Category: Developer Resources

PressNative automatically renders your WordPress content in native app components. But a few simple content practices will make your app experience dramatically better.

Featured Images Are Essential

Every post should have a featured image. In the app, featured images appear in:

• The hero carousel (full-width, high-impact)
• Post grid cards (thumbnail format)
• Post detail headers
• Push notification rich media

If a post doesn’t have a featured image, PressNative falls back to the first image in the content, then to your site icon. Set a featured image for consistent, intentional presentation.

Recommended size: At least 1200×630px for crisp display on high-density screens.

Write Meaningful Excerpts

Post excerpts appear in the post grid cards. WordPress auto-generates excerpts by truncating content, which often cuts mid-sentence. Write manual excerpts for cleaner card presentation: 1–2 sentences that summarize the post’s value proposition.

Use Categories Strategically

Categories drive two app features: the category list component and the hero carousel (which pulls from a configurable category). Organize your categories around topics your readers care about — not internal taxonomy.

Good categories: “Recipes,” “News,” “Tutorials,” “Reviews”
Less useful: “Uncategorized,” “Q1 2026,” “Draft Ideas”

Structure Content with Headings

Use H2 and H3 headings to break up long posts. In the app’s WebView renderer, headings create visual hierarchy and make articles scannable — critical on a small screen where users decide in seconds whether to keep reading.

Optimize Images in Content

Large unoptimized images slow down rendering on mobile networks. Use WordPress’s built-in image compression, or a plugin like ShortPixel or Imagify. Aim for images under 200KB each within post content.

Test with the Preview

After configuring your layout, use the PressNative live preview in WordPress admin to see exactly how your content appears. Check the hero carousel, post grid, and individual article views on both device frames.

This guide walks you through every step of setting up PressNative, from installing the plugin to customizing your app and going live.

Prerequisites

• A self-hosted WordPress site (WordPress.com Business plan or higher for plugin support)
• Admin access to your WordPress dashboard
• Published content: at least 5–10 posts with featured images

Step 1: Install the Plugin

Download the PressNative plugin ZIP file from your account dashboard. In WordPress, go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin, and upload the ZIP. Activate the plugin.

You’ll see a new “PressNative” menu item in your admin sidebar.

Step 2: Connect to the Registry

Navigate to PressNative → Dashboard. Enter your Registry URL and API key (provided when you create your PressNative account). Click “Verify Site” to confirm ownership.

The verification process sends a nonce to the Registry, which calls back to your site to confirm you have admin access. This happens automatically — just click the button and wait for the green checkmark.

Step 3: Configure Branding

Go to PressNative → App Settings. Here you’ll set:

1. App name: What appears under the app icon on users’ home screens
2. Theme: Choose a preset or go custom
3. Colors and typography: Match your website’s brand identity
4. Logo: Upload a square logo (recommended: 512×512px)

Use the live preview panel to see how your choices look on iOS and Android.

Step 4: Configure Layout

Go to PressNative → Layout Settings. Arrange your home screen components:

1. Hero Carousel: Select a featured category and set the maximum number of items
2. Post Grid: Choose column count and posts per page
3. Category List: Select which categories to show
4. Page List: Automatically shows your published pages
5. Ad Placement: Optional — add your AdMob banner unit ID

Drag components to reorder them. The live preview updates as you make changes.

Step 5: Prepare Your Content

For the best app experience:

• Add featured images to all posts (the hero carousel and post grid use these)
• Write clear excerpts (shown in post grid cards)
• Organize posts into categories (these drive the category list and hero carousel)
• Create a “Featured” category for your hero carousel’s best content

Step 6: Go Live

Once you’re happy with the preview, your app is built and submitted to the App Store and Google Play through the PressNative Registry. Approval typically takes 1–3 days for Google Play and 1–7 days for the App Store.

After approval, share your app links everywhere: blog posts, email signatures, social media bios, and QR codes using the

shortcode.