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How to edit the header menu in WordPress

Oct 19, 2018 | University, Wordpress-University

Step 1: Log In to Your WordPress Dashboard

Access your WordPress admin area by logging in at yourwebsite.com/wp-admin.

Step 2: Navigate to the Menus Section

  1. From the dashboard, go to Appearance > Menus.
  2. If you don’t see a menu, you may need to create one by clicking Create a New Menu.

Step 3: Select the Header Menu

  1. If your theme supports multiple menus, select the Header Menu from the dropdown menu labeled “Select a menu to edit.”
  2. Click Select to load the menu for editing.

Step 4: Add New Menu Items

  1. In the Add Menu Items section on the left, you’ll see options to add:
    • Pages: Add links to existing pages on your site.
    • Custom Links: Add external links or links to specific sections.
    • Categories: Add links to post categories.
  2. Check the items you want to add and click Add to Menu.
  3. Drag and drop the new items into position within the menu structure.

Step 5: Edit Existing Menu Items

  1. Expand a menu item by clicking the down arrow next to it.
  2. Update the Navigation Label to change how the menu item appears to visitors.
  3. Adjust settings such as opening the link in a new tab or adding a custom CSS class (if applicable).

Step 6: Create Dropdown Menus

  1. Drag menu items slightly to the right beneath a parent menu item to create a hierarchy.
  2. This will create a dropdown or sub-menu when visitors hover over the parent item.

Step 7: Assign the Menu to the Header

  1. Scroll down to the Menu Settings section.
  2. Check the box for Display location (e.g., “Primary Menu” or “Header Menu”).
  3. Save changes by clicking Save Menu.

Customizing the Menu Design

If you want to change the appearance of your header menu:

  1. Navigate to Appearance > Customize.
  2. Select Menus or Header settings, depending on your theme.
  3. Use the built-in options to adjust colors, fonts, alignment, and spacing.

Alternatively, if your theme supports custom header builders (like Divi or Elementor), you can use their visual interfaces to design the menu.

Tips for an Effective Header Menu

  1. Keep It Simple: Limit the number of items to 5–7 to avoid overwhelming users.
  2. Highlight Key Pages: Include links to the most important pages, such as Home, About, Services, and Contact.
  3. Use Clear Labels: Ensure menu labels are descriptive and easy to understand.
  4. Test Responsiveness: Check how the menu appears on mobile devices and make adjustments as needed.

Common Issues and Solutions

  • Menu Not Displaying: Ensure the menu is assigned to the correct location in the Menu Settings.
  • Changes Not Saving: Clear your site’s cache if edits don’t appear on the front end.
  • Missing Features: Check if your theme supports custom menus. If not, consider using a theme that does or installing a plugin like Max Mega Menu.

Final Thoughts

The header menu is a critical part of your website’s navigation and user experience. By following this guide, you can easily edit, update, and customize your WordPress header menu to ensure visitors can find what they’re looking for quickly and efficiently.

Take control of your site’s navigation today and provide your audience with a seamless browsing experience!