Code Editor
WordPress Code Editor for Theme and Plugin Files
A real code editor in WordPress, built on the ACE editor: tabs, syntax highlighting, WordPress and PHP autocomplete, and a safety net that checks PHP before saving and backs up every file.
Why use the WPIDE Code Editor
Tabs for many files
Open a template, a stylesheet and functions.php side by side and switch between them.
WordPress and PHP autocomplete
Suggestions for WordPress functions, hooks and PHP as you type, with a reference along the way.
PHP checked before saving
Broken PHP is refused before it is written, so a missing semicolon cannot take your site down.
A backup of every PHP file
Each PHP file is backed up before it changes, ready to restore.
File Recovery Wizard
If a change still breaks the site, the wizard appears instead of the white screen and restores the backup.
Everything a code editor needs
Line numbers, find and replace, bracket matching, automatic indentation, code folding and keyboard shortcuts.
Edit any file in wp-content, in tabs
The theme file editor that ships with WordPress opens one file of the active theme or a plugin at a time. WPIDE opens any file in wp-content, in as many tabs as you need, from the file tree beside it.
- Syntax highlighting for PHP, JavaScript, CSS, HTML and more
- Find and replace, line numbers and code folding
- Keyboard shortcuts you know from desktop editors
Broken PHP never reaches your site
Editing PHP on a live site is risky: one typo in functions.php and every page shows an error. WPIDE parses PHP when you save, refuses code that would not run, and keeps a backup of the file before writing the new version.
- PHP parsed and validated on save
- Automatic backup before each change
- Auto save to a draft, with a quick diff to compare (paid plans)
Recover from the white screen of death
When a change takes the site down anyway, for example an error that only appears on some pages, the File Recovery Wizard shows up instead of a blank screen. Pick the file and restore the backup in one click, with no FTP session needed.
Small change? Use a snippet instead of editing functions.php
Code added to a theme's functions.php is lost when the theme updates, and it stops working if you switch themes. For small additions, a code snippet is safer: it lives outside the theme, can be switched off in a click, and WPIDE turns it off by itself if it fails.
Code Editor in each plan
| Feature | Free | Basic | Plus | Pro | Bundle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code editor with tabsEdit several files at once with syntax highlighting, code folding, find and replace and keyboard shortcuts. | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| WordPress and PHP autocompleteSuggestions for WordPress functions, hooks and PHP as you type. | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| PHP validation and backupsBroken PHP is refused before saving, and every PHP file is backed up first. | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| File Recovery WizardRestore a backup when a change took the site down. | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Auto save with quick diffDrafts are saved while you type; compare a draft with the file and restore it. | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Full-screen editorGive the editor the whole screen. | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Advanced modeEdit WordPress core files and wp-config.php when you need to. | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Code Editor questions
How do I edit functions.php without FTP?
Install WPIDE, open it from the dashboard, go to wp-content/themes/your-theme/ and open functions.php. Edit it in the code editor and save; WPIDE checks the PHP and backs up the file first. For lasting changes, prefer a child theme or a code snippet.
What happens if I save PHP with an error?
WPIDE parses the PHP before writing the file and refuses to save code that would not run, showing you where the problem is. Errors that only appear at run time are covered by the backup and the File Recovery Wizard.
How is this different from the built-in theme file editor?
The built-in editor edits one file of a theme or plugin at a time. WPIDE edits any file in wp-content in tabs, adds WordPress autocomplete, file management, backups and a recovery wizard.
Can I edit wp-config.php?
Yes, with a paid plan: switch on advanced mode to edit core files and wp-config.php, or use the wp-config Manager to change constants one at a time without touching the rest of the file.
Does the editor work on mobile?
It runs in any modern browser. On small screens the full-screen mode in the paid plans gives the editor the whole screen.
Get Started with WPIDE
Install the free plugin from WordPress.org, or try any paid plan free for 14 days.