Empty P Tag helps you keep clean front-end markup when WordPress, themes, or builders insert unwanted empty <p> / <br> tags that create awkward spacing.

What it does

Removes empty paragraph tags (including whitespace-only and   paragraphs)
Optionally disables WordPress wpautop on content, excerpts, and text widgets
Gives you a Settings screen so you can choose exactly where cleanup runs
Stays lightweight: front-end cleaning runs only where you enable it

Useful when

Page builders or custom HTML layouts pick up extra vertical space
Classic editor / mixed content leaves empty paragraphs behind
You want wpautop off in some places, but normal paragraphs elsewhere

Default settings match older versions of this plugin, so existing sites keep the same behavior after upgrading.

Release Notes

Version 5.0.0 – Major update

This release rebuilds Empty P Tag around a proper settings experience while keeping the previous default behavior for existing sites.

Highlights

New admin page at Settings Empty P Tag
Turn WordPress automatic paragraphs (wpautop) on or off for content, excerpts, and text widgets
Choose where empty paragraph cleanup should run
Improved matching for empty paragraphs that contain only spaces,  , line breaks, or invisible characters
Option to also remove empty paragraphs that include HTML attributes (for example a class)
Optional setting to collapse consecutive / stray line break tags
Quick Settings link on the Plugins screen
Translation-ready (text domain: empty-p-tag)
Settings are removed cleanly on uninstall
Compatibility updates: requires PHP 7.2+, tested up to WordPress 6.8

Upgrade notes

After updating, review Settings Empty P Tag
Defaults match the older always-on behavior, so most sites will look the same after upgrade
If your theme needs normal WordPress paragraphs, disable the wpautop options and leave empty-tag cleanup enabled