OceanWP Side Panel Addon is a responsive off-canvas extension that allows you to add a side panel with your preferred widgets inside your WordPress website. This lightweight addon expands the navigation and content capabilities of your theme by providing a slide-out area for any information you wish to display. It provides a clean way to declutter your main layout while keeping important tools accessible.
WPExclusive members get access to Side Panel as part of a full plugin and theme library — plans from $9.99/month. See the full OceanWP collection →
What Is OceanWP Side Panel Addon?
OceanWP Side Panel Addon is developed by OceanWP and is a navigation plugin for WordPress. It belongs to the navigation category on WPExclusive, alongside other tools for site customization.
This addon solves the problem of limited screen real estate by introducing an off-canvas area that opens via a button or menu link. It is ideal for site owners who want to display secondary menus, social feeds, or search bars without taking up header space.
OceanWP Side Panel Addon Features
The feature set is built around providing complete control over the off-canvas experience, from the trigger button to the content inside the panel itself.
Customizable Trigger Button
Side Panel allows you to choose a custom icon and text for the opening button. You can place this button directly in the menu or beside the panel for easy access. There are also custom opening buttons with effects and a shortcode to display the trigger anywhere on your layout, ensuring the entry point fits your site’s aesthetic.
Flexible Panel Layouts
The plugin provides options to display the panel on either the left or right side of the screen. You can set a custom width for the panel and choose whether the panel displaces the main content or slides over it. These settings help maintain a high quality navigation experience across different device sizes.
Advanced Content Integration
Beyond traditional widgets, Side Panel now supports templates created in the OceanWP Library. This means you can select a template created with a page builder to replace standard widget areas. Integrated NiceScroll support ensures that visitors can scroll through long panel content smoothly without seeing bulky scrollbars.
Visibility and Styling Controls
Users can show or hide the panel at specific breakpoints using the built-in media query field. The addon also includes options to add an overlay when the panel is active, customize the close button text, and apply custom colors to match your brand. Per-page controls allow you to disable the panel on specific posts or pages via the OceanWP Settings metabox.
Pricing
Check current pricing on the Side Panel sales page — WPExclusive members access it as part of their plan.
| Plan | Price | Sites | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPExclusive Membership | From $9.99/month | Unlimited | Side Panel + full library |
For developers managing multiple sites, a WPExclusive membership covers Side Panel plus hundreds of other plugins and themes — usually less than one premium license.
Latest Version
The current version is 1.0.12. This update introduced codes for the Freemius switch, while previous versions added important filters for child theme compatibility and custom breakpoint fixes. WPExclusive updates plugin files promptly after each release.
How to Install
- Download the Side Panel .zip from your WPExclusive member account
- In WordPress: Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Select the .zip and click Install Now → Activate
- Navigate to the WordPress Customizer to configure the panel settings
- Go to Appearance → Widgets to add content to your new Side Panel sidebar
Use Cases
Mobile-First Navigation
Website owners can use the addon to create a specialized mobile navigation menu that only appears on small screens. By using the breakpoint settings, the side panel can house search bars and contact info that would otherwise clutter a mobile header.
Compact Portfolio Sidebars
For creative sites, the side panel can hold category filters or project details. This keeps the main focus on the gallery or images while ensuring users can still access navigation tools quickly.
Agencies and Developers Managing Multiple Client Sites
Agencies can deploy professional off-canvas features across dozens of client sites without purchasing individual licenses for each project. A WPExclusive membership allows for rapid deployment of Side Panel on unlimited client domains.
Pros and Cons
✅ Strengths
- Supports custom templates from the OceanWP Library for total design freedom
- Includes NiceScroll integration for smooth scrolling without default scrollbars
- Granular control over specific page visibility via the OceanWP Settings metabox
⚠️ Limitations
- Designed specifically for the OceanWP theme and will not work with other themes
- Requires manual widget or template setup to display content
- Developer auto-updates require an active license key. WPExclusive publishes updates manually when new versions are released.
Is OceanWP Side Panel Addon GPL Licensed?
Yes. OceanWP Side Panel Addon is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) — the same license that governs WordPress itself. GPL gives any user the legal right to use, study, share, and redistribute the software. This is the legal framework that makes WPExclusive’s membership model possible.
WPExclusive distributes 100% original, unmodified files — the same release the developer publishes. No injected code, no alterations, no security risks.
Get OceanWP Side Panel Addon on WPExclusive
WPExclusive membership starts at $9.99/month, $87/year, or $149 lifetime — giving you OceanWP Side Panel Addon plus every plugin and theme in the library, on unlimited sites.
Explore the full OceanWP collection → or browse all WordPress plugins →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OceanWP Side Panel Addon do?
OceanWP Side Panel Addon is a navigation plugin used to add a responsive off-canvas side panel to your site. It allows users to place widgets or custom templates inside a sliding sidebar that opens via a button or menu icon.
Is OceanWP Side Panel Addon free?
This is a premium extension, but WPExclusive members can access it for $9.99/month as part of the full library.
What is the latest version of OceanWP Side Panel Addon?
The current version is 1.0.12. The plugin is actively maintained — WPExclusive members always receive the most current release.
How much does OceanWP Side Panel Addon cost?
The plugin is sold as part of the OceanWP Core Extension Bundle. Via WPExclusive, it is included in plans from $9.99/month.
Is it legal to use OceanWP Side Panel Addon via WPExclusive?
The plugin is GPL licensed, which explicitly permits redistribution. WPExclusive provides original, unmodified files — fully within GPL terms.
Can I use Side Panel with other themes?
Side Panel is built exclusively for the OceanWP theme. It relies on the OceanWP framework to function correctly and will not work with third-party themes.
