Automattic has expanded its AI capabilities on WordPress.com by transforming the one-off AI site builder into a persistent AI assistant for editing and media creation. The tool, available for Business or Commerce plans, can now help with site-wide structure, design choices, and writing assistance directly within the site editor.

The AI assistant offers practical features like generating font options that feel clean and professional or changing site colors to be brighter and bolder. It also includes image generation and editing capabilities, allowing users to update existing images to black and white or replace elements like pancakes with waffles. WordPress claims the assistant understands each website's look and brand to tailor suggestions accordingly.

The AI assistant has been integrated into team chat through Block Notes, enabling users to summon the chatbot from within chat threads. The feature works best with WordPress's block themes and can be activated through site settings under the "AI tools" section. Sites created using the AI builder have the assistant enabled by default regardless of their plan.