Jetpack 1.7 Adds Custom CSS to the WordPress Dashboard

Jetpack updates seem to be cruising right along these days. The 1.7 release includes one of the most useful new features to date – the Custom CSS module.

This new addition allows you to override or replace your theme’s CSS in the dashboard. No child theme is required for this custom CSS file, although you will still need a child theme if you want to customize your theme’s template files.

You can configure the module by turning it on in Jetpack and then navigating to Appearance >> Edit CSS.

When you first configure the CSS module you’ll see this very helpful note in the comments:

By default, your stylesheet will be loaded after the theme stylesheets, which means that your rules can take precedence and override the theme CSS rules. Just write here what you want to change, you don’t need to copy all your theme’s stylesheet content.

On the custom CSS page you will have the option to add the CSS to your theme’s stylesheet or simple replace it with your own custom CSS:

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The Custom CSS Module Features:

Colorful Syntax highlighter with auto-indentation
immediate feedback on the validity of your CSS
Revisions saved, in case you make an error
Preview button
Link to the original stylesheet

Sounds like it could make your life a bit easier, doesn’t it?

The Custom CSS module isn’t the only thing that’s new in the Jetpack 1.7 update. Other nice fixes include:

Jetpack Comments UI improvements: After you submit a comment, the fullpage load on jetpack.wordpress.com has been removed so that everything stays on your site
Unofficial sharing buttons now have counts for Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
Tons of bug fixes which you can find at the Jetpack changelog

The Custom CSS module provides an easy interface for people who like to dabble a bit with the CSS of their themes without having to use FTP or dive into the theme folder. This is a fantastic new addition and you’ll want to update any of your WordPress sites that already use Jetpack so that you can take advantage of everything new.