Shortcodes in Sidebar Widgets plugin adds a light-weight filter which will allow shortcodes to properly execute when used in sidebar text widgets. All that is needed is to download, install and activate. I have found this plugin extremely useful for placing things like contact forms and other shortcode enabled features in sidebars<\/p>\n\n\n
You can install Shortcodes in Sidebar Widgets directly from the WordPress admin panel. Visit the Plugins > Add New page and search for 'Shortcodes in Sidebar Widgets'. Click to automatically install. Once installed, activate the plugin and it is functional.<\/p>\n\n
The old school install for Shortcodes in Sidebar Widgets plugin:<\/p>\n\n
Download and unzip the file<\/p><\/li>\n
Upload the full extracted folder to your plugins directory<\/p><\/li>\n
Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.<\/p><\/li>\n
You are now ready to use the Plugin according to the directions in the description.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
Q - Are there any settings?<\/p>\n\n
A - No, this is a very light weight plugin. The functionality is either activated or not according to the plugin's active status.<\/p>\n\n
Q - Why did you create a plugin for this function?<\/p>\n\n
A - By having it as a plugin it works without needing to edit a themes functions file.The advantage is you can change your WordPress theme and your sidebar shortcodes will continue to work without needing to edit the theme's functions.<\/p>\n\n