WordPress Button Shortcodes: Here’s What to Use Instead

I’ve been using WordPress long enough to remember when shortcodes were the go-to method for everything, including buttons. Back then, adding a button meant pasting something like this into your post:

[button url="https://example.com"]Click Me[/button]

It worked. But let’s be honest, it wasn’t ideal. It looked like code, not content, and over time, it became more of a headache than a solution.

If you’re still relying on shortcodes for buttons, it’s time to move on. Let me explain why they’ve lost their edge and what works better today without touching a line of code.

Blocks vs Shortcodes: A Quick Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison between a Shortcode-based button and a Block-based button.

Why Button Shortcodes Don’t Cut It Anymore

Shortcodes were supposed to make life easier. But when it comes to buttons, they do the opposite. They’ve become more of a hassle than a help. Here’s why:

❌ 1. No Visual Editing
You don’t see what you’re building. It’s just a line of code until you preview the post, which slows down the whole process. Again, adjusting styling like color, size, or alignment is not ideal without a live visual.

❌ 2. Not for Beginners
One typo and the shortcode breaks. If you’re not used to messing with brackets and parameters, it’s frustrating.

❌ 3. Messy Content
Sprinkle a few shortcodes across your post, and suddenly you’re dealing with a cluttered code wall.

❌ 4. Easily Breaks
Deactivate the plugin that powers your shortcode and—poof—your buttons disappear. You’re left with ugly text instead.

What to Use Instead: Block-Based Buttons

Since Gutenberg came along, there’s no need to rely on shortcodes anymore. Blocks let you build visually, tweak designs live, and keep your content clean.

Here are the top three options I recommend:

✅ 1. Default Button Block (Gutenberg)

WordPress comes with a native button block that lets you:

Add button text and link
Adjust alignment and width
Change background and text colors

It’s simple, but it gets the job done for most users.

Here’s the demo of the default Gutenberg Button Block.

✅ 2. Ultimate Blocks – Button Block

If you want more control over the look and feel of your buttons, Ultimate Blocks is a great option.

With it, you can:

Add icons to buttons
Adjust size, padding, and spacing
Choose from pre-designed styles
Set hover effects and more
Adjust Hover Color & Animation
Add Custom CSS & Icons
Modify Icon Position & Size

It’s still block-based and 100% visual. No shortcodes. Just drag, drop, and customize. Plus, it’s lightweight and made specifically for the block editor.

✅ 3. Tableberg – Button Inside a Table Cell

Tableberg lets you insert buttons inside any table cell if you’re building comparison or pricing tables. You can:

Add links directly in the table
Style the button with no fuss
Combine it with prices, features, or product info

It’s a great way to make your tables more dynamic, especially for affiliate content.

How to Add a Button (Without Shortcode)

Here’s how to do it the right way:

First, go to your post or page where you want to add buttons.

Click the + icon, search for “Button”, and add the button block.
Enter your button text and link.

Customize the colors, shape, and size using the sidebar settings.

Final Thoughts!

Shortcodes had their moment, but that moment has passed. Building stylish buttons with Gutenberg and plugins like Ultimate Blocks and Tableberg is faster, cleaner, and more fun.

You don’t need to write code or worry about plugins breaking your layout. Just use blocks, design in real-time, and focus on what matters—your content.

Trust me. This is the smoother path forward after 10+ years of tweaking buttons in WordPress.

Read More!

How To Add Buttons In WordPress (With or Without a Plugin)
How To Add Two Buttons Side By Side In WordPress (2025)
How to Edit Buttons in WordPress in 3 Easy Steps
How to Use the WordPress Buttons Block (Gutenberg)
How to Create Gradient Buttons in WordPress (No Plugin Needed)