Hello, Django CMS Community,

I'm writing to discuss an important transition for thedjangocms-text-ckeditor package. As many of you might know, CKEditor 4, the backbone of our current rich text editing in Django CMS, has reached its end of life. Additionally, its successor, CKEditor 5, presents many django CMS users issues with its license, necessitating a search for a new solution.

In response to this challenge, I have initiated a project to develop a potential replacement, which you can find atfsbraun/djangocms-text. This project aims not only to address the immediate concerns, but also to bring enhanced flexibility and functionality to our rich text editing capabilities. Here are the key changes and features I am focusing on:

1. Swappable Rich Text Editor: The new system will allow for a more flexible approach to rich text editing. The editor (the JavaScript bit), will be swappable, enabling users to choose or switch between different rich text editors according to their preferences and needs.

2. Customization and Extension: Users will have the opportunity to add new or customize their favourite rich text editors. This feature is particularly important for those who require specific functionalities or want to maintain a certain user experience consistent with their project's needs.

3. Enhanced Data Storage: In addition to the traditional HTML format, the new model will support storing content in JSON format. This advancement will offer greater versatility in how data is handled especially if you are looking for a headless solution.

As a first step in this transition, I plan to port the CKEditor 4 interface, including its child plugin functionality, to ensure a smooth and familiar experience for current users while laying the groundwork for these new features. Part of this transition will be to split the editor-specific JavaScript code from the CMS-specific code to make coding an interface for a new editor much simpler.

The child plugin feature will become optional (depending on your project settings).

I invite the community to join me in this endeavour. Your insights, suggestions, and contributions will be invaluable in shaping a robust and future-proof solution for rich text editing in Django CMS. Let's collaborate to make this transition as seamless and beneficial as possible for our community.

Thank you for your attention and support.

Looking forward to an exciting journey ahead!