=== Setup Default Featured Image === Contributors: gravitymaster97 Tags: default featured image, featured image, auto featured image, thumbnail, post thumbnail Requires at least: 5.2 Tested up to: 6.9.4 Requires PHP: 5.6 Stable tag: 1.3 License: GPLv2 or later License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html Automatically set a default featured image for all WordPress posts, pages, and custom post types — no more missing thumbnails, ever. == Description == **Setup Default Featured Image** is the simplest way to ensure every post, page, and custom post type on your WordPress site always displays a featured image — even when one hasn't been set manually. Missing featured images break your layout, hurt your branding, and make your site look unfinished. This plugin solves the problem in seconds: pick a fallback image from your Media Library, and it will automatically appear as the featured image wherever a specific one hasn't been chosen. = Why You Need a Default Featured Image = WordPress doesn't ship with a built-in fallback for featured images. That means any post without a manually selected thumbnail will render without one — leaving blank spaces in your blog grid, archive pages, and social media previews. The **Setup Default Featured Image** plugin fills that gap automatically, keeping your site polished and consistent at all times. = Key Features = * **One-click default image setup** — Choose any image from your Media Library as the global fallback featured image. * **Works everywhere** — Applies to posts, pages, and all registered custom post types automatically. * **Include / exclude post types** — Limit or skip specific post types so the default only applies where you need it. * **Include / exclude by category** — Fine-grained control to apply (or skip) the default image for specific categories. * **Zero configuration required** — Install, activate, select your image, done. * **Lightweight and fast** — No bloat; the plugin adds no overhead to your front-end. * **Advanced taxonomy rules** *(Pro)* — Set different default images per taxonomy term for complete control. = Perfect For = * Blogs and news sites with high publishing volume * WooCommerce stores where product images may be missing * Membership or multi-author sites where contributors forget to add thumbnails * Any site that uses a grid or card-based theme relying on featured images = How It Works = 1. Install and activate the plugin. 2. Go to **Settings → Default Featured Image**. 3. Click **Select Image** and choose your fallback from the Media Library. 4. Save — every post or page without a featured image will now display your chosen default automatically. No shortcodes, no coding, no template edits required. = Pro Version = Unlock advanced features with [Setup Default Featured Image Pro](https://www.codesmade.com/store/setup-default-featured-image-pro/): * Set different default images for different taxonomies and terms * Advanced conditional rules for maximum flexibility = Useful Links = * [Documentation](https://www.codesmade.com/setup-default-feature-image-documentation/) * [Pro Version](https://www.codesmade.com/store/setup-default-featured-image-pro/) * [Support](https://www.codesmade.com/contact-us/) = Our Other Plugins = * [Custom Field For WP Job Manager](https://wordpress.org/plugins/custom-field-for-wp-job-manager/) — Add custom fields to job submission forms. * [Auto Location for WP Job Manager](https://wordpress.org/plugins/auto-location-for-wp-job-manager/) — Enable location-based job filtering. * [Post to PDF](https://wordpress.org/plugins/post-to-pdf/) — Convert WordPress posts into downloadable PDF documents. * [Festival Snow Effect](https://wordpress.org/plugins/snow-effect/) — Add a festive snow animation to your site. == Installation == **From the WordPress Plugin Directory (recommended)** 1. Go to **Plugins → Add New** in your WordPress dashboard. 2. Search for **"Setup Default Featured Image"**. 3. Click **Install Now**, then **Activate**. 4. Navigate to **Settings → Default Featured Image** and choose your fallback image. **Manual Installation** 1. Download the plugin ZIP file. 2. Go to **Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin**. 3. Upload the ZIP, click **Install Now**, then **Activate**. 4. Navigate to **Settings → Default Featured Image** and choose your fallback image. == Frequently Asked Questions == = What happens if a post already has a featured image set? = Nothing changes. The default featured image only acts as a fallback — it will never override an image that has already been manually assigned to a post or page. = Does this work with custom post types? = Yes. The plugin works with all post types registered on your site, including custom post types created by themes or other plugins. = Can I exclude certain post types from using the default image? = Yes. The plugin includes include/exclude settings per post type so you have full control over where the default image is applied. = Can I exclude specific categories? = Yes. You can include or exclude specific categories so the default image is only applied where it makes sense for your content. = The default featured image isn't showing on my site — what should I do? = First, confirm that your theme uses the standard WordPress `get_the_post_thumbnail()` or `the_post_thumbnail()` functions to display featured images. If the problem persists, please [open a support thread](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/setup-default-feature-image/) with details about your theme and setup. = Is this plugin compatible with page builders like Elementor and Divi? = Yes. As long as the page builder or theme uses standard WordPress functions to retrieve featured images, the default image will appear correctly. = Will the default image appear in SEO meta tags and social sharing previews? = Yes, in most cases. SEO plugins like Yoast SEO and Rank Math read the featured image via standard WordPress functions, so your default image will be used in Open Graph and Twitter Card meta tags as well. = Does the plugin slow down my site? = No. The plugin is deliberately lightweight and only hooks into the existing WordPress thumbnail retrieval process — it adds no front-end scripts, styles, or database queries beyond what is necessary. = Is there a Pro version? = Yes! [Setup Default Featured Image Pro](https://www.codesmade.com/store/setup-default-featured-image-pro/) adds advanced taxonomy-based rules, letting you set different default images per category, tag, or any custom taxonomy term. == Screenshots == 1. **Plugin Settings Page** — Select your default featured image directly from the WordPress Media Library. 2. **Post Type Controls** — Choose which post types the default image should apply to. 3. **Front-End Result** — Posts without a manually set featured image display the default automatically. == Changelog == = 1.3 = * Tested and confirmed compatibility with WordPress 6.9.4. * Minor code improvements and stability fixes. = 1.2 = * Added include/exclude options for custom post types. * Added include/exclude options for categories. = 1.1 = * Added support for all registered custom post types. * Performance improvements. = 1.0 = * Initial release. Set a default featured image for posts and pages. == Upgrade Notice == = 1.3 = Recommended update for all users. Improves compatibility with the latest version of WordPress.