Classic Text Widget
Classic Text Widget
Description
Brings back the classic WordPress text widget without TinyMCE. This is based on the code from WordPress Ver. 4.7.5
Functionality is exactly the same as the pre-version 4.8 text widget. Additional default functionality includes shortcode execution and custom class filter.
Note: This widget uses PHP namespaces to prevent conflicts with other widgets of a similar nature. PHP namespaces are only supported in PHP Version 5.3.0 and higher. If your site uses a PHP version earlier than 5.3.0, do not install this widget unless your PHP version is upgraded first.
Installation
- Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress
Screenshots
Faq
Do the original text widget filters work with the Classic Text Widget?
Yes and no. Filters that apply to the widget title remain the same to maintain compatibility across WordPress. Filters that apply to to the widget’s content now use add_filter(‘classic_widget_text’, ‘my_function’)
Does the plugin support shortcodes?
Yes, out of the box. To disable shortcode support, add remove_filter( ‘classic_widget_text’, ‘do_shortcode’ ) to your theme’s function file.
Does the plugin directly execute PHP?
No, it does not directly support executing PHP. The widget does support shortcodes however. If you want to execute PHP in this widget, write your code as a shortcode and it will run.
I have a lot of text widgets on my site, is there a way to bulk transfer the content from the new WordPress text widget and place it into the Classic Text Widget?
Yes, but you have to be very careful and do it with SQL. See this post for details about how to bulk replace.
Reviews
Lifesaver
By Christoph (camthor) on September 12, 2017
Great For HTML
By Lee Blue (reality66) on July 20, 2017
Wish I Found This Sooner
By editork on July 18, 2017
hallelujah!
By BitEdge (Whatwhatwhatwhat) on July 15, 2017
Saved by the bell ... Awesome!
By ahmedmusawir on July 4, 2017
Cheers.
By Kramarz on July 3, 2017
Total lifesaver, thanks!
By Makeworthy Media (jennettefulda) on June 26, 2017
Simple solution to prevent icon fonts from being deleted
By cthieba on June 19, 2017
You saved my day
By Edgar Grill (edgargrill) on June 14, 2017
Life saver
By cleanpagedesign on June 13, 2017
Changelog
1.0.2
Bumped “Tested up to” tag
1.0.1
Added filter so you can provide your own custom class for the widget. If you choose not to create your own class, the default secondary class is custom-classic-textwidget.
Usage:
add_filter( ‘classic_text_widget_class’, ‘my_classic_text_widget_class’ );
function my_classic_text_widget_class( $class ) {
return ‘my_classic_text_widget_class’;
}
1.0.0
- Initial commit based on WordPress 4.7.5 Text Widget and plugin conversion by carasmo
- Restores the pre 4.8 Classic WordPress text widget just like the good old days.

