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Troubleshooting Shortcode Issues in Page Builder by SiteOrigin

15 threads Sep 16, 2025 Plugin → Page builder by siteorigin

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Many users of the Page Builder by SiteOrigin plugin encounter a common and frustrating problem: shortcodes that work perfectly in the standard WordPress editor fail to display or function correctly when placed within a Page Builder layout. This guide will help you understand why this happens and walk you through the most effective troubleshooting steps to resolve it.

Why Do Shortcode Problems Occur in Page Builder?

Based on community reports, these issues often stem from a few key areas:

  • Widget Selection: The plugin's own 'SiteOrigin Editor' widget has been a frequent source of problems, especially after certain updates, where it fails to process shortcodes.
  • Plugin or Theme Conflicts: A theme's custom code or another plugin can interfere with how Page Builder processes and renders content.
  • Update-Related Bugs: Specific versions of Page Builder (e.g., 2.29.6) have introduced bugs that prevent shortcodes from being executed, requiring a rollback or a subsequent patch.
  • Content Storage: Page Builder stores content differently than the standard editor. Direct database modifications to post_content may not be recognized until the page is converted back and forth between the builder and the standard editor.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Use an Alternative Widget

The most common and immediate fix is to avoid the 'SiteOrigin Editor' widget. Instead, use a standard WordPress 'Text' widget or a 'Custom HTML' widget to insert your shortcode. Many users have confirmed that shortcodes that fail in one widget work perfectly in another.

2. Perform a Conflict Test

To rule out conflicts with your theme or other plugins, follow this process:

  1. Switch your theme temporarily to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One.
  2. Deactivate all plugins except for Page Builder by SiteOrigin and the plugin providing the problematic shortcode.
  3. Test if the shortcode now works. If it does, reactivate your themes and plugins one-by-one, testing after each, to identify the culprit.

3. Rollback to a Previous Version

If the problem started immediately after a plugin update, you may be experiencing a version-specific bug. Several threads indicate that version 2.29.5 worked while 2.29.6 caused issues. If possible, roll back to the previous working version of Page Builder and wait for a confirmed fix in a future update.

4. Re-save the Page Layout

If you have made changes to the page's content directly in the database (e.g., via an SQL query), Page Builder might not recognize the new content. A known workaround is to:

  1. Edit the page in WordPress.
  2. Click the 'Revert to editor' button to convert the page to the standard WordPress editor.
  3. Immediately click 'Convert to Page Builder' again.
  4. Update the page. This process often forces Page Builder to re-parse and properly save the content.

5. Check for Known Fixes and Betas

For widespread issues, the Page Builder by SiteOrigin team sometimes releases beta versions to address bugs. Check the plugin's official support forums for announcements or beta releases that may resolve shortcode problems, like one mentioned for a Widgets Bundle issue.

When to Seek Further Help

If none of these steps resolve your issue, the problem could be highly specific to your shortcode's implementation. In this case, providing detailed information on the Word.org support forums will help others assist you. Include the exact shortcode, the widget you are using, your WordPress environment details, and any error messages you see.

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