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Genesis Widget Column Classes

By Jory Hogeveen

Design & Themes / Themes & Templates

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

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

Genesis Widget Column Classes Review - In-Depth Analysis

Easily add Genesis column classes to your widgets. This plugin allows for flexible widget layout customization.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.87/10

User Rating

4.5/5 (based on 8+ reviews)

Active Installations

5,000+

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 simplifies the process of adding column classes to widgets using a select box. You can check if the widget is the first in the column and save your settings with ease.

While it is designed for the Genesis Framework, it is compatible with any theme that utilizes the old Bootstrap column classes. Additionally, you can extend its functionality by adding your own classes through various filters, making it adaptable to your theme's grid framework.

It is important to note that this plugin does not include CSS for the columns; it solely adds the column classes to your widgets. You will need to implement the actual CSS in your theme for proper styling.

Comparing to Alternatives

Genesis Widget Column Classes stands alone in its category with no close direct alternatives available, making it a unique choice for users needing this specific functionality.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Seamlessly integrates with Genesis themes to add column classes to widgets.
Simple to use and saves time for developers and site builders.
Works quietly in the background to enhance site layout without extra effort.
Highly rated by users for reliability and ease of use.
Excellent support from the developer when needed.

Weaknesses

May not work correctly with all themes, especially regarding column widths.
Some users report issues with percentage widths and margin alignment.
Lacks a pro version with advanced features.
Limited to Genesis framework users, reducing broader applicability.

User Sentiment Analysis

With a strong majority of 5-star ratings and very few low ratings, users generally appreciate the plugin's simplicity and effectiveness, though a small minority have encountered theme compatibility issues.

Positive highlights

"PERFECT - Exactly what we were looking for." - Media Networking
"Just found this awesome plugin. It's perfect." - cientiros
"Great plugin, works perfect. Ideal utility and saves a lot of time." - marcfuller
"Super Plugin with Stellar Support." - lisapike
"Simple and Beautiful. Makes working with Genesis themes so much easier." - joegestalt

Common complaints

Does not work properly with some themes, causing incorrect percentage widths.
Margin left settings can make the grid look out of place.
Users find it easier to write their own CSS than to fix these issues.

Weaknesses

Limited theme compatibility can cause layout problems.
No advanced customization options available.
No pro version to extend functionality.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users running Genesis Framework themes who want a simple, reliable way to add column classes to widgets without complex setup.

Not ideal for

Users with themes outside the Genesis ecosystem or those needing advanced grid customization may find this plugin insufficient or incompatible.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version provides all core functionality needed to add column classes to widgets within Genesis themes, offering good value for users in that niche.

Final Verdict

Genesis Widget Column Classes is a well-regarded plugin that delivers straightforward functionality for Genesis theme users, with high user satisfaction and no known security issues. Its simplicity and effective support make it a valuable tool for its target audience.

However, its limited compatibility with some themes and lack of advanced features mean it may not suit everyone. Users outside the Genesis framework or those needing more control over grid layouts should consider other options or custom CSS solutions.