Users may easily construct and maintain websites with WordPress, a powerful platform. Shortcodes, which let you add dynamic and reusable content to your sites and posts, Shortcode in WordPress are one of their most helpful features. In this article, we’ll explain what shortcodes are in WordPress, why you should use them, and how to implement them into your website.
What are Shortcodes in WordPress?
Shortcodes in WordPress are a type of macro that you can insert into your pages and posts. They allow you to add complex or repetitive content with just a few lines of code, making it easier to add things like buttons, columns, and even custom post types to your site.
Shortcodes are represented by square brackets [WordPress Shortcodes] and are usually added to the WordPress editor in the visual or text view. Once you’ve added a shortcode, WordPress will automatically replace it with the corresponding content when the page or post is displayed on your website.
Common Examples of Shortcodes in WordPress
There are many examples of shortcodes in WordPress that you can use to add various types of content to your site. Some of the most common include
Buttons: You can use a shortcode to add a button to your page or post, allowing visitors to click through to a specific page or download a file. You can find many relevant plugins on wordpress.org. I just share here Buttons Shortcode and Widget plugin. With this plugin, you can add buttons in posts/pages and also in the sidebar.
How to insert button shortcode in WordPress posts/pages:
Creating a beautiful, functional page has never been easier! To get started, you can either create a new page or edit an existing one. Once you’re in the editor, you’ll see a button called “Insert ShortCode”. Select this button and choose “Button” from the dropdown menu. Fill in the options for your button, and then click on “Insert”. That’s all there is to it! You’ll now see the shortcode in your editor, ready for you to use.
How to insert button shortcode in WordPress sidebar
Buttons Shortcode and Widgets also allow adding buttons through shortcode in the widget section on the website sidebar. Adding a beautiful and functional button to your website is a breeze! Simply go to your Appearance -> Widgets section. Look for the widget called “OTW Shortcode Widget” and drag it into any sidebar of your choice. From there, select “Button” from the dropdown menu, fill in the options for your button, and click on “Insert”. Don’t forget to save the widget, and you’re all set! Your new button is now ready to go.
Columns: If you want to create multi-column layouts on your pages or posts, you can use a shortcode to easily add columns to your content. You can find many relevant plugins on wordpress.org for column shortcodes. I just share here Column Shortcodes plugin. With this plugin, you easily create columns in your posts or pages with some steps.
How to add column shortcode in WordPress
Want to save time and effort in adding special elements to your content? Try typing in the shortcode directly within the editor! Here’s a list of shortcodes that are readily available for you to use:
Shortcode:
[full_width][/full_width]
[one_half][/one_half]
[one_half_last][/one_half_last]
[one_third][/one_third]
[one_third_last][/one_third_last]
[two_third][/two_third]
[two_third_last][/two_third_last]
[one_fourth][/one_fourth]
[one_fourth_last][/one_fourth_last]
[three_fourth][/three_fourth]Custom post types: You can use shortcodes to display custom post types on your site, such as testimonials, portfolios, or products.
The Advantages of Using Shortcodes in WordPress
Shortcodes in WordPress offer many advantages, including
- Simplicity: With shortcodes, you don’t need to know any programming language or have any technical knowledge. Simply copy and paste the shortcode into your page or post and the content will be added automatically.
- Reusability: Once you’ve created a shortcode, you can reuse it on any page or post on your site, making it easier to add the same content to multiple places.
- Customization: With shortcodes, you can customize the look and feel of your content to match your site’s design and branding.
How to Add Shortcodes in WordPress
Adding shortcodes in WordPress is simple and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- Copy the shortcode from the source, such as a plugin or theme documentation.
- Open the page or post where you want to add the shortcode in the WordPress editor. Here is an example of Gutenberg editor how to add a shortcode in the Gutenberg editor:
- Paste the shortcode into the editor in the visual or text view.
- Preview the page or post to ensure the shortcode has been added correctly and the content is displayed as expected.
Why Shortcodes is an Essential Tool for Every WordPress User
Shortcodes in WordPress are a powerful and versatile tool that can help you add dynamic and reusable content to your pages and posts with ease. Whether you want to add buttons, columns, or custom post types, shortcodes make it easy to add the content you need to your site. So if you still need to start using shortcodes in WordPress, it’s time to start!
What is a Shortcode in WordPress?
A Shortcode in WordPress is a small piece of code that can be added to a WordPress post or page to add complex functionality. It allows users to add custom forms, buttons, multimedia content, and other elements to their site with just a few simple lines of code. The shortcode is automatically replaced with the desired output when the post or page is loaded.Add image
How do I create a custom Shortcode in WordPress?
To create a custom Shortcode in WordPress, you need to write a PHP function and add a shortcode tag. You can add the function to your theme’s functions.php file or create a plugin to store your custom shortcodes. Once you’ve created the function, simply add the shortcode tag to your post or page content to display the custom Shortcode output.
How do I use Shortcodes in WordPress?
To use Shortcodes in WordPress, simply add the Shortcode tag to the post or page content where you want the Shortcode output to appear. You can also add Shortcodes to widgets or call the Shortcode function in a WordPress template file.
What are the best practices for using Shortcodes in WordPress?
When using Shortcodes in WordPress, it’s important to keep your Shortcodes organized and maintainable. You can do this by using a plugin to manage your Shortcodes or by adding your custom Shortcodes to a plugin instead of your theme’s functions.php file. It’s also important to keep your Shortcodes up to date and compatible with WordPress updates.
Are there any recommended Shortcode plugins for WordPress?
Yes, there are many Shortcode plugins available for WordPress. Some of the most popular and highly rated options include Shortcode Ultimate, Easy Shortcodes, Shortcodes Pro, and Shortcodes by Supsystic. Each of these plugins provides a range of Shortcodes and customization options, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
