WordPress shortcodes are one of the easiest ways to add dynamic features to your content without writing complex code. For beginners, they can feel a little mysterious at first—but once you understand how they work, shortcodes become a powerful tool for building flexible and feature-rich WordPress websites.
In this guide, you’ll learn what WordPress shortcodes are, how to use them, and real-world examples that show exactly when and why they are useful.
What Are WordPress Shortcodes?
A shortcode is a small piece of text wrapped in square brackets that tells WordPress to perform a specific action.
Example:
[gallery]Instead of manually writing code, WordPress replaces the shortcode with dynamic content such as:
- Image galleries
- Forms
- Buttons
- Sliders
- Layout elements
Shortcodes allow non-technical users to add advanced features directly inside posts, pages, and widgets.
Why WordPress Uses Shortcodes
Shortcodes were introduced to solve a common problem: mixing code with content.
Benefits of shortcodes:
- Keep content clean and readable
- Allow feature reuse across the site
- Make complex features easy for beginners
- Work inside the block editor, classic editor, and widgets
They act as a bridge between design, content, and functionality.
Built-in WordPress Shortcodes You Should Know
WordPress includes a few core shortcodes out of the box.
Gallery shortcode:
[gallery ids="1,2,3"]Audio shortcode:
[audio src="music.mp3"]Video shortcode:
[video src="video.mp4"]Caption shortcode:
[caption]Image caption text[/caption]These are simple but powerful when used correctly.
Plugin-Based Shortcodes (Most Common Use Case)
Most WordPress plugins rely heavily on shortcodes.
Common examples:
- Contact Form 7 → [contact-form-7 id=”123″]
- WPForms → [wpforms id=”456″]
- WooCommerce → [products]
- Elementor templates → [elementor-template id=”789″]
Shortcodes allow plugins to place features anywhere on your site.
How to Use Shortcodes in WordPress
Using shortcodes is easy and beginner-friendly.
You can add shortcodes in:
- Posts and pages
- Sidebar widgets
- Footer widgets
- Custom HTML blocks
Steps:
- Open a post or page
- Add a Shortcode block or Paragraph block
- Paste the shortcode
- Save or publish
WordPress automatically renders the output on the front end.
Shortcodes vs Blocks: What’s the Difference?
Modern WordPress uses blocks, but shortcodes are still widely used.
Shortcodes:
- Text-based
- Plugin-driven
- More flexible for developers
Blocks:
- Visual and beginner-friendly
- Built into the editor
- Easier for layout design
Many plugins now offer both blocks and shortcodes for maximum compatibility.
Real Example 1: Contact Form Shortcode
Instead of embedding form code manually, plugins generate shortcodes.
Example:
[contact-form-7 id="101" title="Contact Us"]This shortcode can be placed on:
- Contact pages
- Landing pages
- Popups or modals
The same form can be reused across multiple pages.
Real Example 2: Displaying Products with WooCommerce
WooCommerce shortcodes allow dynamic product displays.
Example:
[products limit="4" columns="4"]Use cases:
- Homepage featured products
- Category landing pages
- Promotional sections
No coding required—just parameters.
Real Example 3: Buttons Using Shortcodes
Some themes and plugins provide button shortcodes.
Example:
[button link="<a rel="noopener" target="_new" class="decorated-link cursor-pointer">https://example.com"]Get<span aria-hidden="true" class="ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" aria-hidden="true" data-rtl-flip="" class="block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]"><use href="/cdn/assets/sprites-core-j9921kii.svg#304883" fill="currentColor"></use></svg></span></a> Started[/button]This allows consistent button styling across the site without repeated design work.
Real Example 4: Embedding Videos or Media
Shortcodes simplify media embedding.
Example:
[video src="intro.mp4" autoplay="false"]This ensures responsive media handling without manual HTML adjustments.
Real Example 5: Custom Layout Elements
Page builder plugins often provide layout shortcodes.
Example:
[row]
[column]Content[/column]
[column]Content[/column]
[/row]While blocks are preferred today, these shortcodes still power many legacy layouts.
Creating Your Own WordPress Shortcodes
Developers can create custom shortcodes using PHP.
Basic example:
function my_custom_shortcode() {
return 'Hello from my shortcode!';
}
add_shortcode('hello', 'my_custom_shortcode');
Usage:
[hello]This outputs the message anywhere on your site.
Shortcodes with Parameters
Shortcodes can accept attributes.
Example:
function greeting_shortcode($atts) {
$atts = shortcode_atts(array(
'name' => 'Guest'
), $atts);
return 'Hello ' . esc_html($atts['name']);
}
add_shortcode('greeting', 'greeting_shortcode');
Usage:
[greeting name="John"]This makes shortcodes flexible and reusable.
Best Practices for Using Shortcodes
Follow these guidelines:
- Use shortcodes only when blocks aren’t available
- Avoid nesting too many shortcodes
- Keep shortcodes documented
- Don’t hardcode shortcodes inside themes unless necessary
Clean usage improves maintainability.
Common Shortcode Mistakes Beginners Make
Avoid:
- Copying shortcodes without understanding parameters
- Deleting plugins that provide active shortcodes
- Using shortcodes for basic formatting
- Overusing shortcodes where blocks are better
Shortcodes should simplify—not complicate—your workflow.
Are WordPress Shortcodes Still Relevant in 2025?
Yes. While blocks dominate visual editing, shortcodes remain:
- Essential for plugin compatibility
- Useful for advanced dynamic content
- Important for backward compatibility
Shortcodes are evolving alongside blocks, not disappearing.
Final Thoughts
WordPress shortcodes give beginners powerful functionality with minimal effort. Once you understand how they work and when to use them, they become an invaluable tool in your WordPress toolkit.
By combining shortcodes with modern blocks, you get the best of both worlds—flexibility and ease of use.
Start using dynamic content today—master WordPress shortcodes and unlock powerful features without writing complex code.
