Using A Full-width Hero Image That Can Be Changed In The Dashboard By A User
Introduction
When building a website using Twitter Bootstrap and converting it to WordPress, it's essential to consider the flexibility and customization options for users. One common requirement is the ability to change the hero image on specific pages or posts. In this article, we'll explore how to implement a full-width hero image that can be easily changed in the WordPress dashboard by users.
Understanding the Requirements
You have a custom post type where users need to be able to change the hero image. This image should be displayed in a full-width format, taking up the entire width of the page. The image should also be responsive, meaning it will adapt to different screen sizes and devices.
Implementing the Hero Image
To achieve this, we'll use a combination of HTML, CSS, and WordPress functionality. We'll start by creating a basic HTML structure for the hero image.
HTML Structure
<!-- hero-image.php (template file) -->
<div class="hero-image">
<img src="<?php echo get_field('hero_image'); ?>" alt="Hero Image">
<div class="hero-image-overlay">
<h1><?php the_title(); ?></h1>
<p><?php the_excerpt(); ?></p>
</div>
</div>
In this code, we're using the get_field function to retrieve the hero image from the custom field we'll create later. The hero-image-overlay div contains the title and excerpt of the post.
CSS Styling
Next, we'll add some CSS to style the hero image and make it full-width.
/* style.css (custom CSS file) */
.hero-image {
position: relative;
height: 100vh;
background-size: cover;
background-position: center;
}
.hero-image img
width
.hero-image-overlay
position
.hero-image-overlay h1
font-size
.hero-image-overlay p
font-size
In this code, we're using the position: relative and background-size: cover properties to make the hero image full-width and responsive. We're also using the object-fit: cover property to ensure the image is scaled to cover the entire width and height of the container.
WordPress Custom Field
Now, let's create a custom field in WordPress to store the hero image.
// functions.php (custom functions file)
function hero_image_field() {
$labels = array(
'name' => _x('Hero Image', 'post type general name'),
'singular_name' => _x('Hero Image', 'post type singular name'),
);
$args = array(
'labels' => $labels,
'public' => true,
'supports' => array('title', 'editor', 'thumbnail'),
);
register_post_type('hero_image', $args);
}
add_action('init', 'hero_image_field');
function hero_image_meta_box() {
add_meta_box(
'hero_image_meta_box',
'Hero Image',
'hero_image_meta_box_callback',
'hero_image',
'advanced',
'high'
);
}
add_action('add_meta_boxes', 'hero_image_meta_box');
function hero_image_meta_box_callback() {
$hero_image = get_post_meta(get_the_ID(), 'hero_image', true);
echo '<input type="text" id="hero_image" name="hero_image" value="' . esc_attr($hero_image) . '">';
echo '<input type="button" id="hero_image_button" class="button button-primary" value="Select Image">';
}
add_action('admin_footer', 'hero_image_admin_footer');
function hero_image_admin_footer()
?>
<script>
jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$('#hero_image_button').on('click', function() {
var media = wp.media({
title,
multiple: false
});
media.on('select', function() {
var selection = media.state().get('selection');
var attachment = selection.first().toJSON();
$('#hero_image').val(attachment.url);
});
media.open();
});
});
</script>
<?php
}
In this code, we're creating a custom post type called hero_image and a custom meta box to store the hero image. We're also adding a button to select an image from the media library.
Displaying the Hero Image
Finally, let's display the hero image on the front-end.
<!-- hero-image.php (template file) -->
<?php get_header(); ?>
<div class="hero-image">
<?php the_post_thumbnail('full'); ?>
<div class="hero-image-overlay">
<h1><?php the_title(); ?></h1>
<p><?php the_excerpt(); ?></p>
</div>
</div>
<?php get_footer(); ?>
In this code, we're using the the_post_thumbnail function to display the hero image. We're also using the get_header and get_footer functions to include the header and footer templates.
Conclusion
Q: What is a hero image, and why do I need it on my website?
A: A hero image is a large, high-quality image that is displayed at the top of a webpage or post. It's often used to showcase a product, service, or event, and can help to grab the user's attention and draw them in. You need a hero image on your website because it can help to:
- Enhance the visual appeal of your website
- Communicate your brand's message and values
- Drive engagement and conversions
- Improve user experience and navigation
Q: How do I create a custom post type for my hero image in WordPress?
A: To create a custom post type for your hero image in WordPress, you'll need to use the register_post_type function. This function allows you to define a new post type, including its name, slug, and capabilities. Here's an example of how to create a custom post type for a hero image:
function hero_image_post_type() {
$labels = array(
'name' => _x('Hero Images', 'post type general name'),
'singular_name' => _x('Hero Image', 'post type singular name'),
);
$args = array(
'labels' => $labels,
'public' => true,
'supports' => array('title', 'editor', 'thumbnail'),
);
register_post_type('hero_image', $args);
}
add_action('init', 'hero_image_post_type');
Q: How do I add a custom meta box to my hero image post type?
A: To add a custom meta box to your hero image post type, you'll need to use the add_meta_box function. This function allows you to define a new meta box, including its title, callback function, and position. Here's an example of how to add a custom meta box to your hero image post type:
function hero_image_meta_box() {
add_meta_box(
'hero_image_meta_box',
'Hero Image',
'hero_image_meta_box_callback',
'hero_image',
'advanced',
'high'
);
}
add_action('add_meta_boxes', 'hero_image_meta_box');
Q: How do I display the hero image on my website?
A: To display the hero image on your website, you'll need to use the the_post_thumbnail function. This function allows you to display the thumbnail image associated with a post or page. Here's an example of how to display the hero image on your website:
<?php the_post_thumbnail('full'); ?>
Q: How do I make the hero image responsive and full-width?
A: To make the hero image responsive and full-width, you'll need to use CSS to style the image. Here's an example of how to make the hero image responsive and full-width:
.hero-image {
position: relative;
height: 100vh;
background-size: cover;
background-position: center;
}
.hero-image img
width
Q: How do I customize the hero image meta box and its fields?
A: To customize the hero image meta box and its fields, you'll need to use the add_meta_box function and its callback function. Here's an example of how to customize the hero image meta box and its fields:
function hero_image_meta_box_callback() {
$hero_image = get_post_meta(get_the_ID(), 'hero_image', true);
echo '<input type="text" id="hero_image" name="hero_image" value="' . esc_attr($hero_image) . '">';
echo '<input type="button" id="hero_image_button" class="button button-primary" value="Select Image">';
}
Q: How do I add a button to select an image from the media library?
A: To add a button to select an image from the media library, you'll need to use JavaScript to create a button that opens the media library. Here's an example of how to add a button to select an image from the media library:
jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$('#hero_image_button').on('click', function() {
var media = wp.media({
title: 'Select Image',
button: {
text: 'Select Image'
},
multiple: false
});
media.on('select', function() {
var selection = media.state().get('selection');
var attachment = selection.first().toJSON();
$('#hero_image').val(attachment.url);
});
media.open();
});
});
Conclusion
In this article, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about customizable full-width hero images in WordPress with Bootstrap. We've covered topics such as creating a custom post type, adding a custom meta box, displaying the hero image, making the hero image responsive and full-width, customizing the hero image meta box and its fields, and adding a button to select an image from the media library. With these answers, you should be able to create a customizable full-width hero image in WordPress with Bootstrap.