How to Use WordPress Shortcodes (With Examples)

Shortcodes defined — bracket macros

A shortcode is a bracketed placeholder WordPress replaces with real output at render time — write [gallery] and the visitor sees a photo gallery; write [contact-form] and the form appears. Plugins, themes and your own functions.php register shortcodes against handler functions.

Key points:

• Syntax: a tag in square brackets, sometimes with attributes — [gallery ids="12,34"].

• Built-ins include gallery, audio, video, embed and caption.

• They work in posts, pages, widgets (with the Shortcode or Custom HTML block) and templates.

• Output runs through wp_kses sanitisation in some contexts, which can strip attributes and make a shortcode appear to do nothing.

• Blocks have replaced many shortcode jobs, but plugins still ship thousands of them.

The Gutenberg blocks guide covers the block side; WordPress hosting with staging makes testing them safe.

Built-in shortcodes — gallery, audio, video, embed

Two practical notes on shortcode: it interacts directly with caching and database response, and misconfiguration is the most common cause of 'hosting is slow' tickets. WebJi® support checks it as part of standard migrations.

Using shortcodes in Gutenberg — the Shortcode block

In the block editor, four steps place any shortcode:

1. Click the + inserter and add the Shortcode block.
2. Paste the shortcode, attributes included, exactly as documented.
3. Preview — most shortcodes render live in the editor; those that do not will on the published page.
4. Save and verify on the front end before embedding site-wide.

For widgets, Appearance → Widgets takes the same Shortcode block; for theme templates, PHP calls do_shortcode('[your_shortcode]') instead. If output appears as literal bracketed text, the providing plugin is inactive or the tag is misspelled — that failure and its fixes get their own section below.

Shortcodes in widgets, PHP and custom HTML

Pick the newest PHP version the site's plugins actually support, set it in the panel, and load the homepage plus one form. If the site whitescreens, switch back and read the error log before you try random plugins. Do not leave a shop on a PHP release that no longer gets security fixes.

When shortcodes render as text — causes and fixes

How this plays out with add_shortcode(): settings that look cosmetic usually decide page speed and uptime under real traffic. The defaults WebJi® ships are tuned for Indian network conditions, and support can review your setup on request.

Creating your own shortcode with add_shortcode

Creating your own shortcode with add_shortcode. Do the change this heading names on one site first, then check it in a private browser window or in the mail client, depending on the topic. Change one setting at a time, and undo it if the result is wrong before you try the next. If you want the Jaipur desk to look with you, email support@webji.services — that mailbox is staffed 24/7 in Hindi and English. Phone +91 141 4941811 is business hours only.

Shortcode vs block — the way forward

Shortcode and block are not the same product. Shortcode is the option with less for you to operate. block is the option with more control, and more that you have to look after. Choose by what happens when it breaks at night, and by the INR figure on this page. Email support@webji.services if you want that choice made against your actual site.