Spectra Blocks & Spectra Legacy: Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve rebuilt Spectra from the ground up on a modern, core-blocks architecture. The new plugin is called Spectra Blocks, and it’s where all of our future development will happen. The plugin you may already have installed has been renamed Spectra Legacy.

Both plugins are available on WordPress.org, and you’re free to use whichever fits your site. This guide explains the difference between them, what the change means for your site, and how to move between the two at your own pace.

Why we built a new plugin

Why a brand-new plugin instead of just updating the existing one?

The new architecture is a fundamental shift to WordPress core blocks, not a small update. Building it as a separate plugin means we can move Spectra forward on a modern foundation without disrupting the millions of sites already running the current version. You upgrade on your own timeline, and nothing changes on your site until you decide to make the move.

---

The basics

What’s the difference between Spectra Legacy and Spectra Blocks?

Spectra Legacy is the original Spectra plugin you may already be using, now under a clearer name. Spectra Blocks is the new, completely rebuilt version, designed around WordPress’s modern core-block APIs. They are two independent plugins, each listed separately on WordPress.org.

My Spectra plugin is now called “Spectra Legacy.” Did something change on my site?

Only the name. Spectra Legacy is the same plugin you’ve always used, with the same blocks, settings, and content. Nothing about your site has changed, and there’s nothing you need to do. The new name simply makes it easy to tell the two plugins apart now that Spectra Blocks exists.

Is Spectra going away?

No. Spectra Legacy continues to receive maintenance and minor fixes, and the sites you’ve built with it keep working. Spectra Blocks is where our new development is focused, but Spectra Legacy is not being abandoned.

Is Spectra Blocks the same as the version I tried in beta?

Yes. Spectra Blocks is the stable, released version of the new architecture that some users previewed during beta. If you were testing the beta build, you can move over to the released Spectra Blocks plugin.

---

Choosing and switching

Do I have to switch to Spectra Blocks?

Not at all. The choice is entirely yours, and there’s no deadline. You can keep building with Spectra Legacy, start fresh with Spectra Blocks, or run both side by side while you transition.

Will Spectra Legacy automatically turn into Spectra Blocks?

No. Because they are separate plugins, your Spectra Legacy updates will only ever be Spectra Legacy. Spectra Blocks is something you choose to install yourself, so nothing changes on your site unless you decide to make the switch.

I’m building a new site. Which should I use?

For new projects, we recommend Spectra Blocks. It’s built on the latest WordPress standards and is where all new features will arrive. If a particular project relies on a specific block that’s only in Spectra Legacy, you can use Spectra Legacy for that site instead.

---

Installing Spectra Blocks

How do I install Spectra Blocks?

Install it like any other plugin. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New, search for “Spectra Blocks,” then click Install and Activate. You can also download it directly from WordPress.org.

Should I back up or test before I switch?

We always recommend it. Try Spectra Blocks on a staging site or a new page first, and keep a recent backup on hand. It’s good practice any time you add something new to a live website.

---

Your site and your content

If I install Spectra Blocks, can I remove Spectra Legacy?

Keep Spectra Legacy active for as long as any page on your site still uses Legacy blocks. The two plugins work independently, and a block always needs its own plugin installed in order to display and stay editable. Once a site no longer contains any Legacy blocks, it’s safe to remove Spectra Legacy.

Will installing or removing a plugin delete my content?

No. Your content is stored safely in your WordPress database, and deactivating a plugin never erases it. Just keep in mind that a block needs its plugin active to render correctly, which is why we suggest leaving Spectra Legacy in place while you still have Legacy blocks on your pages.

Can I run both plugins at the same time?

Yes. In fact, most people will run both for a while during the transition, so existing pages keep working while new pages are built in Spectra Blocks. It isn’t designed to be a permanent setup, though. Once your site no longer relies on any Legacy blocks, you can deactivate Spectra Legacy and continue with Spectra Blocks on its own.

How do I move my existing pages to Spectra Blocks?

There’s no rush and nothing happens automatically. Your existing pages stay exactly as they are, built with Legacy blocks, until you choose to recreate them. When you’re ready, you can rebuild a page using Spectra Blocks at your own pace, one page at a time. Until then, keeping Spectra Legacy active ensures those pages continue to display perfectly.

I added custom CSS to my Spectra blocks. Will it still apply?

If you rebuild a section using Spectra Blocks, you may need to update any custom CSS that targets specific blocks, because the new blocks use cleaner, modern markup. Your existing Legacy pages are unaffected as long as Spectra Legacy stays active.

Some of the blocks I rely on are missing in Spectra Blocks. Did you remove them?

Nothing has been removed, and your existing pages keep working as long as Spectra Legacy is active. In Spectra Blocks, some familiar blocks are intentionally not separate blocks because it is built to be composable: you create those layouts from a flexible core set. A FAQ uses the Accordion block, and a testimonial or comparison can be built from Container, Icon, Heading and Paragraph, with any block (even core or third-party blocks) nested inside a Container. Our design library also includes ready-made patterns like info box presets, and if you still want a specific Legacy block, just keep Spectra Legacy active.

Spectra Blocks got installed with my theme or a starter template, and I never chose it. Will my site be switched without my say?

Existing sites are never switched. If you already have Spectra, now Spectra Legacy, it keeps working as before and nothing replaces it with Spectra Blocks. New sites are different: starting fresh through Starter Templates or ZipWP now sets you up with Spectra Blocks, since that is the version we actively develop. If you prefer the established block set on a new site, Spectra Legacy is always available on WordPress.org.

When I set up a new site, there was no option to choose between Spectra Legacy and Spectra Blocks. Why not?

New sites now start with Spectra Blocks by default, since it is the version we actively develop and maintain. The choice still exists: the two are separate plugins on WordPress.org, so you can install Spectra Legacy instead or run both. And for any site you have already built, nothing changes.

Why release Spectra Blocks before it matches Spectra Legacy feature for feature?

We chose not to replace your plugin. The original is now Spectra Legacy, fully maintained, and Spectra Blocks is a separate, optional plugin, so your existing sites keep running and you move only when you want. We rebuilt rather than extended because Spectra Legacy’s large set of custom controls had become hard to maintain and kept breaking with new WordPress releases. The block gap is largely deliberate too: Spectra Blocks is composable, so layouts like FAQs, testimonials, and comparisons are built from blocks like Accordion, Container, Icon, and Tabs, with ready-made patterns in the design library to speed things up.

Why does the new settings panel feel so different? I miss the Spectra Legacy layout with the General, Style, and Advanced tabs.

In Spectra Legacy we added a lot of custom controls. It looked convenient, but it grew hard to maintain and risked breaking with every WordPress release. Spectra Blocks stays close to the core editor’s native controls so updates are far less likely to disrupt it. There is a real learning curve coming from V2, but it becomes straightforward quickly, and newer WordPress users find it easier. If you prefer the V2 panel, Spectra Legacy keeps it exactly as it was.

Why do I need a free account and ZipWP to use a block, and then end up paying? That feels misleading.

The Spectra blocks themselves are completely free and need no account. The sign-in prompt is for AI-powered content and template features that connect to ZipWP as an online service. Core blocks, settings, and design tools never require an account or payment, and we are improving the labeling so it is clear which features connect to ZipWP.

---

Performance, reliability, and SEO

Is Spectra Blocks faster than Spectra Legacy?

Yes. Spectra Blocks is built directly on WordPress’s core block APIs, so it produces lighter, cleaner code and carries far less overhead in the editor. The result is a more responsive editing experience and faster-loading pages on the front end.

Spectra Legacy sometimes had bugs or broke after a WordPress update. Why will Spectra Blocks hold up better?

Spectra Legacy was one of the very first block plugins, created before many of today’s WordPress APIs existed. To deliver its features, it had to build much of that groundwork itself. Spectra Blocks takes the opposite approach: it’s built on WordPress’s modern core APIs rather than working around them, so it naturally stays in step with WordPress as the platform evolves. That foundation is designed specifically to reduce the kind of update-related issues some users ran into in the past.

Will switching to Spectra Blocks affect my SEO?

Simply installing Spectra Blocks has no effect on your SEO, and your existing pages stay exactly as they are unless you choose to rebuild them. When you do rebuild a page in Spectra Blocks, the output is cleaner, more semantic HTML, which is generally a positive for SEO. As with any redesign, keep your headings and URLs consistent and your rankings will carry over smoothly.

---

Updates and support

Will Spectra Legacy keep getting updates?

Yes. Spectra Legacy continues to receive minor fixes and compatibility updates so your existing sites keep running well. New features are reserved for Spectra Blocks, but Spectra Legacy stays maintained.

Will Spectra Legacy stop working at some point?

There are no plans for that. It keeps working and keeps receiving maintenance, and if anything ever changes, we’ll let you know well in advance.

Is Spectra Blocks compatible with my theme and other plugins?

Spectra Blocks is built to work within the standard WordPress block editor and alongside the wider Brainstorm Force family, including Astra, Starter Templates, SureForms, and SureCart. If you have a question about a specific theme or plugin, our support team is happy to help.

---

Pro plans and licensing

Each plugin has its own Pro companion. Spectra Pro unlocks the premium features in Spectra Legacy, and Spectra Blocks Pro unlocks them in Spectra Blocks.

Will my Spectra Pro keep working?

Yes. If you continue using Spectra Legacy, your Spectra Pro license works exactly as it always has.

I have a Spectra Pro license and want to use Spectra Blocks Pro. What should I do?

Please reach out to our support team with your license details and we’ll help you get set up with Spectra Blocks Pro.

---

Agencies & developers

I manage many client sites. What’s the recommended rollout, and what should I tell clients? 

Keep client sites on Spectra Legacy, which stays fully supported, adopt Spectra Blocks for new builds, and migrate existing sites only when you have time to test them. Nothing changes on a client site on its own, so there’s usually nothing your clients need to do or notice.

I have custom code, hooks, or child-theme CSS targeting UAGB or Spectra classes. Will it still work? 

On Spectra Legacy, yes, nothing changes. Spectra Blocks uses a new spectra/ block markup and a different code structure, so custom code written for Legacy will need to be updated for any sections you rebuild in Spectra Blocks.

I translated Spectra into my language. Do my translations carry over? 

Spectra Blocks is a separate plugin with its own text domain, so it has its own translations, and your Legacy translations stay with Legacy.

---

Migration specifics

Is there a one-click migration tool or automatic converter from Legacy to Spectra Blocks? 

Not at this time. Migration is a manual rebuild, page by page, at your own pace.

If I rebuild a page in Spectra Blocks, will its URL or links change? 

No. Rebuilding the content of a page doesn’t change its URL, so your internal links, menus, and SEO stay intact.

---

Settings, styles & templates carryover

Will my Spectra global settings (Global Colors, Global Typography, default block settings) carry over to Spectra Blocks? 

No, there’s no automatic carryover. Spectra Blocks has its own settings, so you’ll set up global colors, typography, and defaults fresh there. Your Legacy settings remain intact for Legacy.

What happens to my saved templates, synced/reusable blocks, or patterns that contain Legacy blocks? 

They keep working as long as Spectra Legacy is active, since they hold Legacy blocks. To use them in Spectra Blocks, recreate them with Spectra Blocks blocks.

When I import a Starter Template or pre-built website, will it use Legacy or Spectra Blocks? 

Imports use Spectra Blocks by default, since that is the version we actively develop. If you specifically want to import a Spectra Legacy template, install Spectra Legacy first and then run the import, and the template will come in built with Legacy blocks. Either way the choice stays in your hands.

Why do some styling options appear in different parts of the settings panel, such as background color near the top and background image lower down? 

Spectra Blocks uses WordPress’s native styling controls and keeps them in the same familiar order you’ll find across every block in the editor. That’s why background color sits with the standard color controls while the background image has its own section. It keeps styling consistent and predictable from one block to the next, and we’re continuing to refine the panel based on your feedback.

---

Compatibility

What are the minimum WordPress and PHP versions for Spectra Blocks? 

Spectra Blocks requires WordPress 6.6 or higher and PHP 8.1 or higher.

Do WooCommerce, dynamic content, and form-related blocks behave the same in Spectra Blocks? 

Dynamic content works the same way it did before, so anything you were pulling in dynamically will continue to display as expected. Third party form plugins also work fine when placed inside Spectra Blocks, so your existing form workflow carries over without changes. WooCommerce is a little different: Spectra does not include any dedicated WooCommerce blocks, so product layouts rely on WooCommerce’s own blocks alongside Spectra’s Container and Core blocks rather than on a Spectra specific WooCommerce block.

Does Spectra Blocks work with multilingual setups (WPML/Polylang) and on Multisite? 

Spectra Blocks has been tested for compatibility with WPML, so multilingual sites built on WPML are supported today. Polylang and Multisite compatibility are on our list and will be confirmed in a later update.

Do I need to clear my cache after installing or switching? 

Yes. As with any plugin change, clear your caching plugin and any CDN or server cache so the new assets load correctly.

If I built a site with Spectra Legacy and now want Spectra Blocks, will running all four plugins (Spectra Legacy, Spectra Pro, Spectra Blocks, Spectra Blocks Pro) hurt performance? Do I need to convert my layouts ASAP?

No, there’s no need to rush. Keeping both sets active during a transition is supported and the impact is usually small. On the front end, each plugin loads assets only for the blocks a page actually uses, so a page built with Legacy blocks doesn’t pull in Spectra Blocks assets, and the reverse is true too. The main overhead is a little extra in the editor and admin from loading both. It isn’t meant as a permanent setup, though, so once a site no longer uses any Legacy blocks you can deactivate Spectra Legacy and Spectra Pro to clear that overhead. Convert your layouts at your own pace, not ASAP.

Will Spectra Legacy be removed?

Not in the near future. Spectra Legacy stays available on WordPress.org and keeps receiving maintenance and minor fixes for the foreseeable future. Over the longer term, as more users move to Spectra Blocks, Spectra Legacy will eventually be retired, but that is not happening anytime soon, and we will give plenty of advance notice well before it does. You will have ample time to transition at your own pace.

The old Spectra had dedicated blocks like Testimonial, Review, and Info Box. These aren’t in the new Spectra. How do I create the same layouts, and why are there fewer blocks?

The new Spectra is built around a smaller set of flexible blocks rather than many single-purpose ones. Layouts that used to need a dedicated block, such as a testimonial or info box, can now be built with the Container block combined with Core blocks like Image, Heading, and Paragraph. This keeps the plugin lighter and gives you more design freedom, since you’re no longer limited to the fixed structure of a dedicated block. You can also start from a ready-made pattern in the Design Library instead of building from scratch.

Some essential blocks from the old Spectra, such as the Image block, are missing. How do I get the same functionality?

These are handled by WordPress Core blocks in the new Spectra. For images, you use the Core Image block, which Spectra enhances with extra design and styling controls through its Extensions. So you get the same functionality, plus the advanced options Spectra is known for, without a separate Spectra Image block.

Why does the new Spectra rely on WordPress Core blocks instead of creating its own dedicated blocks?

Building on Core blocks means better long-term compatibility, lighter performance, and a more familiar editing experience. Instead of maintaining duplicate versions of blocks that already exist in WordPress, Spectra extends the Core blocks with additional controls. You get the reliability of Core with the design power of Spectra layered on top.

Can all the designs that were possible with the old Spectra blocks be recreated in the new Spectra?

Yes. The new Spectra is designed to recreate the same layouts and more. The approach is different, using flexible Containers and extended Core blocks rather than dedicated blocks, but the design outcomes remain achievable, often with more flexibility than before.

Core blocks have limited styling options by default. How can I build advanced designs in the new Spectra?

Spectra provides Extensions that add advanced design and styling controls to WordPress Core blocks. These bring options like spacing, borders, shadows, responsive controls, and more to blocks that wouldn’t normally have them, so you can build advanced designs while still working with standard Core blocks.

How do Global Styles work in the new Spectra?

Global Styles let you define site-wide design settings, such as colors, typography, and spacing, in one place. Changes you make apply consistently across your site, so you can update your design globally without editing each block individually.

How are Global Styles integrated with AI?

Spectra AI is powered by ZipAI. When you build your site with it, ZipAI stores and creates all your site styling as Global Styles, so everything stays in one place and is easier to edit and manage later.

I’m a Spectra Pro user and already have access to AI. Do I still need to buy additional AI credits?

Yes. AI usage runs on credits, so even with Spectra Pro you’ll need AI credits to keep generating designs.

How are AI credits consumed when using Spectra AI?

Spectra AI is powered by ZipAI, and credits are consumed when you generate and insert a design.

Can I convert an HTML page into Spectra blocks? If so, how does it work?

Yes. The conversion runs through ZipAI: you upload or add your HTML to the converter, and it analyzes the page and converts it into Spectra blocks.

Why is Spectra AI designed to work only with the Spectra One theme? Why aren’t other themes fully compatible?

Spectra AI is built around the Spectra One theme’s structure and Global Styles system, which lets it apply generated designs reliably. Other themes handle layout and styling differently, so full compatibility isn’t guaranteed.