Copying a page in WordPress can save you a lot of time, whether you’re testing designs, keeping page layouts, or copying content across your site. This guide will show you two main ways to copy a page in WordPress: using a plugin or doing it manually.
Using a WordPress Plugin to Copy a Page
A plugin is one of the easiest ways to copy a WordPress page. These tools make the process simple, even if you’re not very tech-savvy.
Copy a Page with the “Duplicate Page” Plugin
The Duplicate Page plugin is a favorite among WordPress users because it’s simple and efficient. Here’s how to use it:
- Install the Plugin: Go to your WordPress Dashboard > Plugins > Add New. Search for “Duplicate Page,” then install and activate the plugin.
- Configure Settings: After activation, go to Settings > Duplicate Page in your dashboard. Adjust the settings to decide where the copied pages will appear (draft, private, or public).
- Duplicate a Page: Go to the Pages or Posts section in your dashboard. Hover over the page or post you want to copy. Click “Duplicate This.” The plugin will create a copy of the page, usually saved as a draft and labeled “Copy of [Original Title].”
- Edit the Copied Page: Find your copied page in the list of pages. Click “Edit” to make changes. Since the page is a draft, you can update the content, SEO settings, images, and layout before publishing.
- Publish the Page: Once you’re happy with the changes, click “Publish” to make the page live.
Remember to review all elements of the copied page, like meta descriptions, page titles, and any custom fields, to ensure they fit the new page.
The Best Plugins for Copying Pages in WordPress
Several plugins can help you copy pages in WordPress. Here are three top choices:
- Duplicate Page
- Why Use It: Simple and easy to use, with over a million installations.
- Features: Quickly copies posts, pages, and custom post types. Saves duplicates as drafts, private, or published based on your settings.
- Duplicate Post
- Why Use It: More versatile, offering options to copy, delete, and move posts and pages.
- Features: Supports bulk actions and allows user role restrictions.
- Yoast Duplicate Post
- Why Use It: Developed by the Yoast SEO team, it offers comprehensive content duplication.
- Features: Can clone pages, posts, and custom post types. Integrates with the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg).
Copying a WordPress Page Without a Plugin
If you prefer not to use plugins, you can manually copy a WordPress page. This method is more time-consuming but gives you complete control.
- Open the Page to Copy: In your dashboard, go to the Pages section and click “Edit” on the page you want to copy.
- Copy the Content: If using the Classic Editor, switch to the ‘Text’ tab to copy the HTML code. If using the Block Editor (Gutenberg), you can copy each block individually or use the “Copy all content” option.
- Create a New Page: Go to Pages > Add New. Give the new page a title to identify it as a copy.
- Paste the Content: Paste the copied content into the new page’s editor. Use the Text tab for HTML in the Classic Editor or the appropriate blocks in the Block Editor.
- Duplicate Settings and Metadata: Manually set any featured images, page attributes, and custom fields to match the original page.
- Review and Publish: Check the content and settings to make sure everything is correct. Make any needed changes, then click “Publish” to make the new page live.
By following these steps, you can efficiently copy pages in WordPress, whether you use a plugin or do it manually