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 offers a straightforward masonry-style image display, making it a solid choice among gallery plugins. When compared to other popular options, it stands out for its simplicity and ease of use.
Strengths
- Simple and intuitive masonry layout implementation
- Lightweight and fast loading
- No complex setup required
- Compatible with most WordPress themes
Weaknesses
- Limited customization options
- Lacks advanced features like filtering or video support
- No premium version for extended functionality
User Sentiment Analysis
User feedback highlights the plugin's ease of use and effective masonry layout, though some desire more features and customization.
Positive highlights
- "Easy to set up and works well with my theme." – User A
- "Lightweight plugin that doesn't slow down my site." – User B
- "Perfect for simple image galleries without extra fuss." – User C
Common complaints
- Limited styling and customization options
- No support for video or advanced gallery features
Weaknesses
- Lack of updates and new features
- No dedicated support or premium upgrade path
Who Should Use This?
Best for
Users seeking a simple, no-frills masonry image gallery that integrates easily with their WordPress site.
Not ideal for
Those needing advanced gallery features, extensive customization, or video support should consider more feature-rich alternatives.
Pricing & Value
Free version includes
The free version provides basic masonry gallery functionality with easy setup and responsive design.
Final Verdict
jQuery Masonry Image Gallery is a reliable choice for users who want a simple and effective masonry layout without complexity.
However, users looking for advanced features or customization options may need to explore other plugins with more robust capabilities.
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.