How to Add an Image in WordPress Sidebar

Do you want to add an image to a sidebar widget in WordPress? Now we will show you 3 ways to easily add an image in your WordPress sidebar widget

1. Using “Image” From WordPress vesion 4.8, you can use the “Image” widget to add any image to your WordPress sidebar. It is recommended in most cases, especially if you are not that technical, and just want something basic.

2. Using “Text” widget or “Custom HTML” The WordPress text widget or custom HTML widget for those who understand basic HTML code and/or would like more advanced control.

3. Using a WordPress plugin could be beneficial for a number of specific use-cases. Image slideshows, image lightboxes, etc. I’ll talk about a few good options later on in the article.

Using WordPress Image Widget

The easiest way to add an image in WordPress sidebar is by using the default ‘Image’ widget. Goto Appearance -> Widgets page and add the ‘Image’ widget to your WordPress sidebar.

Add an image using Image widget

When the widget expands, You can setup for its options. Click on the ‘Add Image’ button to upload your image or select an image you have previously uploaded. Then provide a title/ALT text for the image, add a description, select size, or even add a link.

Once you are done, you can click on the ‘Save’ button to save your image widget. Now you can visit your website to see the image displayed on your WordPress blog’s sidebar.

Using WordPress Text/Custom HTML Widget

When you need to add an image with custom HTML or text with formatting. In that cases, you will need to use the ‘Text’ widget or Custom HTML widget instead.

• Use Text Widget 

Goto Appearance -> Widgets page and add the ‘Text’ widget to your sidebar. Under the widget settings, you will see the ‘Add Media’ button above text edit area. Seclect your image, click on the ‘Insert into post’ button.

You can continue adding text and other elements to the text widget. The toolbar in the text editor gives you some basic formatting buttons.

Once you are done, don’t forget to click on the ‘Save’ button to store your widget settings.

• Use Custom HTML widget

The default text widget allows some very basic HTML, but it may not work with advanced HTML or formatting. So you need to add the image by using Custom HTML widget.

Firstly, go to Media -> Add New and upload the image to your WordPress site. Then you need to click on the Edit link next to the image to get the image file URL  of this image, copy this URL.

Next, Goto Appearance -> Widgets screen and drag-drop ‘Custom HTML’ widget to your WordPress sidebar where you want to display the image.

Add this custom HTML to text area:

Finally, click on the Save button to store your widget settings and then preview your website.

Adding an Image in WordPress Sidebar Using a Plugin

You can also use a plugin to display image in sidebar with more options and simple interface than the default ‘Image’ widget.

Firstly, you need to install and activate the Image Widget plugin.

Next, go to Appearance -> Widgets page. Drag and drop new widget labeled ‘Image Widget’ to your WordPress sidebar where you want to display an image. Then click on the ‘Select Image’ button to upload an image or select one from the media library. After that you need to click on the ‘Insert to Widget’ button, and you will see the image preview under widget settings.

You can add a title, alt text, link, and a caption for the image.Once you are satisfied, simply click on the Save button to save the image widget.

You can consult our video guide on  How to Add an Image in WordPress Sidebar below:

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That’s all, hopefully this article helped you know How to Add an Image in WordPress Sidebar. If you have any further questions for us, don’t hesitate to put it up in the comments. See you again in orther tutorials!