Building a powerful and dynamic website doesn’t always require advanced coding skills. With WordPress, you can easily add complex features like forms, buttons, galleries, sliders, and interactive elements using simple tools designed for efficiency. One of the most effective ways to enhance functionality is to Use Shortcodes in WordPress, allowing you to insert advanced elements into your pages with minimal effort. This approach is especially helpful when working with modern WordPress block themes , which combine flexible layouts with user-friendly customization options.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the easiest ways to add shortcodes in WordPress, covering posts, pages, widgets, and custom implementations, so you can quickly and effortlessly boost your website’s functionality.
What are Shortcodes in WordPress?
Learning how to use shortcodes in WordPress is one of the quickest ways to transition from a beginner to a confident site owner. Shortcodes in WordPress are small, simple snippets of code enclosed in square brackets [ ] that allow you to add dynamic content to your posts, pages, or widgets without writing full-blown code.
Key Features of WordPress Shortcodes:
- They handle the heavy lifting of adding advanced features like forms or sliders.
- They can be built-in (like [gallery] for image galleries) or plugin-generated by tools like WPForms or WooCommerce.
- They can even be custom-created for unique functions specific to your site’s needs.
- Shortcodes work seamlessly in posts, pages, widgets, and sometimes even within your theme templates.
In short, knowing how to use shortcodes in WordPress is a powerful way to extend your site’s capabilities without needing to touch a single line of PHP or HTML. It’s no wonder they are a favorite tool for beginners and developers.
Why Use Shortcodes in WordPress?
Mastering how to use shortcodes in WordPress is one of the most effective ways to upgrade your website's functionality. Shortcodes are incredibly convenient tools that allow you to add advanced features and dynamic content without writing complex code. Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned pro, understanding shortcodes in WordPress offers several key advantages:
- Simplify Complex Functions : Shortcodes let you perform tasks that would normally require deep coding knowledge, such as embedding forms, displaying galleries, or adding custom buttons. For example, instead of manually writing HTML for a contact form, you can simply use [contact-form-7 id="123"].
- Save Time and Effort : Adding shortcodes is significantly faster than coding each feature manually. You can place the same shortcode in multiple posts or pages, making your content updates much more efficient.
- Enhance Flexibility : Shortcodes can be used almost anywhere on your site posts, pages, widgets, or even theme templates. This versatility makes it easy to maintain a consistent design or specific functionality across your entire website.
- Enable Reusability : Once a shortcode is created or provided by a plugin, you can reuse it countless times without repeating the setup process. This is especially useful for repetitive elements like call-to-action buttons, pricing tables, or newsletter sign-up forms.
- Support Customization : Developers can create custom shortcodes tailored to your specific needs, giving you total control over how content and functionality appear on your site.
- Reduce Dependency on Plugins : In many cases, knowing shortcodes in WordPress can actually replace the need for extra plugins. By utilizing built-in shortcodes for specific tasks, you can keep your site lightweight and faster.
How to Use Shortcodes in WordPress? With Different Methods
Depending on where you want your specific features or content to appear, there are several ways to apply them to your site. Below, we break down the most effective methods for how to use shortcodes in WordPress, ranging from "no-code" beginner options to developer-level implementation:
Method 1: Adding Shortcodes using Block Editor
Shortcodes are powerful WordPress features that allow you to add dynamic content and functionality without writing code. If you’re wondering how to use Shortcodes in WordPress, the Block Editor (Gutenberg) makes the process simple and beginner-friendly. This guide explains every step in detail so you can easily insert and manage shortcodes on your WordPress website.
Step 1: Find or Create a Shortcode
Before adding a shortcode, you need to use. Shortcodes usually come from: WordPress plugins, Themes and Custom shortcodes created in functions.php
Example of a shortcode: [contact-form-7 id="123"]
Most plugins provide shortcodes in their settings or documentation.
Step 2: Open the WordPress Block Editor
To add a shortcode:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Posts → Add New or Pages → Add New.
- Open the page or post where you want to insert the shortcode.
This will open the Block Editor (Gutenberg) interface.
Step 3: Add a Shortcode Block
- To insert a shortcode using the Block Editor:
- Click the “+” (Add Block) button.
- Search for “Shortcode” in the block search bar.
- Select the Shortcode block from the list.
- A shortcode input box will appear.
Step 4: Paste the Shortcode
Now, paste your shortcode into the Shortcode block.
Example: [contact-form-7 id="123"]
Once added, the shortcode is ready to work.
This is one of the easiest ways to understand how to use Shortcodes in WordPress without technical knowledge.
Step 5: Preview the Shortcode
To check if the shortcode works:
- Click the Preview button at the top.
- View the page to see how the shortcode content appears.
- If everything looks correct, proceed to publish.
Step 6: Publish or Update the Page
- After confirming the shortcode works:
- Click Publish (for new pages/posts)
- Click Update (for existing content)
Your shortcode is now live on your website
Method 2: Adding Shortcodes using Elementor Plugin
While the native WordPress Block Editor is great, many users prefer the drag-and-drop flexibility of Elementor. If you are looking for how to use shortcodes in WordPress, specifically using this page builder, the process is incredibly intuitive because Elementor treats shortcodes as a dedicated design element. Here is your detailed theoretical guide to mastering shortcodes within the Elementor interface.
Step 1: Access the Elementor Editor
Before you can add any code, you need to enter the Elementor design interface.
Navigate to Pages or Posts in your WordPress dashboard.
Click on the specific page you wish to edit.
Click the large blue Edit with Elementor button at the top of the screen.
Step 2: Locate the Shortcode Widget
Elementor provides a specific widget designed to render shortcodes correctly without stripping out necessary scripts.
In the left-hand sidebar, you will see a search bar at the top of the Elements tab.
Type "Shortcode" into the search bar.
The Shortcode Widget will appear.
Step 3: Drag and Drop into Your Layout
Click and hold the Shortcode widget.
Drag it onto your page and drop it into the specific section, column, or inner section where you want the content to appear.
Step 4: Enter the Shortcode Content
Once the widget is placed, the left-hand panel will change to show the widget's settings.
Look for the text area labeled Enter your shortcode.
Paste your specific shortcode here (e.g., [contact-form-7 id="404" title="Contact form 1"]).
Dynamic Rendering: Unlike the standard editor, Elementor will often try to show you a live preview of the shortcode immediately within the editor.
Step 5: Refine with Advanced Settings
One of the perks of using Elementor for shortcodes is the ability to wrap the code in custom styling without knowing CSS.
Click on the Advanced tab in the widget settings.
Here, you can add Padding, Margins, or Entrance Animations to the shortcode output.
You can also use the Responsive settings to hide that specific shortcode on mobile devices if it doesn't look right on smaller screens.
Method 3: Adding Shortcodes by Editing the Theme Code
When you want a shortcode to appear globally (like in a footer) or exactly where a template dictates, you move beyond the Block Editor and into the theme files. Learning how to use shortcodes in WordPress at the code level requires using a specific PHP function: do_shortcode(). This method is powerful because it bypasses the manual work of adding blocks to every single page.
Step 1: Locate the Correct Template File
Before touching any code, you need to identify which part of your theme you want to modify. WordPress themes are modular.
header.php: For banners or top-bar notices.
footer.php: For copyright info or social feeds.
single.php: For content that should appear on every individual blog post.
page.php: For content on every static page.
Step 2. Access the Theme Editor
There are two primary ways to edit your files:
- WordPress Dashboard: Go to Appearance > Theme File Editor.
- FTP/SFTP: Use a client like FileZilla to access your site files remotely
Step 3. Implement the do_shortcode Function
WordPress cannot execute a shortcode if you simply paste [my_shortcode] into a PHP file; it will just render as plain text. You must wrap it in the PHP function.
The standard format for calling a shortcode in PHP is:
<?php echo do_shortcode('[your_shortcode_here]'); ?>
- Open the desired file (e.g., footer.php).
- Find the exact location where you want the element to appear.
- Insert the PHP snippet. For example, if you want to display a contact form:
<div class="custom-footer-form">
<?php echo do_shortcode('[contact-form-7 id="123"]'); ?>
</div>
- Save the file.
Conclusion
Here we are, signifying How to Use Shortcodes in WordPress with useful methods in the above blog. Shortcodes are a powerful and time-saving feature in WordPress, making it easy to add advanced functionality without writing complex code. Whether you’re using the Classic Editor, WordPress block editor, widgets, traditional theme files, or modern WordPress block themes with the Full Site Editor, WordPress offers multiple fast and flexible ways to apply shortcodes exactly where you need them.
By choosing the right method based on your setup and following best practices, you can improve your site’s functionality while keeping your content clean and manageable. From embedding forms and galleries to displaying custom content, shortcodes help streamline your workflow and enhance the overall user experience. In short, mastering how to add shortcodes in WordPress empowers you to build dynamic, professional websites faster and more efficiently, no coding expertise required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use multiple shortcodes on the same page?
Yes, You can use as many as you need. However, keep in mind that each shortcode requires a bit of processing power. If you learn how to using shortcodes in WordPress excessively on a single page, you might notice a slight dip in loading speed.
2. Can beginners use shortcodes in WordPress?
Yes, beginners can easily use shortcodes. You do not need coding skills. This is why learning How to Use Shortcodes in WordPress is beginner-friendly.
3. Do shortcodes work with all WordPress themes?
Most shortcodes work with any theme. However, some theme-specific shortcodes may work only with that theme. This is an important point when learning How to Use Shortcode in WordPress.
4. What happens if a plugin shortcode stops working?
If you deactivate a plugin, its shortcodes may stop working and appear as plain text. This is why managing plugins is important when understanding How to Use Shortcodes in WordPress.
5. Can I create custom shortcodes in WordPress?
Yes, developers can create custom shortcodes using PHP. This allows you to add unique features to your website and expand your knowledge of How to Use Shortcodes in WordPress.
