How to Use Shortcode in WordPress – Easy Steps for Beginners

Shortcodes are a built-in feature of WordPress that allows users to add complex functionalities to their websites effortlessly. Whether embedding videos, displaying custom buttons, or integrating forms, shortcodes provide an easy way to add dynamic content without touching code. This guide will walk you through how to use shortcode in WordPress, covering everything from the basics to advanced customization.

What Are Shortcodes and How Do They Work?

Shortcodes were first introduced in WordPress version 2.5 as a powerful yet simple way to execute predefined functions within content. They are small, bracket-enclosed tags ([shortcode]) that tell WordPress to dynamically generate and display specific elements on a post, page, or widget without requiring users to write complex code. This feature is particularly useful for adding interactive or media-rich components without manually inserting HTML, JavaScript, or PHP.

For instance, instead of embedding a lengthy HTML code snippet to display a video, users can simply use a shortcode like

, and WordPress will automatically render the appropriate media player. Shortcodes act as placeholders that WordPress replaces with the final output when a visitor views the page. Many plugins and themes provide built-in shortcodes, allowing users to quickly integrate elements such as contact forms, image galleries, testimonials, pricing tables, and custom buttons.

The advantage of using shortcodes is their efficiency and flexibility. They help streamline content management, making it easier to create dynamic, visually appealing web pages without technical expertise. Whether you want to insert Google Maps, customize call-to-action buttons, or display user-generated content, shortcodes simplify the process, making WordPress more accessible for beginners and advanced users alike.

Types of Shortcodes in WordPress

Self-Closing Shortcodes

Self-closing shortcodes are among the simplest forms of shortcodes in WordPress. They do not require a separate closing tag and work as standalone elements within the content. These shortcodes are often used for embedding media files, such as audio or video, or adding dynamic content that doesn’t require additional customization within the tag itself. For example, to add an audio file, you can use the shortcode

, and WordPress will automatically render a media player for the specified file. This method eliminates the need for users to manually insert complex HTML or JavaScript code to achieve the same result.

Enclosing Shortcodes

Unlike self-closing shortcodes, enclosing shortcodes require both an opening and a closing tag to function correctly. These shortcodes wrap around a specific section of content, modifying or formatting the enclosed text or media in a predefined way. One common example of an enclosing shortcode is the caption shortcode, which is used to add captions to images. The format looks like this:

This is an image caption.

. When the page is rendered, WordPress applies the necessary styling and formatting, making the caption appear seamlessly below the image.

Shortcodes with Parameters

Shortcodes with parameters provide additional customization options, allowing users to specify attributes that modify their behavior. These shortcodes accept parameters within the brackets, enabling customization of aspects such as color, size, and layout. For instance, a button shortcode may be written as [button color=”blue” size=”large”]Click Here[/button]. This shortcode will generate a large blue button with the text “Click Here.” By adjusting the attributes, users can personalize the appearance and functionality of shortcodes to match their website’s design and requirements.

How to Use Shortcodes in WordPress Posts and Pages

Using shortcodes in WordPress is a straightforward process that allows you to add dynamic content to your website with ease. Whether you want to embed a video, display a form, or create a custom button, shortcodes help you achieve this without any coding knowledge. Follow these steps to insert and use shortcodes effectively in your WordPress posts, pages, or widgets.

• Open the WordPress Editor – Start by logging into your WordPress dashboard and navigating to the post or page where you want to insert the shortcode. If you’re creating new content, click on “Add New.” If you’re updating an existing page or post, select “Edit.”

• Insert the Shortcode – Within the WordPress content editor, place your cursor where you want the shortcode to appear. Type or paste the shortcode inside the editor, ensuring it is correctly formatted with brackets (e.g., [shortcode]). If the shortcode requires additional parameters, make sure they are properly included to customize the output as needed.

• Preview the Content – Before publishing, click the “Preview” button to see how the shortcode is rendered on the front end. This step is essential to ensure that the shortcode is working correctly and displaying the intended content.

• Publish or Update – If the shortcode displays correctly and functions as expected, click “Publish” for new posts or “Update” for existing ones to make the changes live on your website.

• Using Shortcodes in Widgets – Shortcodes can also be used in WordPress widgets. Simply add a shortcode inside a text or HTML widget in your sidebar or footer to extend functionality beyond posts and pages.

Creating Custom Shortcodes in WordPress

To create a custom shortcode, add a function to your theme’s functions.php file. Example:

function custom_shortcode() {

    return “Welcome to my WordPress site!”;

}

add_shortcode(‘welcome’, ‘custom_shortcode’);

Now, you can use [welcome] anywhere in your content to display the message.

Best WordPress Plugins for Managing Shortcodes

Using shortcodes in WordPress becomes even more efficient with the help of dedicated plugins. These plugins offer pre-built shortcodes, making it easier to add dynamic content, customize layouts, and manage shortcodes without modifying theme files. Below are some of the best shortcode plugins available for WordPress users.

• Shortcodes Ultimate: This is one of the most popular shortcode plugins, offering a vast collection of pre-designed shortcodes. With Shortcodes Ultimate, users can insert buttons, tabs, sliders, accordions, and various other elements without writing any code. The plugin comes with a user-friendly interface and works seamlessly with the WordPress block editor and classic editor. It is ideal for users looking for a feature-rich solution to enhance their site’s appearance and functionality.

• WP Shortcode by MyThemeShop: If you need a simple and lightweight shortcode manager, WP Shortcode by MyThemeShop is a great option. It provides an intuitive way to insert commonly used elements like pricing tables, alerts, testimonials, and social media buttons. The plugin is designed for beginners who want to enhance their website’s features without slowing it down with unnecessary scripts.

• Shortcoder: For those who want full control over their shortcodes, Shortcoder is an excellent choice. This plugin allows users to create, store, and reuse custom shortcodes with ease. You can define custom HTML, JavaScript, or CSS inside a shortcode and use it anywhere in your content. It is perfect for developers and website owners who frequently use custom code snippets but want a simpler way to manage them.

In Closing

Shortcodes are an essential WordPress feature that enables users to integrate dynamic content effortlessly. By mastering how to use shortcode in WordPress, you can enhance your website’s functionality, streamline content creation, and improve user experience. Whether you use built-in shortcodes, plugins, or custom functions, they offer a flexible and efficient way to expand your WordPress capabilities.

FAQ’s

Q. Can shortcodes be used in WordPress widgets?
A. Yes! You can add shortcodes inside text or HTML widgets to display dynamic content in your sidebar, footer, or any widgetized area of your website. WordPress processes shortcodes in these widgets just like it does in posts and pages.

Q. How do I remove a shortcode from WordPress?
A. To remove a shortcode, you can either deactivate the plugin that provides it or delete the shortcode function from the functions.php file if it was manually added. Additionally, you can prevent WordPress from rendering a shortcode by wrapping it in <code> tags.

Q. Why is my shortcode not displaying correctly?
A. If a shortcode isn’t working, check its formatting to ensure there are no typos or missing brackets. Also, verify that the required plugin is active and up to date. If the shortcode requires additional parameters, make sure they are correctly defined.

Q. Can I use multiple shortcodes in one post?
A. Yes! You can insert multiple shortcodes in the same post or page to create a richer user experience. However, ensure that they don’t conflict with each other, as some shortcodes from different plugins may cause layout or styling issues.

Q. Are shortcodes compatible with the Gutenberg editor?
A. Absolutely! The Gutenberg editor includes a dedicated Shortcode block that allows you to insert and manage shortcodes easily. You can also place shortcodes inside other content blocks, like columns or groups, to enhance page design.