How can I ensure the widget is mobile-friendly when using the [product_categories] shortcode

Responsive Design

1. Use CSS for Responsiveness: Ensure that your widget's CSS is responsive. You can set the width of the categories to be fluid (e.g., using percentages) or use CSS media queries to adjust styles based on screen size. For example:

css
   .my-widget-class {
       display: flex;
       flex-wrap: wrap;
   }

   .my-widget-class .category {
       width: 100%; /* Full width on small screens */
   }

   @media (min-width: 600px) {
       .my-widget-class .category {
           width: 50%; /* Two columns on medium screens */
       }
   }

   @media (min-width: 900px) {
       .my-widget-class .category {
           width: 33.33%; /* Three columns on large screens */
       }
   }
   

2. Adjust Columns Dynamically: Utilize the `columns` attribute in the shortcode to control how many categories are displayed per row. For example, you might set it to 2 or 3 for larger screens and 1 for mobile:

   [product_categories columns="3"]
   

Use a Mobile-Friendly Plugin

3. Choose a Mobile-Friendly Widget Plugin: Consider using a plugin that specifically mentions mobile-friendliness. For instance, the WooCommerce Products List Widget allows you to display products and categories in a mobile-friendly manner, with options for layout adjustments that adapt to different screen sizes[1].

Test on Multiple Devices

4. Cross-Device Testing: After implementing your widget, test it on various devices and screen sizes to ensure that it displays correctly. Tools like Chrome DevTools can simulate different devices and help you identify any layout issues.

Additional Features

5. Hide/Show Elements: Use CSS or JavaScript to hide or show certain elements based on screen size. For instance, you might want to simplify the display on smaller screens by hiding descriptions or using icons instead of text.

By following these practices, you can create a widget that effectively utilizes the `[product_categories]` shortcode while ensuring a seamless experience for mobile users.