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Free Plugin by Kevin Batdorf v1.28.0

Code Block Pro

Code highlighting powered by the VS Code engine. Performance focused. No bloat.

Code Block Pro

The facts

Rating
4.8★ from 50
Active installs
10k+
Price
Free
Last updated
15 Aug 2026
Added
Aug 2022
Requires WP
6.0
Tested up to
WP 7.1
Requires PHP
7.0
Downloads
171,571

Our analysis

AI-assisted

Code Block Pro is a WordPress plugin designed for displaying code with syntax highlighting. It allows you to use a code editor that employs the same rendering engine as the popular VS Code editor, providing fast and visually appealing code presentation.

The plugin supports over 140 programming languages and includes 25+ built-in themes. It is suitable for developers and content creators who want to showcase code snippets attractively on their websites.

Best for: This plugin is best for developers and content creators who need to display code snippets on their WordPress sites.

What it does well

  • Supports over 140 programming languages
  • Includes 25+ built-in themes
  • Lightweight with minimal asset loading
  • Native Gutenberg block integration
  • Offers features like line numbers and copy button

Where it falls short

  • Limited information on advanced features
  • No details on support or documentation

Verdict

Code Block Pro provides a solid solution for syntax highlighting in WordPress, with a focus on performance and aesthetics. It is a useful tool for anyone looking to enhance the presentation of code on their site.

From the developer

Kevin Batdorf's own description of Code Block Pro, lightly tidied.

Show off your beautiful code, don’t just display it! This block plugin provides you with a code editor that runs your code directly through the same rendering engine that is used by the popular VS Code editor. This block provides fast, native, code highlighting that renders perfectly in your favorite programming language using popular VS Code themes.

Beautiful syntax highlighting that makes sense.

To use, navigate to the default WordPress editor, and search for “Code Pro” or start typing “/code”.

Visit code-block-pro.com for a lifetime deal on the theme pack (this is a cosmetic-only upgrade).

Values

  • Performance first – Web vitals. Pre-rendering. Minimal asset loading.
  • Lightweight – No bloat. Simple functions. Clean, maintainable code.
  • Practical/useful – Focused on the user experience and presentation.
  • Beautiful – Your code should look great!

Star Code Block Pro on GitHub!

Features

  • Includes 25+ built-in themes to choose from.
  • Supports over 140 programming languages
  • 10+ Modern programming web fonts – locally hosted
  • Line numbers
  • Line highlighting (static and on hover)
  • Blur highlighting (with reveal on hover)
  • Header styles
  • Footer styles
  • Copy button
  • Native Gutenberg block
  • Tab or space indentation
  • Core functionality works in headless mode (see FAQ)
  • Converting from the default code block (and others)
  • Max height with scrollable section (optional expand button)

More info

Tips

  • Try combining line highlighting with the blur effect to add some extra depth, and focus on the important parts of the code without losing context
  • All settings are per block, but some settings are remembered when you add the next block
  • Add a link in the code footer (some footers support this, not all) that points to a demo
  • To achieve a flush look, remove padding under Extra Settings and select a theme with a background color matching your site theme

Included VS Code Themes

Get more themes at code-block-pro.com/themes

Read the full description on the official page →

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