Description
ShortCut and Dummy Text Generator is a Gutenberg block that lets you scaffold content at speed. Add the block to any post or page, type an abbreviation — just like Emmet in code editors — and press Tab or Enter. The block immediately expands into proper WordPress core blocks: paragraphs, headings, lists, tables, groups, quotes, and more.
No more clicking through the block inserter to build repetitive layouts. Write ul>li*5>lorem6 and get a five-item list with six words of lorem ipsum per item in one keystroke.
How it works
- Add the ShortCut and Dummy Text Generator block anywhere in the Gutenberg editor.
- Type an abbreviation in the input field.
- Press Tab or Enter.
- The block either replaces itself with the generated blocks (default) or inserts the new blocks after itself — controlled by the toggle in the sidebar.
Abbreviation Syntax
Lorem ipsum text
lorem20 words of lorem ipsumlorem55 words of lorem ipsum
Single elements
p>lorem10Paragraph with 10 lorem wordsh2>lorem5H2 heading with 5 lorem wordsh1throughh6are all supported
Repeating elements
Use *N to repeat a tag N times:
ul>li*3>lorem4Unordered list with 3 items, each 4 wordsol>li*4>lorem6Ordered list with 4 items, each 6 wordstable>tr*3>td*4>lorem3Table with 3 rows and 4 columns
Nesting
Use > to nest elements:
group>h2>lorem5Group block containing an H2 headingdiv>p>lorem20Group block containing a paragraphblockquote>p>lorem15Quote block with a paragraph inside
Sibling elements
Use , to create multiple sibling blocks in one go:
h2>My Title, p>lorem20An H2 heading followed by a paragraphh3>lorem4, ul>li*3>lorem5, p>lorem10Heading, list, and paragraph
Complex combinations
group>h2>lorem5, p>lorem20Group block with a heading and paragraphtable>tr*2>td*3>lorem42×3 table filled with lorem ipsum
Supported Block Types
Abbreviation tag
Gutenberg block
p
core/paragraph
h1 – h6
core/heading
ul
core/list (unordered)
ol
core/list (ordered)
table
core/table
group / div
core/group
blockquote
core/quote
pre
core/preformatted
Block Settings
Replace block on Tab/Enter (sidebar toggle)
- On (default): pressing Tab or Enter replaces this block with the generated blocks.
- Off: the generated blocks are inserted into the editor without removing this block, so you can keep typing more abbreviations.
Remove block: click the × button in the top-right corner of the block to delete it from the editor.
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Developer Notes
Source code is publicly available on GitHub for review, study, and contributions:
https://github.com/bplugins/lorem-ipsum
Blocks
This plugin provides 1 block.
- ShortCut and Dummy Text Generator Use Emmet like abbreviations to quickly create dummy content in Gutenberg. supports custom lorem word counts and block replacement.
Installation
From the Gutenberg Editor
- Open any post or page in the WordPress block editor.
- Click the + inserter and search for ShortCut and Dummy Text Generator.
- Click the block to add it.
From the Plugin Directory
- In your WordPress admin, go to Plugins Add New.
- Search for ShortCut and Dummy Text Generator.
- Click Install Now, then Activate.
Manual Upload
- Download the plugin
.zipfile. - Go to Plugins Add New Upload Plugin.
- Choose the zip file and click Install Now.
- Activate the plugin.
Manual FTP
- Unzip and upload the plugin folder to
/wp-content/plugins/. - Activate through Plugins in the WordPress admin.
FAQ
-
What does this plugin do?
-
It adds a special Gutenberg block where you can type Emmet-like abbreviations (e.g.
ul>li*3>lorem5) and expand them into real WordPress core blocks by pressing Tab or Enter. -
Does it work with any WordPress theme?
-
Yes. The block only runs inside the Gutenberg editor and generates standard core blocks, so it is compatible with any theme.
-
What happens to the ShortCut block after I expand an abbreviation?
-
By default the block replaces itself with the generated blocks. If you turn off the Replace block on Tab/Enter toggle in the sidebar, the generated blocks are inserted without removing this block so you can keep generating more content.
-
Can I generate multiple block types at once?
-
Yes. Separate patterns with a comma:
h2>My Heading, p>lorem20, ul>li*3>lorem4creates a heading, a paragraph, and a list in one keystroke. -
How do I control the number of lorem ipsum words?
-
Append a number to
lorem:lorem10gives 10 words,lorem50gives 50 words. Usingloremalone defaults to 20 words. -
Can I use real text instead of lorem ipsum?
-
Yes. Just type your own text after
>. For example,h2>Hello Worldcreates an H2 heading with the text “Hello World”. -
How many times can I use the block?
-
Unlimited. Add as many instances as you need across any post or page.
-
Where can I get support?
-
Post your questions on the WordPress support forum or email support@bplugins.com.
Reviews
There are no reviews for this plugin.
Contributors & Developers
“ShortCut and Dummy Text Generator” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.
ContributorsTranslate “ShortCut and Dummy Text Generator” into your language.
Interested in development?
Browse the code, check out the SVN repository, or subscribe to the development log by RSS.
Changelog
1.0.1
- Re-write readme.
- Change Plugin name.
1.0.0
- Initial release
