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Lightbox for Gallery & Image Block

By Johannes Kinast

Design & Themes / Themes & Templates

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

7.45/10

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 offers a straightforward and lightweight solution compared to other popular lightbox plugins. It focuses on simplicity and seamless integration with native Gutenberg blocks.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Lightweight and fast loading
Responsive design with mobile zoom support
Seamless integration with native Gutenberg gallery and image blocks
Minimal configuration needed, adhering to simplicity
No ads or upsell prompts in the free version

Weaknesses

Limited customization options compared to some alternatives
No premium version with advanced features
Lacks support for video lightbox functionality
Fewer animation and styling effects than competitors

User Sentiment Analysis

Users appreciate the plugin's simplicity, responsiveness, and ease of use, often highlighting its minimalistic approach and effective functionality.

Positive highlights

'Lightweight, not tons of settings, responsive, you can zoom in on mobiles, nice style' - enevevet
'First free one that’s exactly how I would have programmed it' - dida110
'Good plugin, exactly what I was looking for. It follows the KISS principle' - human02d
'Плагін робочий і без зайвого барахла (реклама, про версія)' (Plugin works without unnecessary clutter) - Peter Levchenko
'Just what I needed. No bloat. Just works' - teelanovela

Common complaints

Limited customization and styling options
No video lightbox support
Lack of advanced features found in premium plugins

Weaknesses

No pro version limits feature expansion
Minimal settings may not satisfy power users
No dedicated support for multimedia beyond images

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a simple, lightweight lightbox plugin that integrates smoothly with Gutenberg's native gallery and image blocks without unnecessary complexity.

Not ideal for

Those needing extensive customization, video support, or advanced lightbox features may find this plugin too basic for their needs.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version includes all core features such as responsive lightbox display, mobile zoom, and seamless Gutenberg block compatibility without ads or upsells.

Final Verdict

Lightbox for Gallery & Image Block excels as a no-frills, efficient lightbox solution for WordPress users who prioritize simplicity and native block compatibility.

While it lacks advanced customization and multimedia support, its clean design and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for users wanting a straightforward image lightbox without distractions.

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.