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Lightbox for Gallery & Image Block

By Johannes Kinast

Design & Themes / Themes & Templates

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

Lightbox for Gallery & Image Block Review - In-Depth Analysis

This plugin adds a lightweight Lightbox to the WordPress Gallery and Image Block. It uses baguetteBox.js for a modern look without dependencies.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.98/10

User Rating

5/5 (based on 88+ reviews)

Active Installations

20,000+

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 WordPress Plugin adds a simple and lightweight Lightbox to the standard WordPress Gallery and Image Block. It detects if a post contains a Gallery or Image Block and then loads and initializes baguetteBox.js, a pure JavaScript Lightbox script without any dependencies and a modern minimal look.

There is no lock-in effect. It does not add a new Block Editor/Gutenberg Block and relies solely on the standard WordPress Gallery and Image Block. You can deactivate this plugin at any time and your Gallery and Image Blocks will work as they have done before, just without the lightbox.

One important thing to remember is that you always have to select Link to image file or Link images to media file for all of your Image and Gallery Blocks to work properly. If you choose None or Link to attachment page, it will not work. But that is fine if you do not want the Lightbox for a specific Image or Gallery.

Take a look at the YouTube video from Jakson where he reviews this plugin.

Here are the features of baguetteBox.js: Written in pure JavaScript, no dependencies, image captions support, responsive, supports swipe gestures, around 13 KB, 7 KB gzipped.

Works with: Gallery Block, Image Block, Media and Text Block, Gallery (Default Classic Editor Gallery), CoBlocks Gallery Collage, Meow Gallery.

Don't forget to select Link to Media File for all of your Galleries and Images to work properly.

Notice: At the moment, just Blocks inside a post are supported. Not Blocks in a Widget. You can make it work but have to enqueue the necessary style and script yourself.

Comparing to Alternatives

Lightbox for Gallery & Image Block stands out in the lightbox plugin category with no direct free alternatives matching its simplicity and integration with Gutenberg blocks.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Seamless integration with native Gutenberg blocks
Lightweight and fast with no bloat
Simple and intuitive user experience
Responsive design with mobile zoom support
No advertisements or pro version upsells

Weaknesses

Limited customization options compared to some alternatives
No premium version with advanced features
May lack some advanced gallery effects found in other plugins
Focused mainly on simplicity, which may not suit all users

User Sentiment Analysis

The plugin enjoys overwhelmingly positive feedback with nearly all ratings at 5 stars, reflecting high user satisfaction and reliability.

Positive highlights

"Simple & Clever" - dida110
"Simple & Fast" - teelanovela
"Lightweight, responsive, and works with native Gutenberg blocks" - enevevet
"Follows the KISS principle" - human02d
"Super simple and works perfect" - zwex

Common complaints

Weaknesses

Limited advanced customization features
No pro version to unlock additional functionality
May not meet needs of users seeking extensive gallery effects

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a lightweight, no-fuss lightbox plugin that integrates seamlessly with WordPress Gutenberg blocks and prioritizes simplicity and performance.

Not ideal for

Users who require extensive customization options, advanced gallery effects, or premium support features may find this plugin too basic for their needs.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers a fully functional lightbox experience with essential features, no ads, and no upsells, providing excellent value for users.

Final Verdict

Lightbox for Gallery & Image Block is a standout choice for users wanting a simple, effective, and lightweight lightbox solution that integrates well with Gutenberg. Its excellent user ratings and lack of security vulnerabilities make it a trustworthy option.

While it lacks advanced customization and a pro version, its focus on simplicity and performance fills a niche that many users will appreciate, especially those who want a straightforward plugin without bloat or ads.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free Lightbox for Gallery & Image Block plugin.

Lightbox

Gallery

Image Block

Screenshots

FAQ

Check if you used the built in Gallery Block and if Link to is set to Media File in the Block sidebar. On an Image Block choose Add Link at the Toolbar.