WordPress plugins are small pieces of software that give both free and premium users the ability to customize their websites and enhance their WordPress experience. There are thousands of plugins that serve different purposes, such as SEO packs, ecommerce plugins, Google Analytics, comment modifiers and one of the most frequently searched plugins: background images.
If you use free WordPress themes, then chances are you struggle to find one that can accommodate your ideal image and is customizable enough to allow you to display a decent background. Luckily there are a slew of WordPress background plugins that allow you use the best background images and make your site truly your own. This list features completely free plugins, but it’s important to note that many of the premium plugins you’ll come across include continued support and updates from developers
1. Styles
Customizing your WordPress can be time-consuming and also frustrating if you don’t have a lot of tech know-how. Styles is the WordPress plugin for all your site customization needs. Styles lets you experiment with colors and design every aspect of your site from one interface – the WordPress Theme Manager. Styles boasts a multitude of download-worthy features such as:
- Instant previews.
- Text size editor.
- Google Fronts with preview and search options.
- Text colors.
- Border colors.
- Background colors.
- Built on WordPress Customizer so it changes as WordPress’ interface does.
If you’re looking for a one-stop way to upgrade your WordPress background as well as all the other aesthetic features of your site, Styles is your go-to plugin.
2. Full Page/Full Width Background Manager
The Background Manager plugin for WordPress is a simple software that allows you to add up to six images to your site’s background and includes a full-page slider to showcase them to your viewers. You can also add a single full size image to your background, and it comes with six backgrounds ready to use. It’s totally free and offers easily manageable backend services to keep everything running smoothly.
3. Random Backgrounds
If your site thrives off content and you want a catchy but minimalist background to compliment your site, then you should take a look at the Random Backgrounds plugin. All you need to do is add a custom background and you’ll be able to scale it, tile it or use basic HTML elements to stretch it. You’ll be able to find the settings for this plugin under Appearance > Random Background. For those who are more tech savvy, you can also use CSS to further customize your background image.
4. Full Background
The Full Background app allows you to add a full responsive background to your site and also includes random background support and unlimited backgrounds. Its cross-compatibility across all web and mobile browsers makes it ideal for users that have a diverse audience and want to customize their site without the risk of interfering with viewer experience.
There’s only one option available with this plugin so it’s short, sweet and to the point. Ideal for users who have a set design and background image in mind and want to get straight to work.
5. All-in-One Custom Backgrounds Lite
If you have a multi-page site, then this plugin will enable you to highlight the content on each by granting you the ability to add a custom background to each post, page or custom post type. It supports full color or gradient, standard background images as well as YouTube videos.
All-in-One Background plugin also has a Pro version that includes multiple backgrounds per post or page, image galleries, Vimeo support, a YouTube playlists feature, YouTube HD support, self-hosted videos, user restrictions and more. It is a great plugin for WordPress users whose sites are heavily grounded in visual media.
6. The Colour Clock
This evolving background allows you to change the background of your site with the passage of time, creating a vibrant and visually stimulating experience for viewers. All you have to do is edit the style-hex-background-clock.css file to control the colors and their rotational clock.
7. Post Backgrounds
If you want to have a specific background for each individual blog on your site, then the Post Backgrounds plugin is what you need. A full-body background image for every post can be specified, or you can choose an image that only covers the area in which content is displayed.
Find Free Background Images
Since the majority of WordPress plugin sites are about updating your site with custom images, you’ll have to find those images yourself elsewhere. There are plenty of free stock image and free background pattern sites online that allow you to download as many images as you like and use them free of charge or attribution. Here are three to get you started.
1. Subtle Patterns
All of the detailed patterns on Subtle Patterns are free to use and come in a wide range from stardust to notebook paper, suitable for a variety of different site themes. You can also purchase the Subtle Patterns plugin for Adobe Photoshop and have all of the patterns downloaded straight to your computer and edit them in the software.
2. Public Domain Archive
The searchable public photo domain is categorized to facilitate your search, and you are free to use all of the images featured on the site for your blogging, marketing and digital needs.
3. Unsplash
Unsplash is a hidden gem that is favored by journalists, web designers and artists all over. The high-definition photographs are all under the Creative Commons Zero license, meaning you can edit and use them however you please free of charge. Their phenomenal images are some of the best CC0 photos available on the web and make excellent blog headers and backgrounds for sites with infinite scrolling and need divisive background images for each portion of the site.
Even if you’re just starting out with WordPress, getting to know how to install and use plugins is a great way to familiarize yourself with the program and boost your online presence. Behind every successful business is a well-structured, attractive website. WordPress plugins allow you to customize your site without spending thousands of dollars on professionals, and the skills you acquire learning how to use these plugins will enable you to further manipulate your site in the future.