Your website is coming on strong, amigo<\/em>.<\/p>\n Your homepage is a showstopper. Your blog is filling up fast. And now you\u2019re adding even more \u2014 perhaps a portfolio or a section stacked with testimonials.<\/p>\n The only problem is, you\u2019re not sure how to keep it all properly organized.<\/p>\n You know WordPress can handle different post types. But, uhhhh\u2026how do you actually access <\/em>that feature?<\/p>\n Don\u2019t worry, you\u2019re not alone. Custom post types are essentially like unicorns \u2014 everyone\u2019s heard of them, but very few people have seen them in person.<\/p>\n To help you learn more about these mythical beasts, we\u2019ve made a guide. A really good, comprehensive guide that anyone can follow. And you\u2019re reading it now.<\/p>\n Give us 10 minutes of your time, and we\u2019ll introduce you to the world of custom post types (CPTs).<\/p>\n Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n As you\u2019re probably aware, WordPress was originally designed as a blogging<\/a> platform. And it still plays that role really well.<\/p>\n Of course, WordPress can do much more nowadays. Many WordPress-powered sites<\/a> don\u2019t even have a blog, but underneath the hood, that original blog-based skeleton is still there.<\/p>\n This means that whenever you publish content, it\u2019s usually packaged in one of these default post types:<\/p>\n Sticking with these default options is just fine if you have a simple website, but what about if you want to run a store or create a visual portfolio<\/a>?<\/p>\n You could<\/em> jam your content into a post or a page, but how do you separate real blog posts from the other stuff?<\/p>\n Some site owners try to MacGyver the situation, using categories and tags to organize their content. The problem is, you end up with an organizational headache.<\/p>\n This is where custom post types come in useful. Basically, you can tell WordPress exactly what type of content you want to publish and how that content should be displayed.<\/p>\n There are multiple benefits.<\/p>\n To summarize: custom post types rock.<\/p>\n You may hear some people say that custom post types will ruin your site performance and mess up your SEO<\/a>.<\/p>\n That can<\/em> happen, but that\u2019s almost always the result of bad code.<\/p>\n If you set up your CPTs properly, you shouldn\u2019t see any issues. In fact, creating a better structure might improve the search performance of your WordPress website.<\/p>\n Okay, that\u2019s the sales pitch done. Now, do you actually need this feature? There\u2019s no point in reading a whole guide<\/em> unless your site will benefit.<\/p>\n With that in mind, here are the main telltale signs that CPTs are worth exploring.<\/p>\n Content comes in many flavors. If your website features more than one, you might want to explore custom post types.<\/p>\n Some examples:<\/p>\n Any content that doesn\u2019t neatly fit either the post or page format is prime CPT material.<\/p>\n Does your WordPress admin area feel like an untamed jungle? For example, are you:<\/p>\n These are all symptoms of a site that\u2019s crying out for custom post types!<\/p>\n Subscribe now to receive all the latest updates, delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Maybe your site only has one type of content\u2026but these posts just don\u2019t look<\/em> right.<\/p>\n A common example would be product pages<\/a> that look like blog posts. No one with an ounce of discernment is buying from that online store.<\/p>\n The solution involves custom post types. You can assign each new post type a unique template that is perfectly tailored to your content.<\/p>\n Posts and pages can handle text, links, images, embedded media\u2026and that\u2019s about it.<\/p>\n If you need something more, you should probably set up some CPTs.<\/p>\n Some real-world examples:<\/p>\n Hmm, seems like you could use some CPTs. Shall we create some?<\/p>\n There are several ways to register custom post types in WordPress.<\/p>\n The simple route calls for no technical knowledge. If you\u2019re comfortable working with PHP snippets, the middle road offers more customization options. For coders, the fully hands-on method provides complete control.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s work through them now.<\/p>\n Not a WordPress expert? We get you. Whether you\u2019re new to the platform or new to running a website, the whole thing can seem overwhelming.<\/p>\n Not to worry. Tools like Custom Post Type UI<\/a> plugin make it simple to install CPTs.<\/p>\n 1. Install the plugin: <\/strong>In your WordPress admin area, visit Plugins <\/strong>> Add New Plugin<\/strong>, and search for \u201cCustom Post Type UI.\u201d Click Install Now<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Once installed, the button will change to \u201cActivate.\u201d Click it.<\/p>\n 2. Open the plugin settings: <\/strong>Via the sidebar menu, head to CPT UI<\/strong> > Add\/Edit Post Types<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 3. Fill out the basic settings:<\/strong> Choose a slug and a name for your new CPT. The plugin will ask you for both the singular and plural versions.<\/p>\n 4. Choose your settings:<\/strong> This page has a huge range of options, allowing you to configure access, fields, functions, and additional labels for your new post type.<\/p>\n 5. Publish:<\/strong> Once you\u2019re done, click the blue Add Post Type <\/strong>button to create your new CPT!<\/p>\n The new custom post type will appear in the sidebar, like your Posts and Pages. You can open this new menu item to add and manage content.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s take things up a notch. If you\u2019re comfortable customizing WordPress, this next method will give you more options to play with.<\/p>\n It\u2019s based around a plugin called WPCode<\/a>, which helps you add PHP snippets to core files in a secure way.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the process:<\/p>\n 1. Install the WPCode plugin: <\/strong>In the sidebar, visit Plugins<\/strong> > Add New Plugin <\/strong>and search for \u201cWPCode.\u201d Install and activate it.<\/p>\n 2. Add a new PHP snippet: <\/strong>Navigate to Code Snippets<\/strong> > + Add Snippet<\/strong> via the sidebar menu.<\/p>\n This will open up a library of ready-made code snippets.<\/p>\n There\u2019s loads of useful stuff here \u2014 but for this task, you need to select Add Your Custom Code (New Snippet)<\/strong>. It should be right at the top.<\/p>\n 3. Build your snippet: <\/strong>From the pop-up panel, choose PHP Snippet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n You should then see a nice big box for your code.<\/p>\n To register your new CPT, you can paste in this template and make changes to match your requirements:<\/p>\n 4. Save and activate:<\/strong> Once you\u2019re happy with your code, hit the Save <\/strong>button on the top right. To put your new post type into action, hit the toggle switch that currently says \u201cInactive\u201d <\/strong>and click Update <\/strong>to finish up.<\/p>\n Once again, your new custom post type should appear in the sidebar menu. You can click on this label to start creating custom content!<\/p>\n Whenever you\u2019re playing with code in WordPress<\/a>, think of yourself as a chemistry teacher doing a science experiment. Take some precautions, and you should avoid setting the whole place on fire\u2026<\/p>\n Hello, WordPress veteran. You skipped to the end because you prefer to not use plugins. You just need a nudge in the right direction, and away you go.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s your workflow:<\/p>\n The reason custom post types are so powerful is that they are truly<\/em> custom. If you can dream it, you can build it.<\/p>\n That said, there are a few post types that regularly pop up on WordPress sites.<\/p>\n Before you start trying to design something from scratch, it\u2019s worth checking whether one of the formats below would meet your requirements.<\/p>\n As you plan upgrades to your site, consider whether these custom post types would fit your needs \u2014 or whether you need something completely custom!<\/p>\n Having registered the new CPTs, you need to decide how and where they should appear on your site.<\/p>\n The options here are literally unlimited. And that can feel a bit overwhelming.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not sure where to begin, try this starter pack:<\/p>\n There\u2019s no point using custom posts if no one can find them.<\/p>\n In your WordPress admin area, navigate to Appearance<\/strong> > Menus<\/strong> and add the new CPT archive to your main menu.<\/p>\n Be sure to change the label to make it clear what visitors can expect.<\/p>\n You probably don\u2019t want your new custom posts to be served up exactly like blog posts. That includes the archive page, where visitors can see your latest content.<\/p>\n Creating a new template gives you the chance to build your own layout.<\/p>\n Need some inspiration? Check out other websites to see how they present similar content!<\/p>\n Did you know you can display your custom posts in any widget area?<\/p>\n All you need is a free plugin called Custom Post Type Widgets<\/a>.<\/p>\n After you install and activate the plugin, head over to Appearance <\/strong>> Widgets<\/strong> and add a new widget.<\/p>\n From the big menu on the left, find and select Archives (Custom Post Type)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n You can then configure your widget to display any post type you want!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1Top tip:<\/strong> This plugin also lets you display recent posts, a calendar view, a tag cloud, and more.<\/p>\n WordPress is amazingly versatile. From code to quizzes, it can handle pretty much any type of content. But, as we\u2019ve learned, things can get messy when you mix and match content types.<\/p>\n If you want to create something more than standard posts and pages, it\u2019s definitely worth using custom post types to keep your content tidy. The process is really easy, and it will instantly improve the usability of your site.<\/p>\n While you\u2019re thinking about upgrades\u2026have you heard about our dedicated WordPress hosting<\/a>?<\/p>\n Our plans offer one-click staging<\/strong>, bulletproof backups<\/strong>, built-in caching<\/strong>, and a performance boost from <\/strong>BunnyCDN<\/strong><\/a>. Plus, you get free migration<\/a>. It\u2019s everything you need to take your WordPress site to the next level!<\/p>\n Sign up today<\/a> to give your business website the hosting it deserves.<\/p>\nWhat Are Custom Post Types (and Why Should You Care)?<\/h2>\n
![\"WordPress](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/01_beyond_default_wordpress_content.webp\")
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Do Custom Post Types Affect SEO and Performance?<\/h3>\n
4 Telltale Signs That Your Website Needs Custom Post Types<\/h2>\n
1. Your Site Has Multiple Types of Content<\/h3>\n
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2. Content Management Feels Like a Total Mess<\/h3>\n
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Get Content Delivered Straight to Your Inbox<\/h2>\n
3. Some Content Types Don\u2019t Display Properly on Your Site<\/h3>\n
4. You Need Features That Posts and Pages Don\u2019t Have<\/h3>\n
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How To Create Custom Post Types<\/h2>\n
1. The Easy Plugin Method (Beginner-Friendly)<\/h3>\n
![\"WordPress](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/02_custom_post_type_ui_install.webp\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/03_basic_settings.webp\")
<\/figure>\n![\"WordPress](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/04_portfolio_items-1024x585.webp\")
<\/figure>\n2. Using WPCode for Manual Creation (Intermediate)<\/h3>\n
![\"WordPress](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/05_install_the_wpcode_plugin.webp\")
<\/figure>\n![\"WPCode](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/06_generate_snippets_.webp\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Code](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/07_php_snippet.webp\")
<\/figure>\n![\"WPCode](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/08_custom_snippet.webp\")
<\/figure>\n \/\/ Our custom post type function\n\n function create_posttype() {\n \n register_post_type( 'portfolio',\n \/\/ CPT Options\n array(\n 'labels' => array(\n 'name' => __( 'Portfolio' ),\n 'singular_name' => __( 'Portfolio Item' )\n ),\n 'public' => true,\n 'has_archive' => true,\n 'rewrite' => array('slug' => 'portfolio'),\n 'show_in_rest' => true,\n \n )\n );\n}\n\/\/ Hooking up our function to theme setup\nadd_action( 'init', 'create_posttype' );<\/code><\/pre>\nSafety Tips<\/h3>\n
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3. Coding Directly in functions.php (Advanced)<\/h3>\n
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\/\/ Register Custom Post Type for Portfolio\nfunction register_portfolio_post_type() {\n $labels = array(\n 'name' => _x('Portfolios', 'Post Type General Name', 'textdomain'),\n 'singular_name' => _x('Portfolio', 'Post Type Singular Name', 'textdomain'),\n 'menu_name' => __('Portfolios', 'textdomain'),\n 'name_admin_bar' => __('Portfolio', 'textdomain'),\n 'archives' => __('Portfolio Archives', 'textdomain'),\n 'attributes' => __('Portfolio Attributes', 'textdomain'),\n 'parent_item_colon' => __('Parent Portfolio:', 'textdomain'),\n 'all_items' => __('All Portfolios', 'textdomain'),\n 'add_new_item' => __('Add New Portfolio', 'textdomain'),\n 'add_new' => __('Add New', 'textdomain'),\n 'new_item' => __('New Portfolio', 'textdomain'),\n 'edit_item' => __('Edit Portfolio', 'textdomain'),\n 'update_item' => __('Update Portfolio', 'textdomain'),\n 'view_item' => __('View Portfolio', 'textdomain'),\n 'view_items' => __('View Portfolios', 'textdomain'),\n 'search_items' => __('Search Portfolio', 'textdomain'),\n 'not_found' => __('Not found', 'textdomain'),\n 'not_found_in_trash' => __('Not found in Trash', 'textdomain'),\n 'featured_image' => __('Featured Image', 'textdomain'),\n 'set_featured_image' => __('Set featured image', 'textdomain'),\n 'remove_featured_image' => __('Remove featured image', 'textdomain'),\n 'use_featured_image' => __('Use as featured image', 'textdomain'),\n 'insert_into_item' => __('Insert into portfolio', 'textdomain'),\n 'uploaded_to_this_item' => __('Uploaded to this portfolio', 'textdomain'),\n 'items_list' => __('Portfolios list', 'textdomain'),\n 'items_list_navigation' => __('Portfolios list navigation', 'textdomain'),\n 'filter_items_list' => __('Filter portfolios list', 'textdomain'),\n );\n\n $args = array(\n 'label' => __('Portfolio', 'textdomain'),\n 'description' => __('A custom post type for portfolio items', 'textdomain'),\n 'labels' => $labels,\n 'supports' => array('title', 'editor', 'thumbnail', 'custom-fields'),\n 'hierarchical' => false,\n 'public' => true,\n 'show_ui' => true,\n 'show_in_menu' => true,\n 'menu_position' => 5,\n 'menu_icon' => 'dashicons-portfolio',\n 'show_in_admin_bar' => true,\n 'show_in_nav_menus' => true,\n 'can_export' => true,\n 'has_archive' => true,\n 'exclude_from_search' => false,\n 'publicly_queryable' => true,\n 'rewrite' => array('slug' => 'portfolio'),\n 'capability_type' => 'post',\n );\n register_post_type('portfolio', $args);\n}\nadd_action('init', 'register_portfolio_post_type');<\/code><\/pre>\nPopular Custom Post Types<\/h2>\n
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How To Display Your Custom Post Types<\/h2>\n
Add Custom Post Types to Your Site Menu<\/h3>\n
Creating Dedicated Templates<\/h3>\n
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Display Posts in Widgets<\/h3>\n
![\"WordPress](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/09_custom_post_type_widget.webp\")
<\/figure>\n![\"WordPress](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/10_archives_custom_post_type.webp\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Archives](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11_widgets_archives_custom_post_type.webp\")
<\/figure>\nUpgrade Your WordPress Site Today<\/h2>\n
![\"website](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/product-cta-wordpress-hosting-877x586.webp)