- Learn how to easily duplicate pages on WordPress.com without plugins
- Discover two methods for duplicating pages on self-hosted WordPress
- Find out about a useful plugin for duplicating pages, posts, and custom post types
As a WordPress user, I’ve often needed to duplicate pages or posts. It’s a handy feature when you want to create similar content without starting from scratch. In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of duplicating pages in WordPress, both for wordpress.com and self-hosted WordPress installations. Let’s dive in!
Duplicating Pages on WordPress.com
If you’re using WordPress.com, you’re in luck. The platform has a built-in feature for duplicating pages and posts. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require any plugins. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard
- Navigate to “Pages” or “Posts”
- Find the page or post you want to duplicate
- Click on the menu next to the page title
- Select “Copy page” or “Copy post”
Once you do this, WordPress will create a duplicate of your content. You’ll be taken to the editor for the new page, where you can make any necessary changes. You can then choose to save it as a draft or publish it immediately.
I find this feature incredibly useful when I’m creating a series of similar pages. For instance, when I was setting up a website for my coffee shop, I used this method to create multiple product pages with a consistent layout.
Duplicating Pages on Self-Hosted WordPress
For those of us using self-hosted WordPress (also known as WordPress.org), the process is a bit different. There are two main methods you can use:
Method 1: Copy All Blocks
- Go to your WordPress dashboard
- Navigate to the page or post you want to duplicate
- Open the page in the editor
- Click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner
- Select “Copy all blocks”
This method copies all the content from your page, including any custom blocks or layouts you’ve created.
Method 2: Manual Copy and Paste
- Open the page you want to duplicate in the editor
- Use Ctrl+A (or Cmd+A on Mac) to select all content
- Copy the content (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C)
- Create a new page
- Paste the copied content (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V)
This method is essentially a manual copy-paste operation. It’s simple but effective, especially if you only need to duplicate the main content of a page.
Both these methods work well for duplicating content, but they have a limitation. They don’t copy page-specific settings or metadata. If you’re using a theme with custom page settings, these might not be duplicated.
Using a Plugin to Duplicate Pages
If you find yourself frequently duplicating pages or posts, or if you need to duplicate custom post types, using a plugin might be the best solution. One popular option is the “Duplicate Page” plugin. Here’s why I like it:
- It has over 3 million installs, indicating its reliability and popularity
- It can duplicate pages, posts, and custom post types
- It’s easy to use and doesn’t require any complex setup
To use this plugin:
- Install and activate the “Duplicate Page” plugin
- Go to your pages or posts in the WordPress dashboard
- You’ll see a new “Duplicate” link next to each page or post
- Click this link to instantly create a duplicate
I’ve found this plugin particularly useful when managing multiple restaurants’ websites. It allows me to quickly duplicate menus and special offer pages across different locations.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
If you’re new to WordPress, you might be wondering about the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org (self-hosted WordPress). Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | WordPress.com | WordPress.org |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Included | Self-managed |
| Customization | Limited (on free plan) | Unlimited |
| Plugin support | Limited (on free plan) | Full |
| Cost | Free to paid plans | Free software, pay for hosting |
WordPress.com is great for beginners or those who want a hassle-free setup. WordPress.org offers more control and customization but requires more technical knowledge.
Wrapping Up
Duplicating pages in WordPress is a useful skill that can save you a lot of time, whether you’re using WordPress.com or a self-hosted WordPress installation. For WordPress.com users, the built-in duplication feature is a breeze to use. Self-hosted WordPress users have a few more options, from manual copying to using plugins like “Duplicate Page”.
Remember, while duplicating pages can be a time-saver, it’s important to review and update the duplicated content to ensure it’s unique and relevant. This is especially crucial for SEO purposes and providing value to your visitors.
Whether you’re managing a simple blog or a complex website with multiple custom post types, knowing how to efficiently duplicate your content can streamline your workflow and help you maintain consistency across your site. Happy duplicating!
