Key Changes in Magento 2.4.7

Magento 2.4.7 introduces significant updates to how layout customizations are handled. Below is a detailed breakdown of the major changes, their impact, and best practices for implementation.

1. Removal of Inline XML Layout Updates

Magento has deprecated inline XML layout updates for security and performance reasons. Previously, admins could enter XML code directly in the backend for categories, products, and CMS pages, but this is no longer supported.

Impact:

• Reduces the risk of XML injection vulnerabilities.
• Ensures a structured and validated approach to layout updates.
• Improves performance by eliminating dynamic XML parsing.

Solution:

• All layout customizations must now be done using predefined XML files stored within themes or modules.

2. Predefined Layout Updates in Themes & Modules

Custom layout updates now require predefined XML files in the correct theme or module structure.

Best Practices:

• Follow the naming convention:

cms_page_view_selectable_<PAGEIDENTIFIER>_<CUSTOMNAME>.xml

• Place layout files inside:

app/design/frontend/<Vendor>/<Theme>/Magento_Cms/layout/

• For module-based layouts:

app/code/<Vendor>/<Module>/view/frontend/layout/

Example:

For a CMS page with the identifier about-us, the layout file should be named:

3. Structured Storage for Better Maintainability

Magento enforces a well-organized directory structure to store layout updates, improving maintainability.

Benefits of the New Approach:

• Improved Performance: Predefined XML loads faster.
• Better Security: Eliminates risks of inline code manipulation.
• Easier Maintenance: All custom layouts are stored in a structured format.

Adding a Custom Layout Update for a Category in Magento 2.4.7

Magento 2.4.7 requires predefined XML files for custom category layouts. Follow these steps to add a layout update efficiently.

1. Create the XML Layout Update File

To define a custom layout for a specific category, create an XML file with this format:

File Naming Convention

• Replace <CATEGORY_ID> with the category ID.
• Replace <CATEGORY_NAME> with a single-word name (no spaces, underscores, or dashes).

Example

For the Bags category (ID: 4), the XML filename should be:

2. Define the Layout in XML File

Create the file at one of the following locations:

Theme-Level Path

Module-Level Path

3. Add Custom Layout Code

Here’s an example XML file that removes the footer section from the category page:

Common Layout Modifications

4. Assign the Layout in Admin Panel

• Navigate to: Admin Panel → Catalog → Categories
• Select the desired category (e.g., Bags)
• Go to Design Section
• Under Custom Layout Update, choose the newly created layout file
• Click Save

5. Clear Cache & Verify

Run the following command to apply changes:

Then, check the category page on the frontend. The footer should be removed.

Custom Layout for Product Pages in Magento 2

Magento allows custom layout updates for product pages, improving flexibility for store owners.

File Naming Convention

To create a custom layout for a specific product, use the following format:

• Replace <PRODUCT_SKU> with the actual SKU of the product.
• Replace <PRODUCT_NAME> with a single-word name (no spaces, underscores, or dashes).

Example File Name

For the product Push It Messenger Bag with SKU 24-WB04, the XML filename would be:

File Storage Paths

Depending on whether you're modifying a theme or a module, store the file in one of these locations:

1. Theme-Level Path

2. Module-Level Path

Example XML for Product Layout Customization

This XML file removes the sidebar and changes the layout to a two-column left layout.

Steps to Assign the Layout in Admin Panel

• Go to Admin Panel
• Navigate to Catalog → Products
• Select the product (e.g., Push It Messenger Bag)
• Click on the Design section
• Select the newly created layout from the Custom Layout Update dropdown
• Save the product

Additional Layout Modifications

The following table provides additional layout customizations:

Common Issues and Fixes in Magento 2 Custom Layout Updates

Troubleshooting Layout Issues

When working with custom layout updates in Magento 2, you might encounter issues where changes don’t reflect. Below is a troubleshooting guide to help you resolve them quickly.

Common Issues and Fixes

Additional Debugging Tips

Enable Developer Mode:

Run php bin/magento deploy:mode:set developer to get real-time error reporting.

Check Logs:

Review var/log/system.log and var/log/exception.log for errors.

Run Setup Upgrade:

After modifying files in a module, run:

Use Static Content Deploy:

If layout changes don’t reflect, clear static files and redeploy:

Conclusion

Implementing custom layout updates in Magento 2.4.7 requires a structured approach due to recent changes. Inline XML updates are no longer supported, making it essential to define custom layouts in theme or module files. By following the correct file naming conventions and XML structures, you can efficiently customize category and product pages without security risks.

Key troubleshooting steps—such as verifying XML syntax, clearing caches, and ensuring proper file placement—can prevent common issues like missing layouts or broken designs. Additionally, optimizing file permissions and disabling full-page cache when testing can ensure smooth implementation.

By understanding these best practices, developers can create flexible, secure, and scalable layout updates while maintaining Magento’s performance and stability. Always test changes in a development environment before applying them to production to ensure a seamless shopping experience for users.