How to Get WordPress Custom Post Types Right
Defining new content types in WordPress, such as products, events or case studies, with their own fields, templates and admin screens.
Marcus Adeyemi
The key figures
- Registration
- register_post_type() defines a new type
- Taxonomies
- custom categories can be attached
- Fields
- often added with custom fields or blocks
- Portability
- types defined in themes disappear when the theme changes
Why this is worth getting right
Custom post types keep structured content organized, instead of forcing everything into posts and pages.
Do this, not that
Do
- Register post types in a plugin, not the theme
- Define custom taxonomies where needed
- Use clear admin labels
- Plan URL structures before launch
- Create templates for each type
Don’t
- Putting everything in standard posts
- Defining content types in themes
- Changing URL slugs after launch without redirects
- Too many overlapping types
When to bring in help
Our advice Bring in help when WordPress sites manage structured content such as events or listings.
Where this comes from
- WordPress Developer Resources — Post types
- WordPress Developer Resources — Taxonomies
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
Working on something like this?
We take on Web Design & Development work for teams who want it done once, properly. Tell us what you are building and we will tell you honestly whether we are the right studio for it. Start a project.
Where to go next
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page. We correct on the page and say what changed.
