--- title: "How to Add Scroll Reading Progress Bar for WordPress [Beginner’s Guide]" url: https://nexterwp.com/blog/how-to-add-scroll-reading-progress-bar-for-wordpress/ date: 2025-03-25 modified: 2026-04-14 author: "Aditya Sharma" description: "Have you ever found yourself scrolling through a long article, wondering how much more there is to go? That's exactly why a reading progress bar WordPress can be a game-changer..." image: https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-4-2-1024x519.png word_count: 1632 --- # How to Add Scroll Reading Progress Bar for WordPress [Beginner’s Guide] ## Key Takeaways - Nexter Blocks offers 90+ customizable blocks to enhance WordPress sites. - Reading Progressbar plugin allows configuration of a reading position indicator on websites. - Read Meter lets users customize the color and position of the reading progress bar. - Catch Scroll Progress Bar provides simple customization options for a basic reading progress indicator. - WP Reading Progress enables users to add a customized reading progress bar anywhere on their site. Have you ever found yourself scrolling through a long article, wondering how much more there is to go? That's exactly why a reading progress bar WordPress can be a game-changer for your website. It is a simple and effective way to keep your visitors on the website, as it helps them keep track of their reading process when navigating long pieces of content. This will keep them motivated to reach the end and improve the overall experience by demonstrating that you value the reader's time and interest. The good thing is that you can easily add a reading progress bar in WordPress using plugins and custom code. Let's dive in. Table of Contents ## What is a Reading Progress Bar? A reading progress bar is a visual indicator that shows how much of an article or page a user has read. Typically displayed at the top or side of the screen, it fills up as the user scrolls down, providing a clear sense of progress. It is a simple and thoughtful design element, which can help improve the dwell time on your website because the readers know exactly how long it takes to go through the content. Simply put, if you want your readers to stay on your website, the WordPress progress bar is a useful addition. ## Benefits of Adding a Scroll Reading Progress Bar Adding a reading progress bar in WordPress can have a positive impact on the website and its visitors- - **Enhances user engagement:** A progress bar visually motivates readers to continue scrolling, making them more likely to finish reading your content. This can help reduce the bounce rate and increase the dwell time on your website. - **Encourages users to read till the end: **When users see their progress in real time, they're less likely to abandon the page halfway, and it enhances the reading experience, especially for long-form content. - **Elevates website design: **It enhances your website design and functionality, leaving a better impression on the visitors and building trust. *Want to build a simple and minimal website? Learn *[***How to Create WordPress One Page Navigation***](https://nexterwp.com/blog/how-to-create-wordpress-one-page-navigation-single-page-website/)* website for your business.* ## How to Add a Scroll Reading Progress Bar in WordPress If you're looking to add a scroll progress bar in WordPress, there are 3 simple ways to do so. Let's understand them. ### Method 1: Using a WordPress Plugin A WordPress plugin is one the easiest and simplest ways to add a reading progress indicator to your WordPress website. These plugins are user-friendly, with plenty of features and customization options available to help you design a functional reading progress bar. Here are some of the best plugins you can use to add a reading progress bar in WordPress- **A. Reading Progressbar** ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Using-a-WordPress-Plugin.png) Reading Progressbar is a popular plugin that lets you configure a reading position indicator on your website. It is lightweight and flexible, and it can be designed with a fully customized reading progress bar and flexible positioning. You can also display your progress bar on certain templates in addition to post types. **B. Read Meter** ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Read-Meter.png) With Read Meter, you can place a reading progress bar at the very top or bottom of your page. You can opt to add the progress bar for only certain post types and also customize the color to match your website design. Further, the plugin also lets you add the estimated reading time to your post. **C. Catch Scroll Progress Bar** ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Catch-Scroll-Progress-Bar-1.png) Catch Scroll Progress Bar is another lightweight plugin to add a basic reading progress indicator to your site. You get access to simple customization options to keep the design minimal, as well as post type and template targeting, so you can use the progress bar based on your requirements. **D. WP Reading Progress** ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/WP-Reading-Progress.png) WP Reading Progress is a user-friendly plugin that allows you to add a customized reading progress bar wherever you want on the site. You can automatically stick it at the top or bottom of the page or use CSS to display it anywhere else. The plugin also offers post-type targeting and basic style options. Now let's understand how you can add a WordPress progress bar on your website using the [Reading Progressbar](https://wordpress.org/plugins/reading-progress-bar/) plugin- **Step 1:** **Install the Reading Progressbar plugin** On your WordPress [admin dashboard](https://nexterwp.com/blog/customize-wordpress-admin-dashboard/), go to *Plugins > Add New Plugin* and search for Reading Progressbar. ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Install-the-Reading-Progressbar.png) Install and activate the plugin to get started. **Step 2: Configure the settings** Once you have activated the plugin, you can quickly configure the settings to set up the progress bar. Go to *Settings > Reading Progressbar *to set the Progressbar height, foreground and background color, Progressbar position, or HTML ID if you want to place the bar manually. ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Configure-the-settings-1.png) Next, scroll down to select the templates and the post types where you want to apply the progress bar. ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/scroll-down.png) **Step 3: Save and view the progress bar on your website** Click on *Save* *Changes* to add the progress bar. Now, go to your live website to see the progress bar in action. *Make website navigation seamless with a professional sticky header on your website. Know *[***How to Create Sticky Header Navigation in WordPress***](https://nexterwp.com/blog/how-to-add-a-wordpress-before-after-slider/)***.*** ### Method 2: Adding a Progress Bar Using Custom Code You can also apply a progress bar to your posts using a custom code. Now, you can do this in two ways. First, add the code directly to your theme's *functions.php *file. But while it is easy, even the smallest mistake when editing the theme's core files can break the website. So, instead, you can use a second way to add a progress indicator using a code- use the WPCode plugin. It is a safe way to add custom code in WordPress without editing the core files. Once you install and activate the WPCode plugin, go to *Code Snippets > Library* from the WordPress dashboard. ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Adding-a-Progress-Bar-Using-Custom-Code.png) Search for *Scroll Progress Bar* in the library. ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Scroll-Progress-Bar-in-the-library.png) Click on the *Use Snippet* button, and the plugin will automatically add the code for you. Then, toggle the switch from *Inactive *to *Active *and click on the *Update *button. Now, you can see the reading progress bar on your website. ### Method 3: Adding a Reading Progress Bar Using Gutenberg Blocks If you're using the Gutenberg page editor to build your website, an excellent way to add the reading progress bar is using Nexter Blocks. ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Adding-a-Reading-Progress-Bar-Using-Gutenberg-Blocks.png) Nexter Blocks is a lightweight, user-friendly plugin that offers you tons of design and functional blocks to enhance your website. The plugin also helps you add a fully customized reading progress bar with access to tons of design options. To get started, install and activate *Nexter Blocks* from the WordPress plugin library. Now, go to *Nexter > Nexter Blocks* on your WordPress dashboard, search for the Progress Bar block, and turn on the toggle to activate it. ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Nexter-Blocks-1.png) Click on *Save Changes.* This will activate the block for your website. **Customizing Your Reading Progress Bar** Once the block is activated, you can take advantage of amazing features such as multiple styling options, linear and circular bars, or multiple image options to customize the progress bar. Add the block to your Gutenberg editor and select an appropriate layout from the *Select Layout *section. Here, you can display the progress bar as a linear or circular bar based on your design requirements. ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Customizing-Your-Reading-Progress-Bar.png) Here are the other customization options you can check out - **Progress bar style:** In the *Style* section, you can select a style for your linear or circular progress bar, add the title and subtitle, add a symbol, or choose to show or hide the value from the progress bar with the *Display Number* toggle. In the *Value* field, set a value between 0 and 100 to control how much of the progress bar is filled in. ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Progress-bar-style.png) - **Image/Icon:** From the *Icon/Image *section, choose the type of visual you want to display and select where to position it. ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Block.png) - **Customize the progress bar:** Under the *Style *tab, you can adjust the top margin, icon style, text style, and the background color of the progress bar. ![](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Customize-the-progress-bar.png) When styling the scroll progress bar in WordPress, make sure the design is responsive and mobile-friendly to ensure a seamless experience across devices. Further, you can also add smooth animations using Nexter Blocks for better website aesthetics. *Help your website visitors search through your blog content easily. Check out *[***How to Add WordPress Ajax Search Using a Plugin***](https://nexterwp.com/blog/how-to-add-wordpress-ajax-search-using-plugin/)* on your website.* #### Stay updated with Helpful WordPress Tips, Insider Insights, and Exclusive Updates – Subscribe now to keep up with Everything Happening on WordPress! Subscribe ## Wrapping Up Adding a reading progress bar in WordPress enhances user engagement and improves the reading experience. You can easily do so using a plugin, custom code, or the Nexter Blocks and display a creative progress bar on your website. Nexter Blocks provides an easier, no-code solution to add a Gutenberg reading progress bar along with 90+ customizable blocks to enhance your WordPress site. Try Nexter Blocks to simplify your WordPress editing experience! ## FAQs on Adding a Scroll Reading Progress Bar in WordPress ### Does a reading progress bar affect website performance? No, progress bars are lightweight and won't slow down your site if implemented correctly. In fact, it can help improve the website experience and navigation for the reader. ### Can I customize the color and style of the progress bar? Yes, most plugins like the Nexter Blocks allow full customization of color, size, and position. With it, you can even add custom icons/images or change the layout of the progress bar to match the website aesthetic. ### Are reading progress bars mobile-friendly? Yes, Nexter Blocks lets you add highly responsive reading progress bars that ensure a seamless website experience across all devices. ### Do all WordPress themes support reading progress bars? Most themes support reading progress bars. Alternatively, you can make minor CSS tweaks or use a WordPress plugin like Nexter Blocks or Read Meter to add progress indicators. ### Can a reading progress bar be added without plugins? Yes, you can add a reading progress bar without a plugin using custom CSS and JavaScript. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What if the reading progress bar doesn't show up on my website?** A: If the reading progress bar isn't appearing, check if the plugin is activated and properly configured. For instance, ensure you've set the correct templates and post types in the settings of the Reading Progressbar plugin. If you're using custom code, verify that the code snippet is active in the WPCode plugin. Sometimes, caching issues can also prevent changes from displaying, so clearing your site cache may help. **Q: Can I use a reading progress bar with any WordPress theme?** A: Most WordPress themes support reading progress bars, but compatibility can vary. If your theme doesn't display the progress bar correctly, you might need to make minor CSS adjustments. Using plugins like Nexter Blocks or Read Meter can help ensure the progress bar integrates well with your theme's design. **Q: What are the best customization options for a reading progress bar?** A: Customizing your reading progress bar can enhance user experience significantly. With plugins like Nexter Blocks, you can adjust the color, size, and position of the progress bar. Additionally, you can choose between linear and circular styles, add icons, and set the progress value to control how much of the bar is filled. This customization allows you to align the progress bar with your website's aesthetic. **Q: Can I add a reading progress bar without using a plugin?** A: It is possible to add a reading progress bar without a plugin by using custom CSS and JavaScript. This method allows for greater control over the design and functionality, but it requires some coding knowledge. If you're not comfortable with coding, using a plugin like Reading Progressbar is a simpler alternative. **Q: Does adding a reading progress bar slow down my website?** A: No, a reading progress bar is lightweight and should not slow down your website if implemented correctly. In fact, it can enhance user experience by keeping visitors engaged and encouraging them to read through your content. Proper implementation ensures that the progress bar complements your site's performance.