jQuery Masonry Image Gallery Review - In-Depth Analysis
Enhance WordPress galleries with a Masonry layout. Ideal for non-square thumbnails.
Performance Overview
User Rating
4.8/5 (based on 31+
reviews)
Active Installations
1,000+
Update Frequency
Below Average
It is calculated using the weighted average of same category
plugins.
Security Score
1 / 10
(Very Low Risk)
It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.
What It Does
This plugin adds a Masonry layout to all galleries that are using the WordPress [gallery] shortcode. It works best on galleries that do not use 1:1 ratio thumbnails.
Additionally, it now includes optional Lazy Load for larger galleries and hover captions. By default, this plugin includes CSS that will overwrite the existing gallery layout, but you can disable some or all of the jMIG layout CSS on the options page under Settings.
This plugin also includes a CSS file for animation purposes, ensuring that the entire gallery fades in using a CSS3 animation once all images have loaded. Note that while IE 8 and IE 9 will function, they will not display the fade-in effect.
Comparing to Alternatives
jQuery Masonry Image Gallery stands out as a straightforward and effective masonry gallery plugin with a strong user base and no direct security concerns. It competes well with other masonry gallery plugins available for WordPress.
Strengths
- Easy to use with no complicated settings
- Works seamlessly with native WordPress galleries
- Compatible with various lightbox plugins and themes
- Responsive design suitable for mobile devices
- No known security vulnerabilities
Weaknesses
- Lacks a pro version with advanced features
- Last security scan was several years ago, which may concern some users
- No dedicated gallery menu or extensive customization options
- Update frequency appears low, which might affect long-term support
User Sentiment Analysis
With a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 31 reviews and no low-star ratings, users overwhelmingly appreciate the plugin's simplicity and effectiveness.
Positive highlights
- 'Worked out of the box for me and fine for mobile too' — redsalmon
- 'Great Plugin! I love this plugin! It gives your picture galleries a beautiful and responsive masonry layout.' — mediumd
- 'Perfect! Needed such a great plugin to allow my customer to create masonry gallery by herself.' — Tibow
- 'It is simple and works great. A great replacement for Jetpack galleries.' — expertoswp
- 'Works as expected and turns the not so good looking fixed-height WordPress gallery into a more elegant one.' — geokongr
Weaknesses
- Limited customization options
- No premium features or pro version
- Potential concerns due to infrequent updates
- No dedicated gallery management interface
Who Should Use This?
Best for
Users seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use masonry gallery plugin that integrates smoothly with native WordPress galleries and existing lightbox solutions.
Not ideal for
Users who require advanced customization, frequent updates, or premium features might find this plugin lacking. Also, those concerned about long-term support may prefer alternatives with more active development.
Pricing & Value
Free version includes
The free version offers a fully functional masonry image gallery with responsive design and compatibility with native WordPress galleries and lightbox plugins.
Final Verdict
jQuery Masonry Image Gallery is a reliable and user-friendly plugin that delivers a clean masonry layout for WordPress galleries without the complexity of additional settings or menus. Its strong user ratings and absence of security vulnerabilities make it a solid choice for those wanting a simple gallery enhancement.
However, the lack of a pro version and infrequent updates may limit its appeal for users seeking advanced features or long-term active support. For straightforward masonry galleries, it remains a commendable option among its alternatives.
Other Notable Features
Here are a few other notable features of this free
jQuery Masonry Image Gallery plugin.
FAQ
- Upload
jquery-masonry-image-gallery folder to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory - Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress
- Go to Settings -> Jmig options if you need to change settings
- That’s it!
Yes. Go to Dashboard -> Settings -> JMIG Options. Check the box DO NOT allow jMIG to add any CSS that modifies your gallery or gallery items, then save.
If you are using a fixed layout and/or want Masonry to respect the column count in the gallery shortcode, then go to Settings -> Jmig options and make sure the box is checked and click save.
Yes. It’s actually really easy. Go to the Dashboard -> Settings -> Media. Make sure “Crop thumbnail to exact dimensions (normally thumbnails are proportional)” is unchecked. You can also change the size of thumbnails as well. I like to set my thumbnail width between 150px and 250px, then set the height to 9999px. Then install the Regenerate Images plugin and run it. Now your gallery images will stack.
Contributors and developers
“jQuery Masonry Image Gallery”
is open source software. The following people have
contributed to this plugin.
