Lightweight Grid Columns

What is Lightweight Grid Columns?

Lightweight Grid Columns is a utility plugin that adds a responsive grid system to the WordPress editor. Developed by Tom, it uses the Unsemantic Framework to let you place content into column layouts without touching code. The plugin has been available for 11 years and currently shows 10K+ active installs. Its rating sits at 4.9 out of 5 stars from 42 total ratings. A notable 95% of those reviews are five-star, with 0% one-star ratings. The current version is 1.0, and it was last updated on Mar 14, 2019.

If you have been searching for a best columns plugin WordPress option that does not bloat your site, this fits. It adds a single icon to your TinyMCE toolbar. From there, you pick desktop, tablet, and mobile widths. The plugin then outputs a shortcode. It is a straightforward solution for anyone who wants to know how to create columns in WordPress without page builder tools.

Key Features of Lightweight Grid Columns

• Desktop Grid Width: Choose percentage-based widths for large screens using the Unsemantic grid classes (grid-5 through grid-100, plus grid-33 and grid-66).
• Tablet Grid Width: Set a separate width for tablet-sized devices, ensuring your layout adapts at medium breakpoints.
• Mobile Grid Width: Define a dedicated column width for phones, giving you full control over the smallest viewports.
• Custom CSS Classes: Add your own class names to any column shortcode for targeted styling without editing core files.
• Custom Inline Styles: Apply inline CSS directly to a column, useful for quick margin or color adjustments.
• Equal Height Columns: Enable this option to make all columns in a row match each other's height, improving visual consistency.
• TinyMCE Button: Insert columns visually via a dedicated icon in the classic editor — no memorizing shortcode syntax required.
• Manual Shortcode Support: Write the [lgc_column] shortcode directly into your content if you prefer working in Text mode.

Who Should Use Lightweight Grid Columns?

This plugin targets users who need a responsive grid columns WordPress solution without installing a page builder. It suits beginners who want to add columns to WordPress post content using a visual button. The setup requires no CSS knowledge. It also works for developers who prefer lightweight tools — the plugin adds roughly one file to your site. With 10K+ users, it has proven reliable for simple layouts on blogs, business sites, and portfolio pages.

The ideal user runs a site on WordPress 4.5 or higher and uses the classic editor. If you are building a page with two, three, or four columns, this plugin handles it. It does not include drag-and-drop interfaces or complex row builders. That makes it a strong candidate for anyone searching for a wordpress columns shortcode plugin that stays out of the way after setup.

Installation & Setup

You can install Lightweight Grid Columns directly from the WordPress admin by searching for its name under Plugins > Add New. Alternatively, download the .zip file and upload it via FTP. After activation, a columns icon appears in your TinyMCE toolbar. Click it, choose your three grid widths, and check the "Last" box on the final column of each row. The plugin is beginner-friendly and does not require configuration pages.

Support & Community

Support activity for Lightweight Grid Columns is minimal. In the last two months, the plugin recorded open threads. The rating profile is exceptionally positive — 95% of all reviews are five stars, and 0% are one star. This suggests that users who leave feedback are largely satisfied with the plugin's performance. Because the sample size of support threads is too small to draw conclusions about resolution rates, the data offers limited insight into ongoing support responsiveness. The plugin's age of 11 years and its stable feature set likely contribute to the low support demand.