Worship Times

Best Church Website Design & Communications

Themes

Understanding Embeds: Seamlessly Integrate External Content

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using embeds on your blog imageWhat is an embed?

Embeds contain content from an external platform. Most often, this is in the form of a script, provided by the external platform, allowing you to display that platform’s content on your site.

Does that sound like tech jargon? Think of embeds as windows on your website. They provide a view into another platform’s content. While you can still see the familiar surroundings of your site, the embed acts as a window, showcasing content from elsewhere.

What does an embed look like?

A common example of an embed is a video embed. If you upload a video to YouTube or Vimeo, you can display that video on your site. The video remains hosted on the original platform, but an embed allows viewers to watch it directly on your site.

The appearance of your embed depends on the platform from which you are sourcing. You may occasionally have limited control over its design and styling, but not always. A Google Calendar embed, for instance, will look like a Google Calendar.

WordPress-Approved Embeds

WordPress maintains a list of third-party sites from which users can embed content without needing specific codes. For popular platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and SoundCloud, you simply copy the public link of the desired content and paste it into the WordPress text editor. This works best when embedding one item of content from another source. Ensure any content that you embed is public and that you adhere to copyright laws, which might involve crediting the original creator.

It’s important to note that this approved list evolves as code and platforms develop. While new platforms may be added, some might also be removed. For those using the Gutenberg block editor, a list of embed blocks is available. Most of these can also be embedded via a URL in the text editor.

Worship Times Integrations

Worship Times provides integrations with a range of external tools through the “Add Media” button in the text editor. Some of these integrations offer more features than standard WordPress-approved embeds. Many of these tools were specifically requested by ministries and include:

Less Common Embeds

If you can’t find the desired platform in the lists mentioned, don’t worry. Countless technologies allow for embedding. If you wish to embed from a platform that provides you with an embed code, please submit that code in a support ticket or email us at support@worshiptimes.org.

Directly pasting embed code into your site can be problematic, especially on our multi-site network, as codes can be stripped for security reasons. If you send the code to us, we’ll create a shortcode for you. This shortcode functions like the original embed code but doesn’t get stripped out when you edit the page.

What is a shortcode?

  • Example:

In WordPress, a shortcode, always encapsulated within square brackets, serves as a way to display content from another source. This content can be internal, like forms or event lists, but shortcodes can also represent embed codes. Typically, a shortcode specifies its source (like a Gravity Form in the provided example) and may include parameters for customization. The example pulls a form with an ID of “1” and displays its title.

Need more information or assistance with a specific embed or platform? Submit a support ticket or email us at support@worshiptimes.org. We’re here to help!

The Difference between WordPress Themes and Editors: Explained

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The Difference Between WordPress Themes and Editors Explained Main ImageOver time, the boundaries between WordPress themes and editors have become somewhat blurred, but there’s a good reason behind it! Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding WordPress Themes

When people talk about themes, they often refer to the external appearance or design elements of a website. Essentially, themes determine how your site looks on the front-end when visitors come to explore it.

Themes can vary from minimalistic “skeleton” designs that you can customize according to your requirements, to fully pre-designed themes with specific looks for every element on your site. Besides styling, in addition to the core WordPress features and plugins, themes can also provide theme-specific functionality that enhances your website. This functionality often includes predetermined layouts for displaying specific content, forming the structural foundation of your site.

In recent times, newer themes have introduced layouts with preset internal structure, design elements, and content – all you have to do is swap out the content for your own. This makes it simpler than ever to achieve the desired appearance for your site!

Understanding WordPress Editors

Editors are the tools you, as the website administrator, utilize to add content through the back-end of your site. They are the “how” of your website.

Editors come in various forms across a spectrum. At one end, you have the classic WordPress editor, which resembles a basic text editor. Moving along, there are simple block editors that employ a drag-and-drop system of content blocks. Gutenberg, also by WordPress, falls into the category of visual block editors. Finally, at the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find full-blown visual editors that apply your site’s styling to the back-end, providing a real-time preview of your page without ever leaving the editor.

The Confusion: Themes and Editors Blurred

With the introduction of block editors and visual editors, the distinction between themes and editors has become somewhat hazy. In many cases, themes and editors are now intertwined, each defining the other. Themes are no longer solely chosen based on their appearance; they are defined by the editors they utilize.

Gone are the days when you selected a theme solely for its visual appeal. Themes are now highly customizable, with endless possibilities due to the editor they employ. This increased flexibility enables long-term adaptability, eliminating the need to change themes whenever you desire a new look for your site.
Seeking a Fresh Look?

First begin by choosing an editor that suits your needs and skill level. Do you require a simple and traditional editor that is easy to use and adheres to a more concrete structure? Or do you prefer a robust and cutting-edge editor with greater flexibility? There’s no right or wrong answer!

Then gather inspiration from websites you admire, or collaborate with a graphic designer to create a custom design. At Worship Times, our builders can incorporate all the elements you love to craft a unique website tailored to you and your ministry. Get in touch with us at https://worshiptimes.org/contact/, and we’ll be happy to guide you through the process!

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