Craft CMS 5.7: An overview of all the new features and improvements

Craft CMS 5.7 was released on April 15, 2025, and introduces targeted functional enhancements as well as UI refinements that streamline editorial workflows and allow for more precise control over data field management. This article summarizes what’s new and what it means for day-to-day work with the CMS.

 

What’s new in Craft CMS 5.7?

Craft CMS 5.7 introduces six key updates: improved copy and paste functionality, a duplication feature for nested fields, a redesigned UI, conditional editability for custom fields, a new button group field type, and visual indicators (icons and colors) for selection fields.

 

Efficient copying and pasting of entries

Craft CMS 5.7 improves the handling of entries and addresses with new “Copy” actions. The system displays a status notification that always shows which elements are currently in the clipboard. Copied elements remain active while editors navigate to other sections or fields. This allows content to be pasted exactly where needed without interrupting the workflow.

 

Duplication within nested fields (Matrix & Addresses)

For Matrix and address fields, Craft CMS 5.7 introduces a new “Duplicate” function. Nested elements can be cloned with a single click, and the duplicate is created directly next to the original. This eliminates the need to manually recreate identical content blocks, which saves time especially in complex, reusable content structures.

 

UI redesign: a more consistent control panel

To improve visual consistency in the Craft CMS control panel, key UI components have been refined. Updates include element chips and cards with a more unified visual language, improved handling of inline-editable blocks, and enhanced accessibility. All changes are designed to improve usability for a wide range of users.

 

Conditional editability for custom fields

For the first time, Craft CMS 5.7 allows custom fields to be controlled through “editability conditions.” This makes it possible to define which user groups have write access to specific fields, who can only view content in read-only mode, and under what conditions fields are locked for editing. This feature is especially relevant for larger teams with complex role and permission structures.

 

New field type: Button Group

Craft CMS 5.7 introduces a new field type: the “Button Group.” It serves as a modern, more compact alternative to traditional radio buttons and is particularly well-suited for short selection options. The choices are visually distinct, improving usability in everyday editorial work.

 

Icons and colors for selection fields

To make options easier to distinguish visually, Craft CMS 5.7 allows icons and colors to be assigned to checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdowns, and multi-select fields. These visual cues appear directly next to the text labels and enable faster, more intuitive selection.

 

Conclusion: What does Craft CMS 5.7 mean in practice?

Craft CMS 5.7 is not a major release, but it delivers a set of improvements that have a noticeable impact on editorial workflows. The new copy and duplication features reduce repetitive tasks in content management. Enhanced field options, especially conditional editability and the new button group type, enable more granular control of complex content structures. The UI updates contribute to a more consistent and accessible control panel.

 

Craft Unit – specialized Craft CMS upgrade agency for complex projects

Craft Unit supports projects as a Craft CMS agency from initial concept through to ongoing operation. This includes numerous upgrades from Craft CMS versions 2, 3, and 4 to the latest version 5, including all intermediate steps.

If you have questions about Craft CMS 5.7 or are planning an upgrade, feel free to get in touch.