If you’ve ever needed to make tweaks to your WordPress site, you’ve likely come across the term “Page ID” or “Post ID.”
These IDs are crucial for customizing and managing your website, whether you’re adding custom CSS, tweaking a plugin setting, or even developing new features.
But if you’re new to WordPress, finding these IDs might seem a bit daunting. Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s simpler than you might think.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through several easy methods to find the ID of any page, post, or custom post type in WordPress.
Whether you prefer using the WordPress dashboard, a plugin, or even delving into the database, I’ve got you covered. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll feel confident in locating those all-important IDs whenever you need them.
For many beginners, WordPress IDs can feel like a hidden piece of the puzzle. You know they’re there, playing an essential role in how your site functions, but they’re not immediately visible or intuitive to find. If you’re working on a custom layout, trying to exclude specific pages from a plugin, or simply following a tutorial that asks for a page ID, not knowing where to find this information can be frustrating.
But here’s the good news: locating WordPress IDs is straightforward, and you don’t need to be a tech wizard to do it. Let’s dive into the different methods, starting with the easiest one.
The simplest way to find a WordPress page or post ID is by looking at the URL when editing the content. Every page or post you create in WordPress has a unique ID, and this ID is always present in the URL when you’re editing that content.
Here’s how you can find it:
yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1234
post=
is the ID of your page or post. In this example, the ID is 1234.That’s it! This method is quick and doesn’t require any additional tools or plugins. It’s a handy trick to have up your sleeve, especially when you need to find an ID on the fly.
If you’re looking for a more user-friendly approach, especially if you need to find multiple IDs frequently, a plugin might be the best option. Plugins like “Reveal IDs” or “Show IDs” can automatically display the ID of each page, post, or custom post type right within your WordPress dashboard.
Here’s how to set it up:
This method is particularly useful if you manage a site with a lot of content and need quick access to IDs without diving into the editor or using browser tools.
For those who are comfortable using browser developer tools, you can also find the WordPress ID by inspecting the HTML elements on the page. This method is a bit more advanced, but it’s still accessible to most users with a little practice.
Here’s how to do it:
<body>
tag in the HTML markup. You should see something like this:<body class="page-id-1234">
page-id-1234
) is the ID of the page.This method is great for users who are already familiar with HTML and CSS or those who want to explore more advanced aspects of their WordPress site.
If you’re a developer or a more advanced user, you can use WordPress functions to find or display the ID directly within your theme files.
Here are two commonly used functions:
get_the_ID()
: This function retrieves the ID of the current post or page but doesn’t display it.the_ID()
: This function retrieves and displays the ID of the current post or page.For example, you might use these functions in your theme’s single.php
or page.php
files to dynamically show the ID in certain conditions.
Finally, if you’re comfortable with databases, you can find WordPress IDs directly in your website’s database. This method is for advanced users and should be approached with caution, as making changes to your database can have serious consequences if not done correctly.
Here’s how to find IDs using phpMyAdmin:
wp-config.php
file or consult your hosting provider.wp_posts
. This table stores all the data related to your posts, pages, and custom post types.wp_posts
table, you’ll see several columns containing information about your posts.Finding the ID for a WordPress page, post, or custom post type doesn’t have to be a mystery. Whether you prefer using the URL, a plugin, inspecting the page, writing a bit of code, or digging into the database, there’s a method that fits your comfort level and needs.
So, which method do you find the easiest? Or perhaps you discovered a new technique today? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your experiences!
If you found this tutorial helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow WordPress enthusiasts! And while you’re here, why not explore some of our other blog articles related to WordPress?
There’s always something new to learn, and your journey to mastering WordPress has just begun.