WordPress allows for a high level of customization in the admin dashboard, including the ability to reorganize submenu items. By default, WordPress arranges submenu items under different parent menus, like “Settings,” “Appearance,” and “Plugins,” for optimal organization. However, some plugins and themes add their submenu items under menus that might not make sense for your workflow. Moving a submenu item from one parent to another can make navigating the dashboard easier and more intuitive, especially if you frequently use specific items.
This guide explains how to move a WordPress admin submenu item from one parent menu to another using code, providing examples and best practices to ensure a smooth and functional transition.
Understanding WordPress Admin Menus and Submenus
In WordPress, the admin menu system is managed by functions that are part of the `add_menu_page` and `add_submenu_page` functions. Each submenu item is associated with a “parent” menu, which defines where it appears in the sidebar. By default, WordPress assigns IDs to each menu and submenu item, allowing developers to target and manipulate these items.
The best way to move a submenu item is to use WordPress hooks to remove it from its current location and add it to the desired parent menu. We’ll use the `admin_menu` action hook, which runs whenever the WordPress admin menu is being rendered.
Steps to Move a WordPress Submenu Item
Step 1: Identify the Submenu Item’s Slug and Parent Menu
Before moving the submenu item, you need to identify:
– The slug of the submenu item: This is the unique identifier used by WordPress to recognize each item.
– The current parent menu’s slug: Knowing this helps you target the item for removal.
– The target parent menu’s slug: This is where you’ll move the submenu item.
For example, let’s say you have a submenu item under the “Settings” menu that you want to move to the “Tools” menu.
You can identify these slugs by inspecting the URLs in your WordPress dashboard. For example, the URL for a submenu item under “Settings” might look like this:
“`
/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=submenu_slug
“`
In this example:
– Current Parent Menu Slug: `options-general.php`
– Submenu Slug: `submenu_slug`
– Target Parent Menu Slug: `tools.php`
Step 2: Remove the Submenu Item from Its Current Parent
To remove the submenu item from its existing parent, use the `remove_submenu_page` function. This function takes two arguments:
1. The slug of the current parent menu.
2. The slug of the submenu item to be removed.
Here’s an example code snippet to remove the submenu item from the “Settings” menu:
“`php
function remove_submenu_item() {
remove_submenu_page(‘options-general.php’, ‘submenu_slug’);
}
add_action(‘admin_menu’, ‘remove_submenu_item’, 99);
“`
The high priority of 99 ensures that this function runs after the submenu item has been added.
Step 3: Add the Submenu Item to the New Parent Menu
Now, use `add_submenu_page` to add the submenu item under the desired parent menu. This function allows you to specify the parent menu, title, capability, slug, and function.
Here’s how you can add the submenu item under “Tools”:
“`php
function add_submenu_item_to_tools() {
add_submenu_page(
‘tools.php’, // New parent menu
‘Submenu Title’, // Page title
‘Submenu Title’, // Menu title
‘manage_options’, // Capability required
‘submenu_slug’, // Slug for the submenu
‘submenu_callback_function’ // Function to display content
);
}
add_action(‘admin_menu’, ‘add_submenu_item_to_tools’);
“`
Replace `submenu_callback_function` with the name of the function that generates the content for the submenu page. If the item being moved is from a plugin, this function is likely already defined in the plugin’s code.
Step 4: Verify the Changes
After adding the code, navigate to your WordPress dashboard to ensure the submenu item has moved to its new location. Clear your site’s cache if you use a caching plugin, as this can sometimes prevent changes from displaying immediately.
Complete Example
Here’s a combined example of the full code:
“`php
function move_submenu_item() {
// Remove submenu item from current parent
remove_submenu_page(‘options-general.php’, ‘submenu_slug’);
// Add submenu item to new parent
add_submenu_page(
‘tools.php’, // New parent menu
‘Submenu Title’, // Page title
‘Submenu Title’, // Menu title
‘manage_options’, // Capability required
‘submenu_slug’, // Slug for the submenu
‘submenu_callback_function’ // Function to display content
);
}
add_action(‘admin_menu’, ‘move_submenu_item’, 99);
“`
Tips and Best Practices
– Backup your site: Always create a backup before editing functions.php or plugin files.
– Use a Child Theme: If you’re adding this code to a theme, use a child theme to prevent the code from being overwritten during updates.
– Error Checking: After moving the submenu, ensure that it functions as expected and doesn’t break other parts of the admin dashboard.
Customizing the WordPress admin dashboard to suit your workflow can save time and make managing your site more efficient. By following these steps, you can easily move a submenu item from one parent menu to another without breaking functionality. With a little coding knowledge, WordPress gives you the flexibility to tailor the dashboard to your preferences and improve your productivity.
