Over the past few months, rumors have circulated across the web suggesting that WordPress might shut down. If you're a designer, developer, or business owner relying on WordPress, these headlines were probably alarming. As a designer and project manager at Canvas Chrome Designs, I wanted to clear the air and explain what’s really happening behind the scenes.

No, WordPress Is NOT Shutting Down

Let’s be clear:
WordPress.org is fully functional as of mid‑2025.
WordPress.com is thriving and launching new features.
The WordPress CMS remains the most widely used content management system in the world, powering over 40% of all websites.

So, where did all this confusion come from?

The Backstory: A Pause, Not a Shutdown

In December 2024, WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg announced a temporary holiday break at WordPress.org, which involved pausing:

• New user signups

• Plugin/theme submissions

• Photo uploads

• Reviews

This was due to internal management concerns and an ongoing legal conflict with WP Engine. While the situation was serious, the platform never fully shut down.

By January 2025, services were resumed, and WordPress.org continued business as usual.

What This Means for Designers & Clients

If you:

• Use WordPress.org for plugin/theme downloads

• Build websites using the WordPress CMS

• Manage client projects hosted on WordPress

You are not at risk.

The WordPress ecosystem remains strong. The open-source CMS is independent of temporary operational issues on WordPress.org, and Automattic (the company behind WordPress.com) continues to invest in the platform.

In fact, earlier in 2025, WordPress.com launched a free AI website builder and is pushing innovations to stay competitive with Webflow, Wix, and Framer.

What Should You Do?

As a designer or business owner:

• Keep using WordPress confidently for your CMS needs.

• Stay informed via official WordPress.org or Automattic updates.

• If you're worried about plugin dependencies, consider backing up your sites and documenting alternatives.

Final Thoughts

WordPress isn’t dying—it’s evolving.

Like any large open-source platform, WordPress faces challenges. But with its massive community, developer support, and proven flexibility, it remains a powerhouse in the web world.

As a team that designs, develops, and manages WordPress-based websites at Canvas Chrome Designs, we continue to trust it as a core platform for client success.

Have questions or thinking of migrating from WordPress?
Comment below