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Simple Footnotes

By Andrew Nacin

Content Management / Blog & Article Publishing

Simple Footnotes Review - In-Depth Analysis

Create simple, elegant footnotes on your site using the [ref] shortcode.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.72/10

User Rating

4.7/5 (based on 15+ reviews)

Active Installations

600+

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

Create simple, elegant footnotes on your site. Use the [ref] shortcode and the plugin takes care of the rest.

Example usage: Lorem ipsum. [ref]My note.[/ref]

If you paginate your posts, you can optionally move your footnotes below your page links. Look under Settings > Reading. Footnotes will still appear as normal for posts that are unpaginated.

Comparing to Alternatives

Simple Footnotes is a straightforward plugin for adding footnotes, with several alternative plugins available that offer similar functionality.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Simple and efficient functionality
Supports shortcodes inside footnote content
Displays footnotes below page buttons uniquely
Compact and well-written code
No known security vulnerabilities

Weaknesses

Occasional duplication of footnotes reported
Limited customization options compared to some alternatives
No pro version with advanced features
Some issues with footnotes repeating under comments

User Sentiment Analysis

With a high overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 15 users, the plugin is generally well-received, though there is a small minority reporting issues.

Positive highlights

'Does what it says, very efficiently.' — ElectricFeet
'Simple, but excellent' — gilmichelini
'Simple and Effective' — leeked

Common complaints

Footnotes sometimes repeat or appear multiple times under each comment

Weaknesses

Occasional duplication of footnotes
Issues with fixes no longer working
Lack of recent updates addressing reported bugs

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use footnotes plugin that integrates well with shortcode content and requires minimal setup.

Not ideal for

Those needing advanced footnote customization or who require guaranteed bug fixes for duplication issues might find this plugin less suitable.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers all core footnote functionality without restrictions, suitable for most users.

Final Verdict

Simple Footnotes is a reliable and straightforward plugin that fulfills its purpose effectively for most users, with a strong positive reception and no known security issues. It stands out for its simplicity and shortcode support.

However, some users have experienced footnote duplication issues that remain unresolved, which may affect those needing flawless footnote management. Alternatives with more features or active support might be preferable for such cases.