How to Put Images Side by Side in WordPress (Easily)

As a seasoned WordPress expert with over 15 years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand how beginners often struggle with the seemingly simple task of placing images side-by-side in their posts and pages. It’s a common question, and one that can easily be solved with the right approach.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about putting images side by side in WordPress, covering both the built-in block editor method and the more versatile plugin approach. I’ll also provide tips on aligning your images perfectly for a visually appealing and professional look.

Why Add Images Side by Side in WordPress?

Adding images side by side isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about enhancing the user experience and conveying information effectively. Here’s why you should consider this layout:

• Enhanced Visual Appeal: Side-by-side images create a more dynamic and engaging layout, breaking up large blocks of text and drawing the reader’s eye to your visuals.
• Space Efficiency: Maximize the use of your website space by showcasing multiple images within a limited area. This is especially useful for portfolios, galleries, and product pages.
• Comparisons Made Easy: When you want users to compare two images, placing them side by side makes it simple for them to analyze differences and draw conclusions.
• Improved Storytelling: By arranging images in a side-by-side format, you can tell a more compelling story, create visual flow, and connect different elements of your content.

Method 1: Add Images Side by Side in WordPress Using the Block Editor

For a simple and straightforward way to add images side by side, the Gutenberg block editor offers a built-in solution—the Gallery block. Here’s how to use it:

1. Create a New Post/Page: Open the block editor by creating a new post or page, or editing an existing one.
2. Add the Gallery Block: Click the ‘Add Block’ (+) button at the top left corner of the screen. Locate and select the Gallery block from the available options.
3. Upload or Select Images: Click the ‘Upload’ button to add images from your computer or the ‘Media Library’ button to choose existing images from your WordPress media library.
4. Adjust Columns: By default, WordPress will display images side-by-side in a two-column layout. To change the number of columns, access the Gallery block settings in the block panel (the right-hand side of the screen). Adjust the ‘Columns’ setting to your desired layout.
5. Fine-Tune the Gallery: From the block panel, you can customize your gallery further. You can crop images, adjust their sizes, link them to external pages, change the background color, and more.
6. Save Your Changes: Click the ‘Update’ or ‘Publish’ button to save your changes and see the images side by side on your website.

Method 2: Place Images Side by Side in WordPress Using a Plugin (Easy Way)

If you’re using the classic WordPress editor or require more advanced gallery customization than the default Gallery block offers, a dedicated plugin is your best option. I highly recommend Envira Gallery, a top-rated WordPress gallery plugin, which even has a free version you can try before upgrading.

Here’s how to use Envira Gallery to create side-by-side images:

1. Install and Activate Envira Gallery: Start by installing and activating the Envira Gallery plugin. You can find detailed instructions on how to install a WordPress plugin in our comprehensive guide.
2. Create a New Gallery: Go to ‘Envira Gallery’ » ‘Add New’ from your WordPress dashboard. Give your new gallery a title (e.g., ‘Example Gallery’).
3. Upload Images: Click ‘Select Files From Your Computer’ to upload images from your computer, or ‘Select Files from Other Sources’ to choose images from your media library.
4. Add Titles and Alt Text: Scroll down to the ‘Gallery’ section. Here, you can give each image a title and add alt text. The title appears below the image when the user hovers over it, and also in the lightbox popup. To edit these, click the ‘Edit’ button on an image and save the changes.
5. Publish the Gallery: Scroll back to the top of the page and click ‘Publish’ to save your image gallery.
6. Add the Envira Gallery Block: Navigate to the WordPress page or post where you want to display the gallery. Add the ‘Envira Gallery’ block by clicking the ‘Add Block’ (+) button and selecting it from the block menu.
7. Choose Your Gallery: From the dropdown menu within the Envira Gallery block, select the gallery you just created.
8. Select Layout: Go to the block panel (the right-hand side of the screen) and scroll down to the ‘Select Layout’ section. Choose the number of columns you want from the dropdown menu to arrange images side by side.
9. Configure Lightbox Settings: In the block panel, you can also customize gallery margins, enable isotope effects, and adjust lightbox settings. This allows you to create a seamless user experience when viewers click on your images.
10. Save Your Settings: Click ‘Publish’ or ‘Update’ to store your changes. Now, visit your website to see the images beautifully displayed side by side.

Envira Gallery also offers additional features like albums, slideshows, and even the ability to sell images directly from your gallery, giving you a powerful tool for managing and presenting your visuals.

Bonus: Align Images in WordPress

Aligning images is crucial for achieving a visually appealing and professional look, whether you’re displaying them side by side or individually. Here’s how to align images in the WordPress block editor:

1. Use the Align Button: Click the ‘Align’ button in the toolbar above the image block. This will reveal options to align your image to the left, right, center, or to make it the same width as the container (the full width of the page). You can also choose the ‘Full-width’ option to make the image span the entire width of the page.
2. Employ the Column Block: For precise alignment with your content, use the Column block. Select the 50/50 variation to create two columns of equal width. You can then place an image block in one column to perfectly align it with the text in the other.
3. Advanced Alignment Techniques: Experiment with other block editor features like wrapping text around an image, using the Group block to create visual sections, and exploring the Cover block for unique layouts. These techniques provide more flexibility and control over how your images are presented.

Conclusion

Putting images side by side in WordPress is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your website’s visual appeal and user experience. By using the built-in Gallery block or a plugin like Envira Gallery, you can create professional-looking layouts, easily compare images, and tell engaging stories with your visuals. Remember to pay attention to image alignment for a cohesive and harmonious look.

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.

FAQs

Can I use HTML tables to put images side by side?

While you can technically use HTML tables to achieve this, it’s not the recommended practice. Tables are designed for tabular data, not layout. Using them for image arrangement can lead to accessibility issues and make your code harder to maintain. Stick to the block editor or plugins for a more efficient and flexible approach.

How do I make sure my side-by-side images are responsive?

Responsive design is essential for ensuring your images look good on all screen sizes. Both the Gallery block and Envira Gallery automatically handle responsiveness, adjusting image sizes and layouts for different devices. You can also use CSS media queries to fine-tune the appearance of your side-by-side images on specific screen sizes if needed.

Can I add a caption to my side-by-side images?

Yes, you can easily add captions to your images using the block editor or plugins. In the Gallery block, you can add captions directly to each image. Envira Gallery also provides options for adding captions to your gallery images.

Is there a way to create a slideshow of images side by side?

While the Gallery block doesn’t offer built-in slideshow functionality, plugins like Envira Gallery provide options to create slideshows with multiple images displayed side by side.

How do I add a border to my side-by-side images?

You can add borders to your images using CSS. In the block editor, you can add custom CSS to the Gallery block to apply borders. Envira Gallery also offers options for adding borders to your gallery images.

Can I use different image sizes for side-by-side images?

Yes, you can use different image sizes. The block editor allows you to adjust the size of each image individually. Envira Gallery also provides flexibility in setting image sizes for your gallery.

How do I make sure my side-by-side images don’t overlap with other content?

To avoid overlap, ensure that you’re using the appropriate block layouts and alignment settings. The Gallery block and Envira Gallery automatically handle spacing between images to prevent overlap. If you encounter issues, you can adjust spacing manually using CSS.

What are the best plugins for creating side-by-side image galleries?

Besides Envira Gallery, other popular WordPress gallery plugins that offer side-by-side layouts include NextGEN Gallery, Photo Gallery by WebToffee, and FooGallery. Each plugin has its unique features and pricing plans, so choose the one that best suits your needs.

Can I use different image formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF) for side-by-side images?

Yes, you can use different image formats. WordPress supports the most common image formats, including JPEG, PNG, and GIF. The Gallery block and plugins handle these formats without any issues.

How do I optimize my images for faster loading times?

Optimizing your images for faster loading times is crucial for a smooth user experience and improved SEO. Use tools like ShortPixel Image Optimizer or Smush to compress your images without losing quality. You can also choose appropriate image sizes for your side-by-side layouts to avoid loading unnecessarily large files.