A non-breaking space allows you to add a space between two words that prevents an automatic line break (line wrap) at its position.
They’re commonly used where amounts, such as dollars are separated using a space or when typing a brand name.
When using Microsoft Word it’s as easy as typing Ctrl + Shift + Space – but it’s not at easy in an HTML WYSIWYG editor such as in WordPress.
However, with the following PHP filter you can make TinyMCE automatically create a non-breaking space when using the Ctrl + Shift + Space key combination.
If you’re not sure where to place this code I highly recommend you read How to create a WordPress plugin for your custom functions.
function itsg_tinymce_nbsp( $settings ) {
$settings['setup'] = <<<JS
[function(editor) {
var down = {};
editor.onKeyDown.add( function( editor, event ) {
down[event.keyCode] = true;
});
editor.onKeyUp.add( function( editor, event ) {
if ( down[16] && down[17] && down[32] ) {
editor.execCommand( 'mceInsertContent', false, ' ' ); // inserts non-breaking space
}
down[event.keyCode] = false;
});
}][0]
JS;
$settings['entities'] = '160,nbsp,38,amp,60,lt,62,gt';
$settings['entity_encoding'] = 'named';
return $settings;
}
add_filter( 'tiny_mce_before_init', 'itsg_tinymce_nbsp' );
Hello Adrian,
Many thanks for getting back in touch with me. I am sorry, but the code does not seems to work. If I press LEFT Shift, LEFT CTRL and the space bar, the ‘ ‘ is not entered. I do not see it when the editor is in the ‘text’ mode while the Shift, Ctrl and spacebar is entered in the ‘Visual’ mode.
If I go to Plugins -> Plugin Editor -> Select plugin to edit -> itsupportguides.com custom function I see the text above in the black box.
What can I do more to help you?
With kind regards,
TheStingPilot
Hello,
A very good idea. I have put your idea in action: created a file called itsg-custom-functions.php.
I cannot post the content, but it is the same as above.
Created a zip file, uploaded it, activated the plugin. And in TinyMCE the combination Left Shift – Left Ctrl and space does not create a non-breaking space.
What is wrong?
Thanks for your help.
Hi TheStingPilot
It looks like the filter works different now – resulting in the code not loading.
I’ve updated the article with code that should work.
Adrian