How to Embed p5.js Sketches in WordPress Using Plugins: A Comprehensive Guide

The integration of interactive p5.js sketches into WordPress websites can significantly enhance user engagement through creative coding and generative art. This report explores various WordPress plugins specifically designed for embedding p5.js sketches, providing step-by-step instructions for each method.

Easy p5.js Block: The Simplest Approach

The Easy p5.js Block plugin offers perhaps the most straightforward method for integrating p5.js sketches into WordPress sites using the Gutenberg block editor.

Installation and Usage

After installing and activating the plugin through the WordPress plugin directory, the process is remarkably simple:

Create a new post or page, or edit an existing one
Add a new block by clicking the “+” icon
Search for and select the “p5.js” block
Enter your p5.js code directly into the block
Preview your sketch as you edit

According to the plugin description, no additional configuration is required: “Just activate the plugin and add the p5.js block to any page or post to get started”¹². The plugin includes p5.js library version 1.7.0 but currently does not include the p5.sound.js libraries.

Canvas Sizing Recommendations

For proper display, it’s “highly recommended to define the height and width of your block in the block settings panel, and use createCanvas() accordingly in your sketch”¹². This ensures your sketch appears as intended within your WordPress content.

Interact with the space below by clicking your mouse:

Responsive P5JS for WP: For Responsive Sketches

This plugin specializes in making p5.js sketches responsive, automatically scaling when the browser window is resized.

Installation and Setup Process

Create a new subdirectory in the /uploads/p5js/ directory using FTP or a file manager plugin: /uploads/p5js/[sketch_folder]⁵
Upload all sketch files (index.html, sketch.js, libraries, etc.) to this directory
Add the shortcode to your post or page:

[p5js sketchfolder=myfirstsketch canvaswidth=566 canvasheight=378 bordersize=1 bordercolor=#aaa][/p5js]

The shortcode requires three attributes:

sketchfolder: The name of your p5.js sketch
canvaswidth: The width of the sketch (should match your createCanvas() statement)
canvasheight: The height of the sketch (should match your createCanvas() statement)

Optional attributes include:

bordersize: Border thickness in pixels (default: 0px)
bordercolor: Border color (only works when bordersize is defined)5 9

p5.js WP by Cassia Duske: Advanced Integration

This plugin enables inclusion of p5.js scripts through WordPress shortcodes, encapsulating scripts inside an iframe to prevent conflicts with other content.

Usage Through Shortcodes

The basic shortcode format is [p5jswp] with various attributes. You can embed JavaScript in two ways:

External JavaScript file:

[p5jswp script="https://javascript-file.js"]

Inline JavaScript:

[p5jswp js="console.log("HELLO WORLD");"]

Additional Functionality

The plugin offers several advanced features:

Including additional libraries: [p5jswp libraries="URL URL2"]
Adding inline CSS: [p5jswp css="html { text-align: center; }]
Setting dimensions: Use height and width attributes
Adding captions: [p5jswp caption="Hello World"]4

Processing Projects Plugin: For Complete Project Uploads

This plugin takes a different approach, designed for uploading complete Processing (p5.js) projects.

Upload and Display Process

Package your p5.js project as a zip file containing all required files
Upload the zip file through the plugin interface
Display the project using the shortcode: text[pp-shortcode id="0" width="960" height="500"] (Replace “0” with the ID of your uploaded project)10

Embedding Directly from the p5.js Web Editor

If you develop your sketches in the p5.js web editor, you can embed them without specialized plugins:

Go to editor.p5js.org and log in to your account
Save your sketch
Go to file > share
Copy the embed code for the “Embed” option
In your WordPress post, change your editor from “Visual” to “Text”
Paste the code on its own line
Add sizing parameters: style="width: 640px; height: 360px; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"6 11

Lauren McCarthy’s p5.js-embedder: Another Alternative

This method works by uploading your sketch.js file to WordPress:

Upload the sketch.js file to the WordPress Media Library
Add the file as a link in your post
Switch to “Text” editing mode
Add class='p5-embed' to the link to mark it for processing
Optionally specify dimensions with data-width and data-height attributes2

Conclusion

WordPress offers multiple paths for embedding p5.js sketches, each with different advantages. For Gutenberg editor users, the Easy p5.js Block provides the most straightforward integration. Those needing responsive sketches should consider the Responsive P5JS for WP plugin. For advanced users requiring more control, p5.js WP offers extensive customization options.

When selecting a plugin, consider your specific needs: the simplicity of implementation, responsiveness requirements, and whether you need to incorporate multiple libraries or custom styling. With these tools, you can seamlessly integrate interactive, generative art into your WordPress site, enhancing engagement and visual appeal for your visitors.

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