Simple Code Block Highlighter
Simple Code Block Highlighter enhances the default WordPress code and preformatted blocks. It can show line numbers, add a copy-to-clipboard button, switch between light and dark display themes, and automatically color…
Use with caution
Simple Code Block Highlighter works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. Was last updated 5 months ago, and scores 49/100 on our health check.
- Small user base (<10 active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & support
Daily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where Simple Code Block Highlight… stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| code | >100 |
| code block | >100 |
| copy button | >100 |
| highlighter | #46 |
| syntax | >100 |
About Simple Code Block Highlighter
From the official readme · v1.2.2Description
Simple Code Block Highlighter enhances the default WordPress code and preformatted blocks. It can show line numbers, add a copy-to-clipboard button, switch between light and dark display themes, and automatically color code blocks with bundled Highlight.js syntax highlighting.
The plugin uses the WordPress Settings API, validates and sanitizes saved options, escapes admin output, and avoids inline JavaScript-generated HTML for line numbers. Syntax highlighting is served from the plugin files and does not load a third-party CDN on visitor pages.
For setup help, read the Simple Code Block Highlighter guide.
Third-party Libraries
This plugin bundles Highlight.js 11.11.1 for syntax highlighting.
Highlight.js
Source: Highlight.js on GitHub
License: BSD 3-Clause
License file included at: assets/vendor/highlightjs/LICENSE
Installation
- Upload the plugin folder to
/wp-content/plugins/simple-code-block-highlighter. - Activate the plugin from the WordPress Plugins screen.
- Go to Settings > Simple Code Block Highlighter to choose display options. Color Code Blocks is checked by default.
- Add a WordPress Code block, paste any code you like, and the plugin will work out of the box.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use the plugin?
Add a WordPress Code block () in the editor, paste any code you like, and publish or preview the post. The plugin automatically detects the language and highlights the block out of the box.
Where can I find setup instructions?
Read the Simple Code Block Highlighter guide for full setup and usage instructions.
Does this plugin store visitor data?
No. The plugin only stores administrator-selected display settings in the WordPress options table.
Does this plugin change the original post content?
No. Code blocks are enhanced in the browser after the page loads. The saved post content is not modified.
Does the plugin detect code automatically?
Yes. The plugin auto-detects the code type every time, so no extra setup is needed.
Changelog
1.2.2
- Tested with the latest version of WordPress 7.0.
1.2.1
- Switched syntax highlighting to automatic language detection only.
- Updated settings instructions and kept Color Code Blocks enabled by default.
- Updated usage FAQ.
1.2.0
- Added bundled Highlight.js syntax highlighting for common languages.
- Added automatic language detection for every highlighted code block.
- Added a setting to enable or disable color code blocks.
1.1.0
- Hardened settings validation, sanitization, escaping, and capability checks.
- Removed unsafe JavaScript
innerHTMLline-number rendering. - Added cache-busted asset versions and cleaner copy-button behavior.
- Added GitHub-ready security, CI, ignore, and documentation files.
1.0
- Initial release.
Screenshots
For developers
Is this your plugin? Show off the numbers.
Add a live badge to your site, docs or GitHub README. It updates on its own — no account needed.
Best Simple Code Block Highlighter alternatives
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FAQ
Simple Code Block Highlighter: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 6, 2026
Is Simple Code Block Highlighter free?
Yes. Simple Code Block Highlighter is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is Simple Code Block Highlighter safe to use in 2026?
Simple Code Block Highlighter works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. Was last updated 5 months ago, and scores 49/100 on our health check.
How many websites use Simple Code Block Highlighter?
Simple Code Block Highlighter is active on <10 WordPress websites and has been downloaded 344 times since it launched in May 2026. It was downloaded 46 times in the last 30 days.
Does Simple Code Block Highlighter work with WordPress 7.1?
Simple Code Block Highlighter is officially tested up to WordPress 7.0.6, while the latest release is 7.1.2. It may still work, but try it on a staging site first.
What PHP version does Simple Code Block Highlighter need?
Simple Code Block Highlighter requires PHP 7.4 or higher. Most hosts run PHP 8.x today, so it works on any modern WordPress hosting.
When was Simple Code Block Highlighter last updated?
The latest version, 1.2.2, was released on May 21, 2026 (5 months ago).
Who makes Simple Code Block Highlighter?
Simple Code Block Highlighter is developed and maintained by zohebtg.
What are the best alternatives to Simple Code Block Highlighter?
The most popular alternatives to Simple Code Block Highlighter are WPCode (3M+ installs), Code Snippets (1M+ installs) and Head & Footer Code (100K+ installs).
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