Importing Gravity Forms Entries: How I Built a Custom Solution

When working on a client’s new development site, I needed to migrate all Gravity Forms entries from their current live site. Gravity Forms offers an Import/Export tool for forms, but entries can only be exported as a CSV file—there’s no built-in feature to import entries directly.

There’s a paid 3rd-party plugin that provides this functionality starting at $99 USD per year, but instead of relying on that, I decided to write a custom plugin to handle the task. Not only did this save money, but it also allowed me to ensure the solution specifically met the client’s needs.

My Custom Plugin: Simple and Straightforward

The plugin I created is easy to use and integrates seamlessly into the WordPress dashboard interface. Here’s how it works:

  1. Go to Forms > Import Entries
    In the WordPress admin dashboard, navigate to the Gravity Forms menu and select “Import Entries.”
  2. Choose Form
    Select the form into which you’d like to import the entries. It’s important to match the form structure with the CSV file.
  3. Choose File
    Upload the CSV file containing the entries. Before proceeding, double-check that the file matches the form’s structure (fields, order, etc.).
  4. Import
    Click “Import” to bring the entries into the form. The plugin validates the data, ensuring the entries are imported accurately without duplicates or mismatches.

Why I Built a Custom Solution

The decision to create my plugin came down to flexibility and cost-effectiveness. While the 3rd-party plugin is a solid option, it didn’t align with my philosophy of minimising recurring costs for straightforward tasks. Plus, I prefer having complete control over functionality—this way, I can tweak or expand it if the need arises in the future.

The Results

The plugin worked perfectly, allowing me to migrate all entries without hassle. More importantly, it saved my client from an unnecessary annual expense.

Can You Get the Plugin?

Yes, the plugin is available on my GitHub, though it’s not publicly listed. If you’re interested in testing it and providing feedback (which I’d really appreciate!), just drop me a message with your GitHub handle. I’ll be happy to add you as a collaborator so you can access it.

Need Custom Solutions?

If you’re working with WordPress, Gravity Forms, or any other tool and need custom development, I’d love to help. Sometimes the best solution isn’t an off-the-shelf product but one tailored to your specific needs.

Feel free to contact me to discuss your project!

Introducing My Unsplash API Image Uploader Plugin for WordPress

I’m excited to introduce another plugin that complements my previously released Masonry Gallery plugin: the Unsplash API Image Uploader. This new plugin addresses some common issues I encountered with the official Unsplash plugin and provides a streamlined solution for WordPress users.

Why I Created This Plugin

As a frequent user of Unsplash for placeholder images, I found the official Unsplash plugin to be limiting in several ways. I often encountered issues with scrolling through images and the cumbersome process of adding a featured image. To overcome these challenges, I decided to create a custom plugin that meets my specific needs.

Features of the Unsplash API Image Uploader Plugin

This plugin is designed to simplify the process of searching, selecting, and uploading images from Unsplash. Here are the key features:

  1. Keyword Search: Easily search for images by keyword to find exactly what you need.
  2. Bulk Selection and Upload: Select multiple images at once and upload them with a single click.
  3. Customizable Pagination: Choose how many images to display per page and navigate through pages effortlessly with pagination buttons.
  4. AJAX Functionality: The plugin uses AJAX to avoid page reloads, providing a smoother and faster user experience.
  5. One-Click Delete: Delete all uploaded images with one click, while ensuring that images uploaded outside of the plugin are not affected.

How to Get Started

Using the Unsplash API Image Uploader plugin is straightforward. Here’s a quick guide:

  1. Download the Plugin: You can download the plugin from my GitHub repository.
  2. Install and Activate: Once downloaded, install and activate the plugin through your WordPress dashboard.
  3. Configure Settings: Set your preferences for keyword search, pagination, and bulk selection.
  4. Start Uploading: Search for images, select your desired images in bulk, and upload them to your site with ease.

Customization Options

Just like my Masonry Gallery plugin, the Unsplash API Image Uploader is highly customizable. Developers can tweak the plugin to fit their specific needs, whether it’s adjusting the search parameters, modifying the upload process, or integrating it with other plugins and themes.

Final Thoughts

Developing the Unsplash API Image Uploader plugin has been a fulfilling project, and I’m delighted to share it with the WordPress community. I believe it will be a valuable tool for anyone who frequently uses Unsplash images and is looking for a more efficient way to manage them.

Feel free to download and experiment with the plugin from my GitHub repository. As always, I welcome your feedback and suggestions. If you encounter any issues or have ideas for improvements, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support, and happy coding!

Introducing My New Masonry Gallery Plugin for WordPress

Over the past few months, I’ve been busy working on a variety of projects, and I’m excited to share one of the plugins I’ve developed. It’s a simple yet powerful masonry gallery plugin with an accessible modal, and I’m thrilled to make it available for free.

Why I Created This Plugin

The idea for this plugin came about when I was building a website for a family member. They needed a straightforward, clean gallery solution that was both aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate. After exploring various options, I decided to create a custom solution that would meet these needs perfectly. Thus, the Masonry Gallery plugin was born.

Features of the Masonry Gallery Plugin

This plugin is designed to be user-friendly and highly customizable. Here are some of its key features:

  • Simple and Clean Design: The default design is minimalistic and elegant, ensuring that it can fit seamlessly into any website.
  • Accessible Modal: The gallery includes an accessible modal for viewing images, ensuring that it’s usable for all visitors, including those with disabilities.
  • Default Template Page or Shortcode Function: You can use the gallery right out of the box with the default template page or insert it into any post or page using a shortcode.
  • Developer-Friendly: While the plugin works great as-is, it’s also easy for developers to customize. You can modify it to fit your specific needs without any hassle.
  • Open Source: As with all WordPress plugins, this gallery is open source. You are free to use, modify, and customize it however you like.

How to Get Started

Getting started with the Masonry Gallery plugin is straightforward. Here’s a quick guide:

  1. Download the Plugin: You can download the plugin from my GitHub repository.
  2. Install and Activate: Once downloaded, install and activate the plugin through your WordPress dashboard.
  3. Use the Gallery: Add the gallery to your site using the default template page or by inserting the shortcode, copy from the gallery post type, into your desired post or page.

Customisation Options

One of the main advantages of this plugin is its flexibility. Developers can easily customise the gallery to better fit their design and functionality requirements. Whether you need to tweak the CSS for a different look or modify the JavaScript for enhanced interactivity, the plugin’s codebase is clean and well-documented, making customisation a breeze.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Masonry Gallery plugin has been a rewarding experience, and I’m delighted to share it with the WordPress community. I believe it will be a valuable addition to any website that needs a simple, beautiful, and accessible gallery solution.

Feel free to download and experiment with the plugin from my GitHub repository. I’m always open to feedback and would love to hear about how you’re using the plugin on your own sites. If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for improvements, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your support, and happy coding!