iframes control that allows you to specify what content an iframe can load - anything from anywhere!!, only local content (content originating on the site, such as pdf files) or local content and supported media, such as Youtube, Vimeo etc. The option can be set in Editor Profiles -> Plugin Parameters -> Media Support.

Inline Help Boxes

All parameter descriptions in the JCE Admin - in the Editor Global Configuration and Editor Profiles - are now included as inline help boxes. Similar to how the descriptions are displayed in Joomla 4, you can now quickly see what a parameter does and tips on how to use it.

Joomla 4 Ready

Joomla 4 is currently in development, and has reached the beta stage, which means a stable release is not far off. On top of the parameter description changes outlined above, we've made a few tweaks to the layout and styling of the editor and admin to make JCE Pro Joomla 4 ready!

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