What is the Shortcode Generator?

The Shortcode Generator (SG) is an interactive tool built into EventON that helps you create customized shortcodes for displaying calendars and events. It simplifies the process by letting you select options visually—no coding required. Shortcodes like [add_eventon] power your event displays, and SG generates them based on your choices, including filters, layouts, and addon features.

Key Benefits:

• Beginner-friendly: Build complex calendars without memorizing attributes.
• Real-time previews: See the shortcode update as you tweak options.
• Compatible with addons: Options expand if you have extras like RSVP or Tickets installed.

For full shortcode references, see our Shortcode Documentation. New to EventON? Start with our Adding Events Guide.

How to Access the Shortcode Generator

Access SG directly from the WordPress editor or settings:

In Page/Post Editor (Classic Editor):

• Go to Pages > Add New (or edit an existing page).
• Next to the Add Media button, click the Add EventON Shortcode button (it looks like a calendar icon).

In Gutenberg Editor:

• Click + add a block on the page. This will open block browser.
• Type EventON in the top search bar. You should see EventON block.
• Click the EventON Block to add it to the page.

Once added to WP Block editor, EventON Block will appear like below. Clicking on Calendar Generator button will open the shortcode generator.

From EventON Settings (Version 2.2.20 and later):

• Navigate to EventON > Settings > Shortcodes.
• Click Configure Calendar to open shortcode generator and create shortcode.

“Tip: If the button is missing, ensure EventON is activated and your user role has editor permissions. Clear cache if using optimization plugins.”

How to Use the Shortcode Generator

Clicking appropriate EventON Shortcode Generator button— a lightbox popup appears.

Select a Calendar Type (Level 1 options, e.g., “Main Calendar” or “Event Lists”).

• The panel slides to reveal Level 2 options for that type.

Customize using the interactive panel:

• Toggle features like month navigation, event counts, or filters (e.g., show_et_ft_img=”yes” to display featured images).
• If addons are active, additional options appear (e.g., RSVP buttons).
• The shortcode preview at the bottom updates in real-time.

Once ready:

• Click the button (bottom right) to apply the shortcode.
• Alternatively, you can click Copy button to copy the shortcode and paste in where you like.

Example Generated Shortcode:

[add_eventon show_et_ft_img="yes" event_count="5" hide_past="yes"]

Insert via editor: Displays a calendar with images, limited to 5 events, hiding past ones.

“Pro Tip: Test the shortcode on a draft page first. Options stack—combine as needed for advanced layouts.”

Advanced Usage

For developers, use the generated shortcode in PHP templates with WordPress’s do_shortcode() function:

<?php echo do_shortcode('[add_eventon show_et_ft_img="yes"] '); ?>

• Place this in your theme files (e.g., header.php) to embed calendars dynamically.
• It renders identically to editor insertion.
• Learn more in our Documentation for hooks and filters.

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

• SG not loading? Update EventON, disable conflicting plugins (e.g., editor enhancers), or switch to Classic Editor.
• Too many options? Start simple—add one feature at a time.
• Mobile previews: SG doesn’t preview responsiveness; test on frontend devices.
• Performance: Avoid overloading shortcodes (e.g., too many filters) on high-traffic pages—use caching.

Need more help? Check related guides like Event Card Customization or submit a support ticket at myeventon.com/support. Explore our full documentations for deeper customization!