Devenia / Plugin
Make featured images behave like users expect.
Make featured images link where visitors expect: full-size images on single posts, post permalinks on archives and Query Loops.
Version 1.1.0 adds settings for single-post links, archive links, Query Loop behavior, and enabled post types.
Clicks should do something sensible.
The defaults work immediately. Use the Settings screen only when a site needs attachment-page links, no-link behavior, or post-type control.
Make featured images clickable. Full-size image links on single posts by default. Post links on archives and Query Loop blocks by default. Settings are available when you need different behavior.
The Problem
Featured images just sit there. You can’t click them. They don’t do anything.
On single posts and pages
Visitors often expect the featured image to open the full image. Version 1.1.0 links to the full-size file by default, with optional attachment-page or no-link behavior.
On archives and Query Loops
Visitors often click thumbnails expecting to open the post. The default archive and Query Loop behavior links featured images to the post permalink.
The Solution
Install and activate. The defaults preserve the original zero-setup behavior.
Use Settings > Clickable Featured Image only when you need more control.
What It Does
Single posts and pages
Link featured images to the full-size image file by default. Optionally use the attachment page or disable the link.
Archives and Query Loops
Link featured images to the post permalink by default, or turn archive linking off from the Settings screen.
Light settings
Choose single-post behavior, archive behavior, and which public post types with featured images should be affected.
Works With Your Setup
Standard WordPress output
Works with themes and blocks that use normal featured image output. Tested with GeneratePress and Twenty Twenty-Four.
Lightbox workflows
The default full-size image link works with common lightbox plugins, including Lightbox for Gallery & Image Block and Meow-style workflows.
Smart detection
If the theme or block already links the featured image, the plugin leaves it alone to avoid duplicate links.
100% Free. No Catches.
No premium version
This is the whole plugin: focused settings, sensible defaults, and no paid tier.
No tracking
No analytics, no phone-home behavior, and no front-end JavaScript unless lightbox compatibility needs it.
Open source
GPL v2 or later. Distributed through WordPress.org with source available in the plugin SVN repository.
Requires WordPress 5.4+ and PHP 7.4+
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clickable Featured Image free?
Yes. It is free and open source under GPL v2 or later, available from WordPress.org. There is no premium version and no tracking.
Does the plugin have a Settings page?
Yes. Version 1.1.0 adds Settings > Clickable Featured Image. The defaults still work without configuration.
What can I configure?
You can choose the single-post link target, the archive and Query Loop link target, and which public post types with featured image support should be affected.
Will this plugin work with my lightbox plugin?
The default single-post behavior links the featured image to the full-size image file, which is the format many lightbox plugins expect. It has been tested with Lightbox for Gallery & Image Block and Meow-style workflows.
Will it conflict with my theme?
It should work with most themes that use standard WordPress featured image output. If a theme or block already links the featured image, the plugin avoids adding a duplicate link.
Does it work with Query Loop blocks?
Yes. The plugin handles the core Featured Image block and Query Loop contexts, while avoiding images that are already linked by the block or theme.
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Need better image behaviour in WordPress?
Tell us how featured images should behave and where the current setup falls short.