How to Implement Custom Image Sizes in WordPress Plugin
Posted on 20th June 2023
Custom image sizes are a great way to add variety and appeal to a WordPress plugin. They can also be used to improve the usability of a plugin by making it easier for users to find the images they need.
In this article, we will show you how to implement custom image sizes in a WordPress plugin. We will also cover some tips on how to make your plugin more user-friendly.
Before we get started, we need to understand what custom image sizes are and how they work.
Custom image sizes are exactly what they sound like – images that have been created with specific dimensions in mind. WordPress allows you to create as many custom image sizes as you want.
To add a custom image size to your WordPress plugin, you need to use the add_image_size() function. This function takes three parameters:
The first parameter is the name of the custom image size.
The second parameter is the width of the image in pixels.
The third parameter is the height of the image in pixels.
For example, let’s say we want to add a custom image size for our plugin that is 400px by 200px. We would use the following code:
add_image_size( ‘my-plugin-image-size’, 400, 200 );
Now that we know how to add custom image sizes to our plugin, let’s take a look at some tips on how to make your plugin more user-friendly.
1. Use descriptive names for your custom image sizes.
When you’re creating custom image sizes, it’s important to use names that are descriptive and easy to remember. This will make it easier for users to find the images they need.
For example, if you’re creating a custom image size for a featured image, you might want to use a name like “featured-image” or “feature-image-size.”
2. Add custom image sizes to the media library.
When you add custom image sizes to your plugin, they should also be automatically added to the WordPress media library. This will make it easier for users to find and select the images they need.
To do this, you need to use the following code:
add_filter( ‘image_size_names_choose’, ‘my_plugin_image_sizes’ ); function my_plugin_image_sizes( $sizes ) { $sizes[‘my-plugin-image-size’] = __( ‘My Plugin Image Size’, ‘my-plugin’ ); return $sizes; }
3. Use the right image sizes in your plugin.
When you’re using images in your plugin, it’s important to use the right image sizes. For example, if you’re using a custom image size for a featured image, you should use the same image size when you display the image in your plugin.
If you use a different image size, the image will be stretched or cropped, which can look bad.
To get the URL of the right image size, you can use the wp_get_attachment_image_src() function. This function takes two parameters:
The first parameter is the attachment ID of the image.
The second parameter is the name of the image size.
For example, let’s say we want to get the URL of the “my-plugin-image-size” image size. We would use the following code:
$image_url = wp_get_attachment_image_src( $attachment_id, ‘my-plugin-image-size’ );
4. Use the right image sizes in your theme.
If you’re using images in your plugin, it’s also important to use the right image sizes in your theme. For example, if you’re using a custom image size for a featured image, you should use the same image size when you display the image in your theme.
If you use a different image size, the image will be stretched or cropped, which can look bad.
To get the URL of the right image size, you can use the wp_get_attachment_image_src() function. This function takes two parameters:
The first parameter is the attachment ID of the image.
The second parameter is the name of the image size.
For example, let’s say we want to get the URL of the “my-plugin-image-size” image size. We would use the following code:
$image_url = wp_get_attachment_image_src( $attachment_id, ‘my-plugin-image-size’ );
5. Use the right image sizes in your posts and pages.
If you’re using images in your plugin, it’s also important to use the right image sizes in your posts and pages. For example, if you’re using a custom image size for a featured image, you should use the same image size when you display the image in your post or page.
If you use a different image size, the image will be stretched or cropped, which can look bad.
To get the URL of the right image size, you can use the wp_get_attachment_image_src() function. This function takes two parameters:
The first parameter is the attachment ID of the image.
The second parameter is the name of the image size.
For example, let’s say we want to get the URL of the “my-plugin-image-size” image size. We would use the following code:
$image_url = wp_get_attachment_image_src( $attachment_id, ‘my-plugin-image-size’ );
These are just a few tips on how to use custom image sizes in your WordPress plugin. By following these tips, you can make your plugin more user-friendly and improve the overall usability.
When you have decided on the image sizes you need for your WordPress plugin, you can add these to your plugin code using the add_image_size() function. This function takes four parameters:
The name of the image size.
The width of the image in pixels.
The height of the image in pixels.
Whether to crop the image or not.
For example, to add a custom image size for thumbnails that are 150×150 pixels, you would use the following:
add_image_size( ‘thumbnail-size’, 150, 150, true );
You can also specify if you want WordPress to crop the image to the exact dimensions you have specified. If you set the crop parameter to false, WordPress will resize the image to fit within the specified dimensions, without cropping it.
Once you have added your custom image sizes to your plugin, you need to register them with WordPress so that they can be used. To do this, you need to use the register_activation_hook() function, which takes two parameters:
The name of the file to run when the plugin is activated.
The name of the function to run.
For example, to register your custom image sizes when your plugin is activated, you would use the following:
register_activation_hook( __FILE__, ‘myplugin_activate’ );
function myplugin_activate() {
add_image_size( ‘thumbnail-size’, 150, 150, true );
}
That’s all you need to do to add custom image sizes to your WordPress plugin!
