Daily ArchivesMarch 1, 2022

Need to embed an iFrame on your WordPress site? Learn how to use iFrames on your WordPress site with this in-depth tutorial. Below we will cover the basics of an iframe and how you can embed iframe code in WordPress.

Keep reading to learn:

• What are iFrames and how do they work?
• iFrame vs. Embed
• Using iFrames With WordPress

What Are iFrames?

An Inline Frame, also known as an iFrame, allows for one webpage to be embedded inside of another webpage. This can be helpful when, say, displaying a map of your organization’s physical address (such as a storefront) on your WordPress website. Map tools will commonly provide embed code, such as an iFrame, to display a map as a part of a page on your website.

The use of an iFrame is also popular with adding embedded YouTube videos on your website. If you click the “share” button under a video on YouTube, there is an “embed” option — alongside the typical social network platforms — that you can use on a WordPress page or post.

Can I Use iFrames in WordPress?

Yes, WordPress iFrames are supported as a means by which to embed content into a post or page of your website. There are a couple of options to consider when adding external content to your site, with an iFrame being a popular option that is supported by WordPress.

What Is the Difference Between iFrame and Embed?

While iFrames are a technology for embedding content on your site, WordPress also offers a feature, known simply as an Embed, that is configured for common content sources, such as YouTube.

That said, you may want to consider the “embed” feature of the WordPress block editor, which supports many sites and services out of the box, before reaching for an iFrame directly.

How to Use iFrames With WordPress

Block Editor

While the WordPress block editor does not have a default block for adding iFrames, there are a number of plugins that support adding iFrames to your WordPress posts and/or pages. Using a block would be the preferred method for adding an iFrame to the page.

Related reading: How to Use WordPress Gutenberg Blocks >>

If you do not already have a plugin with an iFrame block installed on your WordPress site, blocks can be searched and installed directly from the block editor. Alternatively, you can install the plugin using the WordPress admin dashboard and then return to editing your page/post.

Shortcode

If your website is using the classic editor, as opposed to the newer block editor, then you can add iFrames to your pages and posts using a shortcode, which is provided by a number of plugins. Similar to the iFrame block mentioned above, a shortcode can be used to add an iFrame to your website.

Embed Code (HTML)

Sometimes, a site’s embed code isn’t as simple as a URL. In such a case the embed code can be added to a WordPress page using the HTML block. If this is necessary, then the site or service will provide the embed code that can be copied and pasted onto the page. In WordPress, this would use either the custom HTML block in the block editor or the HTML tab of the classic editor.

Limitations of iFrames

Keep in mind that not all web pages can be embedded. Some sites specifically prevent themselves from being embedded in another page.

If that is the case, check if the site or service has an alternative method that is recommended for embedding its content.

Now You Know

Now you should be familiar with the basics of iFrames and how to embed iFrame code in WordPress, as well as some alternative options to consider, depending on the source of the content that is embedded.

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How do you decide between open source vs. proprietary technology?

From ecommerce to content management, the open source vs. proprietary debate arises frequently when evaluating web technologies.

In this post, we’ll cover the differences and benefits of using open source or proprietary technology and highlight a shortcut to quickly and easily build ecommerce websites on an open source platform.

Open Source vs. Proprietary: Differences

Open source refers to technology and software that is available for anyone to use or edit. Proprietary is copyrighted technology that must be used with a license.

What is the Difference Between Open Source and Proprietary Software?

Open source software is publicly available without a licensing fee or restrictions on use or modification. The companies that own and publish proprietary software charge licensing fees and restrict the use and modification of their technology.

Differences Between Open Source vs. Proprietary

Open Source vs. Proprietary	Open Source	Proprietary
Open Source vs. Proprietary Cost	Open source software is free to use and modify. For web technologies, you still need to pay for web hosting or set up your own server.	Proprietary software requires companies to purchase a license. While companies sell some proprietary software as a one-time purchase, most businesses use a subscription model known as Software as a Service (SaaS).
Open Source vs. Proprietary Updates and Maintenance	Companies can publish open source software, but open source is often community-maintained. Either way, you can expect periodic updates and patches.	Proprietary software companies release regular updates with new features and bug fixes.
Open Source vs. Proprietary Flexibility	With open source software, you’re free to use or modify the code as needed.	Proprietary software comes with restrictions. You most likely won’t have access to modify the code. Companies also place limits on the software, such as the number of users or transactions.
Open Source vs. Proprietary Support	When you run into issues with an open source system, you’re stuck searching community forums and documentation for answers. You also can hire a developer with experience with the platform.	Proprietary software companies normally have support teams to help customers troubleshoot issues.

Open Source vs. Proprietary Examples

You can find open source software in various categories. Below are some of the most common open source and proprietary software examples in the web and mobile development space.

Types of Open Source vs. Proprietary Examples	Open Source	Proprietary
Content Management System or Website Builder	WordPress, ExpressionEngine, Drupal	Wix, Squarespace, Weebly
Ecommerce Platform	WooCommerce, Magento Open Source	BigCommerce, Shopify, Magento Commerce
Mobile Operating System	Android	iOS

Open Source vs. Proprietary: Which Should You Choose?

Proprietary and open source technologies both have advantages. Deciding between the two often comes down to your level of technical expertise and need for customization.

Benefits of open source technologies include:

• Control. With an open source system, you have total control. You can change the code if needed. You also own the system and can control who has access to it and any data it includes.
• Flexibility. There are no limits on open source software. You can customize it to your heart’s content. Also, you won’t be bound by licensing or usage limits. For example, BigCommerce places annual sales limits on its plans. If you exceed a certain threshold in annual sales, you have to upgrade to the next plan level.
• Costs. Open source software is free. You’re only paying for any technical infrastructure like hosting and the staff or contractor resources needed to build out the system.

Benefits of proprietary technology include:

• Ease of Use. Proprietary systems tend to be more turnkey. If you want to open an online store, many people find it’s easier than building a WooCommerce store from scratch.
• Dedicated Support. Proprietary software offers dedicated support for customers, so you aren’t at the mercy of community discussion boards and YouTube videos.
• All-in-One Subscription. Many SaaS platforms include hosting. You might have to purchase your domain registration, but everything else is included.

Get the Benefits of Both Open Source and Proprietary

If you want to build an ecommerce site and enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to open source and proprietary software, consider using StoreBuilder by Hostdedi. StoreBuilder’s innovative platform runs on WooCommerce, the most popular open source ecommerce platform. But, unlike setting up a store from scratch, StoreBuilder makes building your online store even easier than using the most popular proprietary systems.

Just answer some questions about your store, and StoreBuilder’s AI engines do the rest. StoreBuilder also includes all of the premium plugins you need to make a stellar WooCommerce store. Plus, you’ll have access to our team of WordPress and WooCommerce experts.

Hostdedi Stands By the Open Source Community

At Hostdedi, we believe in the power of open source technology and support the businesses and developers utilizing platforms like WordPress and WooCommerce.

Unlike systems like Shopify or BigCommerce, the site you build with StoreBuilder is 100% portable. Meaning you can keep using your store with WooCommerce without paying for StoreBuilder.

Continuing your StoreBuilder subscription gives you access to automatic updates and our state-of-the-art sales performance monitor. But if you’re a freelancer looking for a faster way to build websites for clients, StoreBuilder is an excellent choice for quickly launching WooCommerce sites.

Whether you’re a freelancer, agency, or business owner, Hostdedi offers the best hosting for any open source solution.

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