How to Keep WordPress from Altering My HTML Code
WordPress is a versatile and powerful content management system (CMS) that allows users to create and manage websites with ease. However, one common issue that many users face is the alteration of their HTML code by WordPress. This can be frustrating, especially for those who are not familiar with coding. In this article, we will discuss various methods to keep WordPress from altering your HTML code, ensuring that your website remains as you intended.
Firstly, it is essential to understand why WordPress might alter your HTML code. WordPress uses a series of shortcodes and filters to process and format your content. In some cases, these filters can modify your HTML code, resulting in unexpected changes. To prevent this, you can follow these steps:
1. Disable WordPress shortcodes: Shortcodes are a convenient way to add functionality to your content, but they can also cause HTML alterations. To disable shortcodes, you can use a plugin like Shortcode Disable. Install and activate the plugin, and then navigate to the Shortcode Disable settings page. Here, you can disable shortcodes for specific post types or globally.
2. Use a custom HTML editor: WordPress offers a default HTML editor that might alter your code. To avoid this, you can switch to a custom HTML editor like TinyMCE Advanced. This plugin provides a more comprehensive set of HTML editing tools, allowing you to work with your code without interference from WordPress filters.
3. Modify WordPress filters: If you are familiar with PHP and WordPress development, you can modify WordPress filters to prevent HTML alterations. This involves editing the WordPress core files or creating a custom plugin. For example, you can use the following code to disable the ‘wpautop’ filter, which is responsible for adding paragraphs and line breaks to your content:
“`php
function disable_wpautop($content) {
return $content;
}
add_filter(‘wpautop’, ‘__return_false’);
“`
4. Use a child theme: If you are using a child theme, ensure that you have properly overridden any parent theme functions that might alter your HTML code. This involves copying the functions from the parent theme to your child theme and modifying them as needed.
5. Disable certain plugins: Some plugins may interfere with your HTML code by adding their own filters or hooks. To identify the problematic plugin, you can deactivate all plugins and reactivate them one by one. Once you find the plugin causing the issue, you can either modify it or look for an alternative solution.
6. Customize your theme: If your theme is altering your HTML code, you can customize it to your liking. This involves editing the theme’s files and replacing any functions or filters that are causing the issue. However, this method requires a good understanding of PHP and WordPress theme development.
By following these steps, you can keep WordPress from altering your HTML code and maintain the desired appearance of your website. Remember that making changes to WordPress core files or theme files can be risky, so always back up your website before proceeding.
