> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.varbase.vardot.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.varbase.vardot.com/readme/whats-new-in-varbase-11.md).

# What's New in Varbase 11

Varbase 11.0.x represents a **major architectural shift** for the Varbase distribution. This release moves away from the traditional modules-based architecture to a modern **recipes-based architecture**, aligning with the direction of the broader Drupal ecosystem.

## Recipes-Based Architecture

The most significant change in Varbase 11 is the adoption of **Drupal Recipes** as the primary building block for the distribution.

* **From profiles to recipes**: The `varbase_starter` recipe replaces the old Varbase installation profile. Instead of a monolithic profile that installs everything at once, Varbase now uses composable recipes that can be applied individually or as a group.
* **Module-to-recipe conversion**: Each former Varbase module has been converted into a corresponding Varbase recipe. This provides greater flexibility, easier maintenance, and better alignment with upstream Drupal standards.
* **Three-layer recipe stack**: Varbase 11 builds on three layers of recipes:
  1. **Drupal Core** recipes
  2. **Drupal CMS 2.0** recipes
  3. **Varbase-specific** recipes

## Built on Drupal 11

Varbase 11.0.x is built on **Drupal 11**, taking full advantage of the latest Drupal core features, performance improvements, and API enhancements.

## Drupal CMS 2.0 Alignment

Varbase 11 integrates with the **Drupal CMS 2.0 initiative**, incorporating its recipes for common website functionality:

* **Admin UI**: Improved administrative experience
* **Anti-spam**: CAPTCHA and spam prevention
* **Authentication**: User login and authentication handling
* **Forms**: Enhanced form building and management
* **Media**: Core media management capabilities
* **Privacy**: GDPR and privacy compliance tools
* **SEO**: Search engine optimization configuration
* **Accessibility**: WCAG compliance and accessibility tooling

## AI Integration Recipes

Varbase 11 introduces a suite of **AI integration recipes** that bring artificial intelligence capabilities into the CMS:

* **Varbase AI Base**: Foundation recipe that installs the core AI modules and bundles the AI feature recipes
* **Varbase AI Editor Assistant**: AI-powered assistance in the CKEditor 5 rich-text editor
* **Varbase AI Image Alt**: AI-generated alternative text for images
* **Varbase AI Taxonomy Tagging**: AI-powered taxonomy tagging for content
* **Varbase AI Context**: Starter brand, editorial, and safety context items for all AI agents
* **Varbase AI Safety**: Prompt safety and PII guardrails, AI logging, and AI observability
* **Varbase AI Figma Base** *(add-on)*: Builds Drupal Canvas pages from Figma designs with the Drupal Canvas AI assistant

## Easy Email Recipes

The old email configuration approach has been replaced with **Easy Email recipes**, providing a streamlined way to configure email delivery, templates, and transactional email handling.

## ECA (Event-Condition-Action) Integration

**ECA** is now deeply integrated into Varbase 11, providing a powerful no-code automation framework. ECA allows site builders to define automated workflows based on events, conditions, and actions without writing custom PHP code.

## Gin Admin Theme

Varbase 11 adopts the **Gin admin theme** as the default administration theme, delivering:

* A modern, clean administrative interface
* Improved **toolbar** for better navigation
* Enhanced **login screens** with a polished user experience
* **Gin Everywhere** support for a consistent admin look across all backend pages

## Trash Module for Soft Delete

The **Trash** module is now included, enabling **soft-delete** functionality for content. Instead of permanently removing content, items are moved to a trash bin where they can be restored or permanently deleted at a later time.

## Summary of Changes

| Area             | Varbase 10.x and Earlier         | Varbase 11.0.x           |
| ---------------- | -------------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| Architecture     | Modules and installation profile | Recipes-based            |
| Drupal version   | Drupal 9 / 10                    | Drupal 11                |
| Entry point      | Varbase installation profile     | `varbase_starter` recipe |
| Admin theme      | Claro / Seven                    | Gin                      |
| Email            | Custom email modules             | Easy Email recipes       |
| AI               | Not included                     | AI recipes suite         |
| Automation       | Limited                          | ECA deeply integrated    |
| Content deletion | Permanent                        | Soft-delete via Trash    |