Shortcodes are a powerful feature of WordPress that allows you to easily insert dynamic content such as forms, tables, or even HTML snippets into your posts and pages. Using shortcodes saves time and simplifies the content editing process. In this article, we will show you how to create and manage shortcodes in WordPress.

Table of Contents

    Step 1: Understanding Shortcodes

    Shortcodes are small pieces of code enclosed in square brackets, for example: (shortcode). When WordPress encounters this shortcode in a post or page, it replaces it with the corresponding dynamic content. Shortcodes can be provided by WordPress or created by plugins and themes.

    WordPress Default Shortcodes

    WordPress provides some default shortcodes like:

    • (gallery) – Displays a gallery of images.
    • (audio) – Embed audio files into articles.
    • (video) – Embed video file.
    • (caption) – Add captions to images.
    How to Create and Manage Shortcodes on WordPress
    Illustration of shortcodes in WordPress.

    Step 2: Create Custom Shortcodes

    To create your own custom shortcodes, you need to add PHP code to the file functions.php of the theme. Here’s how to create a simple shortcode.

    Example: Create Shortcode to Display Current Date

    You can create a shortcode to display the current date by adding the following code to your file. functions.php of interface:

    
    function hien_thi_ngay_hien_tai() {
        return date('d/m/Y');
    }
    add_shortcode('ngay_hien_tai', 'hien_thi_ngay_hien_tai');
    
                

    Now, when you use the shortcode (ngay_hien_tai) in post or page it will display current date.

    Example: Create Shortcode With Parameters

    Shortcodes can also accept parameters to display different content. Here’s how to create a shortcode that displays a greeting with the username:

    
    function loi_chao_nguoi_dung($atts) {
        $atts = shortcode_atts(
            array(
                'ten' => 'bạn',
            ),
            $atts
        );
        return 'Chào ' . esc_html($atts('ten')) . '!';
    }
    add_shortcode('loi_chao', 'loi_chao_nguoi_dung');
    
                

    You can use this shortcode like this: (loi_chao ten="Minh") and the result will be: “Hello Minh!”.

    Step 3: Manage Existing Shortcodes

    To manage existing shortcodes, you can use plugins that help create, edit and manage shortcodes easily without editing the source code.

    Popular Shortcodes Management Plugins

    • Shortcodes Ultimate: This plugin provides a rich library of shortcodes to add advanced features like tabs, accordions, lightboxes, and more.
    • WP Shortcode by MyThemeShop: Free and easy to use plugin to create and manage custom shortcodes.
    • Woocommerce Shortcodes: For eCommerce websites using WooCommerce, this plugin helps insert shortcodes related to products, cart and checkout.

    Step 4: Add Shortcodes To Widget

    In addition to using shortcodes in posts and pages, you can also insert shortcodes into WordPress widgets.

    • Access Interface -> Widgets.
    • Select widget Document (Text) and drag it to the sidebar position where you want the shortcode to display.
    • Enter the shortcode into the widget and click Save.

    The widget will display the content corresponding to the shortcode you added.

    Tips for Using Shortcodes Effectively

    To use shortcodes effectively and optimally for your WordPress site, keep in mind the following tips:

    • Make shortcode names understandable: When creating custom shortcodes, give them clear names so they are easy to remember and use.
    • Avoid using too many shortcodes: Using too many shortcodes on a page can slow down page loading speed. Optimize and use them wisely.
    • Test shortcode before publishing: Make sure all shortcodes are thoroughly tested and working properly before publishing content.

    Create WordPress shortcodes

    Shortcodes are a powerful tool that allows you to add dynamic features and content to your WordPress site without any complex coding knowledge. By creating and managing shortcodes effectively, you can optimize your content management process and enhance the user experience of your website. Try creating custom shortcodes today and discover the exciting features they bring!

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