Wordpress Change Order Of Submenu In Admin Menu

How to Change the Order of Submenus in Your WordPress Admin Menu

Managing a WordPress website often involves navigating the admin menu extensively. A well-organized admin menu can significantly boost your efficiency. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to change the order of submenus within the WordPress admin menu, improving your workflow and overall user experience. This involves understanding the structure of the admin menu and utilizing several methods to achieve the desired order. We'll explore both code-based solutions and plugin options, catering to different comfort levels with WordPress development.

Why Rearrange Submenus?

A cluttered or illogical admin menu can hinder productivity. Rearranging submenus allows you to:

• Improve workflow: Group related items together for easier access.
• Boost efficiency: Quickly locate frequently used tools and settings.
• Enhance usability: Create a more intuitive and user-friendly admin experience.
• Personalize your dashboard: Tailor the admin interface to your specific needs.

Methods to Change Submenu Order:

There are primarily two ways to reorder submenus in your WordPress admin: using a custom code snippet or employing a dedicated plugin. Let's delve into each method.

Method 1: Using a Custom Code Snippet (For Advanced Users)

This approach requires familiarity with WordPress code and functions. Incorrectly modifying the code can lead to issues, so always back up your website before implementing any code changes.

This method utilizes the admin_menu action hook to reorder the submenus. Here’s an example code snippet that reorders the submenus under the "Appearance" menu:

Explanation:

• custom_submenu_order: This function reorders the submenu items. You'll need to adjust the array keys ([5] and [10]) to match the positions of your submenus. Inspect your $submenu array to find the correct keys using print_r($submenu); (Remember to remove this debugging line after you've identified the keys).
• add_filter( 'custom_menu_order', '__return_true' );: This line enables custom menu ordering.
• add_filter( 'menu_order', 'custom_submenu_order' );: This line applies the custom_submenu_order function.

How to Implement the Code Snippet:

1. Access your theme's functions.php file or create a custom plugin.
2. Paste the code into the file.
3. Adjust the array keys to reflect the correct positions of your submenus.
4. Save the file.

Important Considerations:

• Backup: Always back up your website before implementing any code changes.
• Child Themes: It's recommended to add this code to a child theme rather than directly to your main theme.
• Key Identification: Use print_r($submenu); to identify the numeric keys of your submenus before making changes.

Method 2: Using a Plugin (For Beginners)

Several plugins offer a user-friendly interface to manage the WordPress admin menu. These plugins often provide drag-and-drop functionality, simplifying the process significantly. Research available plugins and choose one that matches your needs and comfort level. Be sure to select a reputable plugin with positive reviews and regular updates to ensure compatibility and stability.

Choosing the Right Plugin:

When selecting a plugin, consider the following factors:

• Ease of use: Opt for a plugin with a simple and intuitive interface.
• Features: Ensure the plugin provides the specific functionality you require.
• Reviews and ratings: Check user reviews and ratings to assess the plugin's reliability.
• Updates: Choose a plugin that receives regular updates to maintain compatibility and security.

By implementing either method, you can easily reorganize your WordPress admin menu's submenus, optimizing your website management experience. Remember to always prioritize website backup and responsible code implementation. Choosing between the code-based approach and a plugin depends on your technical skills and preference. Both methods are effective ways to achieve a more efficient and user-friendly admin area.