We all know why WordPress is a popular CMS — it makes building websites easy for anyone with minimal coding. But as your site grows, you’d want to add custom features like a custom login page or a weather widget… the possibilities are endless.
But all these customizations would mean editing your site’s core files. Now, if you’re not a full-time WordPress developer, this can be risky. You may accidentally make your site buggy or even cause it to crash entirely.
Safe option: Hire a developer and pay hourly or use WordPress coding plugins, which are mostly free or cost a thousand of $$$ at most.
The choice is obvious.
This blog will cover 13 of the best WordPress plugins for adding code snippets without breaking your site. Don’t worry—our list includes both paid and free options.
Let’s get started.
Overview of WordPress Code Snippet Plugins
A WordPress code snippet plugin makes adding custom code easy. Such plugins prevent errors that could arise from manual coding if you’re not experienced.
Been there, done that! 💪
Code snippet plugins make tracking changes you’ve implemented and managing custom codes for your WordPress site easy.
Think of WordPress code snippet plugins like training wheels for a bike. You wouldn’t take them off unless you’re comfortable riding without them.
The same is true for customizing a WordPress site. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s better to stick to plugins for any customizations to your site.
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Best WordPress Code Snippet Plugins
Here’s our list of the best free and paid WordPress plugins for adding code. These have been chosen based on their ratings, active installation numbers, active community, frequent updates, and other factors.
| Plugin Name | Pricing Plans | Rating and Reviews |
| WPCodeBox | Starting from $69/year | 5/5 stars on ProductHunt |
| Code Snippets | Starting from $3.90 | 4.7/5 stars based on 445 reviews |
| Advanced Scripts | Starting from $19.99 | 4.5/5 stars based on 46 reviews |
| WPCode WordPress Code Manager | Starting from $49/year | 4.9/5 stars based on 1,387 reviews |
| Post Snippets | Starting from $29.99/year | 4.6/5 stars based on 93 reviews |
| WebberZone Snippetz | Free | 4.8/5 stars based on 10 reviews |
| Shortcoder | Starting from $25/year | 4.9/5 stars based on 217 reviews |
| Snippet Shortcodes | £9.99 (one-year license) | 4.7/5 stars based on 24 reviews |
| Head & Footer Code | Free | 5/5 stars based on 47 reviews |
| Simple Custom CSS and JS | Free | 4.4/5 stars based on 90 reviews |
| Header Footer Code Manager | Starting from $35/year | 4.9/5 stars based on 279 reviews |
| Woody code snippets | Starting from $29/year | 4.6/5 stars based on 206 reviews |
| Insert PHP Code Snippet | Free | 4.9/5 stars based on 663 reviews |
1. WPCodeBox
– Source: WPCodeBox
First up, we have WPCodeBox. This user-friendly snippet editor includes smart code hints for PHP and WordPress, making custom snippets easy to create. The repository of ready-to-use snippets is also incredibly helpful.
I especially liked the code generator, which lets you create templates with just a few inputs. The cloud-saving option is a big plus, allowing access to snippets across different sites.
Additionally, the plugin supports SCSS and LESS with built-in compilers and an error-capturing mechanism to handle problematic scripts automatically.
Features
- Saves code snippets to the cloud for easy access across different sites.
- Provides WordPress-specific code completions and syntax highlighting for a smoother coding experience.
- Includes a CSS live reload feature, letting you see changes on the front-end in real-time.
- Features a run button to test code snippets before adding them to your site.
- Automatically disables snippets with errors to keep your site running smoothly.
This is a paid plugin, and its pricing plans are mentioned below:
- Solo: $69/year
- Team: $89/year
- Agency: $119/year or $179/year
Rating and Reviews
WPCodeBox has 5/5 star reviews on producthunt. However, it is not available on the WordPress.org.
– Source: WordPress.org
2. Code Snippets
– Source: WordPress.org
Next, we have Code Snippets. It has over 900,000 active installations and is compatible with WordPress version 6.5.5. I like the dashboard it offers.
It also makes it easy to manage website code customizations and offers great flexibility. For example, I found it easy to assign specific snippets to only certain pages on my site.
Features
- Allows for generating, managing, and organizing unlimited PHP, HTML, CSS, and JS snippets.
- Supports creating code from scratch with AI-driven Snippet Verification for accuracy.
- Enables syncing snippets across sites, cloud backups, searching public snippets, safeguarding code in a Private Vault, and using Snippet Bundles.
- Integrates with website builders like Elementor, Gutenberg, and others.
- Includes regular updates with new features and optimizations.
While the free version covers essential functionality, the Pro version offers additional features such as custom CSS and JavaScript snippets. The Pro plans are priced as follows:
- Plus: $3.90
- Advanced: $7.90
- Professional: $14.90
- Unlimited: $29.90
Rating and Reviews
Code Snippets has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 445 reviews.
– Source: WordPress.org
3. Advanced Scripts
Source: cleanplugins.com
Advanced Scripts is a modern alternative to Code Snippets, though it comes at a higher price point. It features a sleek design that makes managing code easier, with options to run scripts based on specific post types and improved import/export functionality.
You can handle third-party CDN assets and create functions or shortcodes efficiently, and the plugin’s PHP error detection helps avoid site issues.
Key Features
- Responsive and visually appealing user interface.
- Safe mode for catching PHP errors.
- Built-in compiler for SCSS or LESS.
- Ability to load assets from URLs.
- Provides HTML tracking snippets without additional plugins.
This plugin is also paid, and the plans are mentioned below:
- Single Website: $19.99
- Multiple Websites (5): $29.99
- Unlimited Websites: $39.99
Rating and Reviews
Advanced Scripts plugin has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 46 reviews. However, it is not available on the WordPress.org.
– Source: Google
4. WPCode
– Source: WordPress.org
Another great option is WPCode, formerly ‘Insert Headers and Footers.’ It’s simple to use and handles various code types efficiently, including PHP and CSS. With its over 100 pre-made snippets library, you can quickly implement common functionalities on your site.
One feature that stands out is the code generator, which allows you to create custom snippets by filling out an easy form. This tool can save time and simplify the coding process, especially if you’re unfamiliar with coding.
The plugin also supports storing code snippets in a private cloud, which can be handy for managing snippets across different projects.
Key Features
- Offers a library of over 100 pre-made snippets
- Provides a code generator for beginners to create custom snippets easily
- Automatically deactivates problematic snippets
- Stores custom snippets in a private cloud accessible within WordPress
- Includes code revision history to track changes to snippets and settings
- Comes with built-in access controls for admins to manage user permissions
WPCode offers the following paid plans:
- Basic: $49/year
- Plus: $99/year
- Pro: $199/year
- Bundle: $349/year
Rating and Reviews
WPCode WordPress Code Manager has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 1,387 reviews.
– Source: WordPress.org
5. Post Snippets
– Source: WordPress.org
Another excellent tool is Post Snippets. This one lets you create reusable blocks of text or code and insert them anywhere on your WordPress pages and posts, ensuring consistency and saving time.
A feature I particularly liked is the ability to add variables to your snippets. For instance, if you’re managing an affiliate website, you can set the product’s name and ID as variables. This way, you only need to call the snippet and enter the product code and title each time you add a link to a post.
Key Features
- Easy-to-use ‘Manage Snippets’ page for adding, editing, or removing code snippets
- Snippets are accessible through a button in the WordPress editor or quick tags in the HTML editor
- Each snippet can include multiple custom variables
- Duplicate code snippets and add them to posts or pages
- Built-in Rich Text editor for customizing snippets
- Save, edit, download, or delete code snippets on the cloud
- Compatible with various Gutenberg block types
With over 30,000 installations and compatibility with WordPress 6.5.5, Post Snippets offers a free version, but the paid plans start at:
- $29.99/yr (Basic): 1 Site
- $79.99/yr (Pro): 5 Sites
- $189.99/yr (Agency): 30 Sites
Rating and Reviews
Post Snippets has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 93 reviews.
– Source: WordPress.org
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6. WebberZone Snippetz
– Source: WordPress.org
Another solid option is WebberZone Snippetz, formerly known as Add to All. This plugin allows you to create and manage custom snippets of HTML, CSS, or JS code, seamlessly integrating them into your site’s header, footer, content, or feed.
One feature I appreciated is the control over where and when code snippets appear based on post IDs, types, categories, and tags. The plugin also enhances site feeds by adding a copyright notice and a link back to the post, making it easy to extend your site’s functionality with various actions and filters.
Key Features
- Create custom code snippets using JavaScript, HTML, or CSS
- Add snippets to various parts of your site, such as the header, footer, feed, or content
- Full control over displaying snippets based on tags, categories, post IDs, etc.
- Works well with Statcounter, Google Analytics, and Tynt
- Numerous actions and filters to extend its functionality
- Supports site verification for Pinterest, Google, and Bing
With over 3,000 installations and compatibility with WordPress 6.6.1, this plugin is free.
Rating and Reviews:
WebberZone Snippetz has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 10 reviews.
– Source: WordPress.org
7. Shortcoder
– Source: WordPress.org
Another handy tool is Shortcoder, a versatile yet simple plugin for creating custom shortcodes for various code snippets, including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
Using Shortcoder is straightforward. Name the shortcode, paste the desired code as the content, and save. Then, you can easily insert the shortcode into posts or pages, with the plugin replacing it with the actual code snippet.
For Gutenberg users, Shortcoder offers a dedicated block and a toolbar button, making shortcode insertion seamless. It also supports custom parameters, allowing modifications on the fly.
Key Features
- Supports HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as shortcode content
- Users can insert WordPress or custom parameters in the shortcode
- Add shortcodes in text, code, or visual modes
- Disable a shortcode globally when not needed
- Replace a snippet by using a shortcode in posts or pages
- Disable a shortcode on specific devices like desktop or mobile
This plugin has over 100,000 installations and is compatible with WordPress 6.6.1, Shortcoder is reliable.
Prices for this plugin are mentioned below:
- PERSONAL: $25/year for 1 site
- PLUS: $89/year for 10 sites
- ULTIMATE: $129/year for unlimited sites
Rating and Reviews
Shortcoder has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 217 reviews.
– Source: WordPress.org
8. Snippet Shortcodes
– Source: WordPress.org
Next, we have Snippet Shortcodes. It is ideal for anyone who frequently needs to reuse snippets of text or HTML across their site.
Managing shortcodes directly within the WordPress editor is incredibly convenient, and I found the option to create custom parameters quite useful for tweaking shortcodes on the fly.
You can assign various content types to your shortcodes, from text and HTML to JavaScript and images. Plus, it supports shortcode processing within WordPress menu titles and is compatible with multi-site setups, making it versatile for different needs.
Key Features
- Reuse shortcodes in multiple locations
- Extend shortcodes with customizable parameters
- Includes free and premium helper shortcodes for easier management
- Compatible with WordPress multisite installations
- Premium shortcodes are available for displaying current data, site language, WordPress version, and more
- Integrates with the TinyMCE editor for formatted content creation
This plugin costs £9.99 (one-year license) and has 5,000 active installations. The cool thing is that it does offer a 14-day free trial.
Rating and Reviews
Snippet Shortcodes has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 24 reviews.
– Source: WordPress.org
9. Head & Footer Code
– Source: WordPress.org
Another solid choice is Head & Footer Code, a straightforward plugin for adding custom code snippets to your WordPress site.
I found the ability to add code snippets before the closing </head> and </body> tags, or right after the opening <body> tag, to be particularly convenient. This feature adds site verification codes, meta tags, and analytics.
The plugin also integrates well with WordPress hooks like wp_head, wp_footer, and wp_body_open, allowing for easy custom code management across various parts of your site.
Key Features
- Insert custom code snippets (JavaScript, HTML, CSS) on any page
- Supports site verification codes for Google Analytics 4, Hotjar, MetaPixel, and more
- Custom code can be added to individual articles and categories
- Flexible options to prioritize code in the head, body, or footer sections
- Append or replace article-specific code based on post types
- Compatible with multisite setups and PHP 8.2
With over 100,000 active installations and tested with WordPress 6.6.1, this free plugin might be just what you need.
Rating and Reviews
Head & Footer Code has an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 47 reviews.
– Source: WordPress.org
10. Simple Custom CSS and JS
– Source: WordPress.org
Next, we have Simple Custom CSS. This plugin allows you to enhance your site’s customization capabilities without modifying theme or plugin files.
This plugin is perfect for minor adjustments to your site’s appearance or functionality. One of the standout features is the flexibility to print the code inline or as an external file and to choose whether it appears in the header or footer.
You can add CSS or JS to the front-end or the admin side. Another major benefit is that your customizations remain intact if you switch themes.
Key Features:
- Add custom CSS or JS codes on the front-end or admin side
- Provides a text editor with syntax highlighting for easier code writing and reading
- Allows users to print codes inline or as an external file
- Changes made with the plugin are retained even when switching themes
- Users can add codes to the header or footer
- Supports conditional tags for specific plugins like WooCommerce
This one has 600,000 active installations and is tested with WordPress 6.6.1. It is also 100% free, so what more can you ask for?
Rating and Reviews
Simple Custom CSS and JS has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 90 reviews.
– Source: WordPress.org
11. Header Footer Code Manager
– Source: WordPress.org
Header Footer Code Manager simplifies adding snippets to a page’s header, footer, or around its content.
You can choose specific posts or pages for script placement and decide whether they should load on desktop, mobile, or both. It’s especially useful for integrating services like Google Analytics or chat modules like Olark.
One of the features I found particularly helpful is the ability to retain your customizations even when changing themes. This flexibility can save time, especially when frequently updating your site’s design or structure.
Key Features
- Accepts any code snippet, including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS
- Adds code snippets to various parts of your page, such as the header, footer, or around the content
- Retains your codes even when changing themes
- Allows adding unlimited scripts and styles to your posts or pages
- Supports custom post types and specific page or post placements
- Provides options to load scripts only on desktops or mobile devices
- Protects your site from accidentally adding codes in the wrong locations
Header Footer Code Manager offers a free version despite having over 600,000 active installations. It also has a Pro plan starting at $35 per year for 1 site.
Rating and Reviews
Header Footer Code Manager has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 279 reviews.
– Source: WordPress.org
12. Woody Code Snippets
– Source: WordPress.org
Woody Code Snippets makes managing different kinds of code snippets, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Text, and advertisements, easy. It lets you add attributes to a snippet, extending its functionality.
You can precisely control where your code snippets appear using shortcodes or predefined insertion locations. This plugin is particularly useful for organizing and reusing snippets across multiple projects.
Key Features
- Simplifies code management, allowing you to create, store, and manage code snippets with ease.
- Supports various snippet types, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Text, and Advertisement.
- Offers predefined insert locations to easily define where your code snippets should be placed on your site.
- Offers a customizable code editor with themes, tab, indentation size adjustments, and other highlighting options.
It has over 70,000 active installations and offers various pricing plans:
- BASIC: $29/year
- ADVANCED: $59/year
- BUSINESS: $89/year
- REVOLUTION: $179/year
Rating and Reviews
“Woody code snippets” has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 206 reviews.
– Source: WordPress.org
13. Insert PHP Code Snippet
– Source: WordPress.org
Insert PHP Code Snippet lets you integrate PHP code snippets into WordPress sites by converting them into shortcodes for easy insertion.
Like Shortcoder, which allows for custom shortcodes in various languages, Insert PHP Code Snippet focuses specifically on PHP. I found it handy for adding and managing PHP functionalities without cluttering the theme’s code.
Key features:
- Convert PHP code snippets into shortcodes and pass custom parameters for insertion into posts, pages, and widgets.
- Toggle snippets on or off, make quick adjustments and preview immediately for effective troubleshooting and site performance maintenance.
- Automatic exception handling displays errors in PHP code and sends reports via email.
Despite having over 100,000 active installations, this plugin offers a free version and has been tested for WordPress version 6.5.5.
Rating and Reviews
Insert PHP Code Snippet has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 663 reviews.
– Source: WordPress.org
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How to Create Your Own WordPress Code Snippets Plugin?
Yeah…creating your own plugin is actually a practical alternative if you prefer not to purchase a plugin or even use a free one. This method is pretty straightforward than you might think, even if you’re not a developer.
Step 1: Prepare Your Plugin Folder
- Create a new folder on your computer and name it cloudways-snippets.
Step 2: Create the Plugin File
- Inside the cloudways-snippets folder, create a new text file named cloudways-snippets.php. Ensure the file extension is .php.
Step 3: Add Code to Your Plugin File
- Open cloudways-snippets.php and paste the following code. Save the file after pasting:
<?php
/*
Plugin Name: Cloudways Snippets
Description: A plugin to manage custom code snippets typically added to the functions.php file.
Version: 1.0
Author: Abdul Rehman
Author URI: https://cloudways.com
License: GPL2
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
*/
if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) {
exit;
}
// Add a new menu item called "Cloudways Snippets" under the Plugins menu
add_action( 'admin_menu', 'admin_menu_new_items' );
function admin_menu_new_items() {
global $submenu;
$submenu['plugins.php'][500] = array( 'Cloudways Snippets', 'manage_options', '/wp-admin/plugin-editor.php?file=cloudways-snippets%2Fcloudways-snippets.php' );
}
- Customize the Plugin Name, Description, Author, and other fields. If you use a different folder or file name, make sure to update the code on line 21.
Step 4: Compress Your Plugin Folder
- Zip the cloudways-snippets folder to create a file named cloudways-snippets.zip.
Step 5: Install and Activate Your Plugin
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to Plugins >> Add New >> Upload Plugin. Upload the cloudways-snippets.zip file and activate your plugin. You will now see a new submenu called “Cloudways Snippets” under the Plugins menu.
Step 6: Add and Manage Your Snippets
- Go to the “Cloudways Snippets” menu to add and manage your code snippets. Save changes as needed.
How to Choose a WordPress Code Snippet Plugin?
There are a ton of code snippets available online, but downloading them at random can be risky. Here’s how to choose the right code snippet plugin for your WordPress site:
Know What You Need:
- What types of snippets (PHP, CSS, JavaScript) will you add?
- Do you need features like syntax highlighting or code formatting?
- Will you manage snippets through shortcodes or widgets?
Check Compatibility:
- Ensure the plugin works with your WordPress version by checking the plugin’s documentation or repository page.
Look at Ratings and Reviews
- Choose plugins with high ratings and positive feedback. More active installations and regular updates often mean better reliability.
Ease of Use
- Consider how user-friendly the plugin is. Look for features like code organization and an intuitive interface.
Developer Support
- Check if the developers are responsive to user questions by visiting the support forum or documentation page.
Review Documentation
- Make sure the plugin has clear documentation, tutorials, or guides to help you get the most out of it.
Summary
Finding the right code snippet plugin for WordPress doesn’t have to be a headache. We’ve highlighted several top options that cater to different needs, from handling PHP snippets to managing CSS and JavaScript with ease.
Each plugin we’ve covered has its own set of features to simplify your workflow and help you integrate and organize your code efficiently.
We hope this guide makes it easier to find the perfect tool for your needs. If you have any suggestions, let me know in the comments.
Q1. What is the best plugin for adding code to WordPress?
A. Insert PHP Code Snippet is perfect for PHP snippets, turning them into shortcodes for easy placement. Simple Custom CSS and JS allow flexible addition of CSS and JavaScript with syntax highlighting. Header Footer Code Manager offers precise control over code placement across your site, including in headers and footers.
Q2. Can I add code to WordPress?
A. Yes, you can add code to WordPress by using plugins or manually editing theme files. Both methods allow you to customize and enhance your site with custom code.
Q3. How do I add a plugin to a WordPress code?
A. To add code to WordPress using a plugin, first, install the plugin by going to your dashboard, navigating to Plugins > Add New, and uploading the plugin’s zip file. After activation, follow the plugin’s interface to insert and manage your code snippets.
Abdul Rehman
Abdul is a tech-savvy, coffee-fueled, and creatively driven marketer who loves keeping up with the latest software updates and tech gadgets. He's also a skilled technical writer who can explain complex concepts simply for a broad audience. Abdul enjoys sharing his knowledge of the Cloud industry through user manuals, documentation, and blog posts.
