Title: Adding [[shortcode]] as example gives JSON error
Last modified: February 15, 2023

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# Adding [[shortcode]] as example gives JSON error

 *  [SpeakOut! Steve](https://wordpress.org/support/users/123host/)
 * (@123host)
 * [3 years, 3 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/adding-shortcode-as-example-gives-json-error/)
 * I have a plugin. On the plugin’s website I have pages with examples of how to
   use a shortcode. In the past I have been able to display the shortcode text using`[[``
   shortcode` `]]` (without the spaces – here it is converted into a link) which
   will show the shortcode format as an example without actually embedding it.
 * Suddenly that doesn’t seem to be working. I now get an error `Publishing failed.
   The response is not a valid JSON response.` even if I wrap it in inline code 
   tags.
 * The workaround is to include a space `[ shortcode ]` but that isn’t ideal
 * What has changed? How can I display a shortcode example without it triggering
   the shortcode itself?
    -  This topic was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by [SpeakOut! Steve](https://wordpress.org/support/users/123host/).

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

 *  Thread Starter [SpeakOut! Steve](https://wordpress.org/support/users/123host/)
 * (@123host)
 * [3 years, 3 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/adding-shortcode-as-example-gives-json-error/#post-16475366)
 * ignore this comment – if only they could be deleted
    -  This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by [SpeakOut! Steve](https://wordpress.org/support/users/123host/).
    -  This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by [SpeakOut! Steve](https://wordpress.org/support/users/123host/).
    -  This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by [SpeakOut! Steve](https://wordpress.org/support/users/123host/).
    -  This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by [SpeakOut! Steve](https://wordpress.org/support/users/123host/).
    -  This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by [SpeakOut! Steve](https://wordpress.org/support/users/123host/).
    -  This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by [SpeakOut! Steve](https://wordpress.org/support/users/123host/).
 *  [Pie](https://wordpress.org/support/users/piecebutechsup/)
 * (@piecebutechsup)
 * [3 years, 3 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/adding-shortcode-as-example-gives-json-error/#post-16479681)
 * hello [@123host](https://wordpress.org/support/users/123host/) 
   Sometimes this
   is caused by some conflicts. I suggest making sure all the plugins and themes
   are updated to the latest versions. If the issue continues, you can try to check
   for plugin conflicts. Deactivate all the plugins and activate them one by one
   until to replicate the error. You can also use [Health Check and Troubleshooting](https://wordpress.org/plugins/health-check/)
   plugin cos this will not interrupt your website as you troubleshoot.

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

The topic ‘Adding [[shortcode]] as example gives JSON error’ is closed to new replies.

 * In: [Everything else WordPress](https://wordpress.org/support/forum/miscellaneous/)
 * 2 replies
 * 2 participants
 * Last reply from: [Pie](https://wordpress.org/support/users/piecebutechsup/)
 * Last activity: [3 years, 3 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/adding-shortcode-as-example-gives-json-error/#post-16479681)
 * Status: not resolved

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