Title: Archive Control Author: Mike Gillihan Published: September 23, 2016 Last modified: November 30, 2023 --- Search plugins ![](https://ps.w.org/archive-control/assets/banner-772x250.png?rev=2235296) This plugin **hasn’t been tested with the latest 3 major releases of WordPress**. It may no longer be maintained or supported and may have compatibility issues when used with more recent versions of WordPress. ![](https://ps.w.org/archive-control/assets/icon-256x256.png?rev=2235296) # Archive Control By [Mike Gillihan](https://profiles.wordpress.org/mikegillihan/) [Download](https://downloads.wordpress.org/plugin/archive-control.zip) * [Details](https://test.wordpress.org/plugins/archive-control/#description) * [Reviews](https://test.wordpress.org/plugins/archive-control/#reviews) * [Installation](https://test.wordpress.org/plugins/archive-control/#installation) * [Development](https://test.wordpress.org/plugins/archive-control/#developers) [Support](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/archive-control/) ## Description A quick easy way to customize archive pages (or pages with lists of posts like custom post types, categories, tags, or custom taxonomy terms). You can add editable content before or after the list, you can add a featured image. It also allows you to set up the order and pagination on these pages separately from the rest of your site. Taxonomies can share settings across all terms, or have specific settings per term. Administrators can change the settings, site editors can easily change the content. * **Archive Titles:** If your theme is using the_archive_title() function, then you can modify the your archive titles. - Remove Labels (Archive, Category, Tag, etc.) – Sometimes you just want to get rid of the annoying default words. - Custom Override – Allow an editor to write something custom for an archive headline. * **Featured Image:** You can allow for a custom featured image that applies to an archive page and have it added above the list automatically, or add it yourself via a theme function. * **Content Before List:** Give your site editors the ability to edit content directly before the archive list. You can have it automatically added, or use a theme function to give you more control over their placement (see the “Other Notes” tab). * **Content After List:** Give your site editors the ability to edit content directly after the archive list. You can have it automatically added, or use a theme function to give you more control over their placement (see the “Other Notes” tab). * **Archive Order By:** Instead of messing with code to change the order of an archive page, now you can do it in a few clicks. - Date Published - Title - Date Modified - Menu Order - Random - ID - Author - Post Slug - Post Type - Comment Count - Parent - Meta Value - Meta Value (Numeric) - No Order * **Archive Order:** In addition to the order by setting, you’ll also want to change the sort order direction. - Ascending - Descending * **Archive Pagination:** The pagination settings are easy to change without changing code. - Show Everything - Custom Posts Per Page * **Term Edit Options:** For categories, tags, and custom taxonomies, you can choose a few additional things. - Per Term Order & Pagination – Customize the order, and pagination on a per term basis. - Hide Description Field – You can choose to hide the term description field within the WordPress backend. - Hide Parent Field – On hierarchal taxonomies, you can choose to hide the parent field within the WordPress backend. The plugin doesn’t add any CSS or javascript to the front end. The styling of the archive page is left completely up to you. This plugin should be friendly for power users and developers alike. You can use it entirely without changing theme code, or you can control the placement and functionality more exactly using the provided functions. See the “Other Notes” tab. Have an idea that should be added? Let me know at [SwitchWP](https://switchwp.com/plugins/archive-control/). ### Functions Provided by the Plugin **the_archive_top_content( _boolean_ $html = true )** > Displays the _top_ archive content on an archive page. Additional html markup > can be removed by setting false. **archive_top_content( _boolean_ $html = true, _string_ $post_type_slug = null, _string_ $term_id = null )** > Displays the _top_ archive content for any post type anywhere on the site. Additional > html markup can be removed by setting false. Post type is automatic if on an archive > page. **get_archive_top_content( _string_ $post_type_slug = null, _string_ $term_id = null )** > Returns the _top_ archive content for any post type anywhere on the site. Post > type or term id is automatic if on an archive page. **the_archive_bottom_content( _boolean_ $html = true )** > Displays the _bottom_ archive content on an archive page. Additional html markup > can be removed by setting false. **archive_bottom_content( _boolean_ $html = true, _string_ $post_type_slug = null, _string_ $term_id = null )** > Displays the _bottom_ archive content for any post type anywhere on the site. > Additional html markup can be removed by setting false. Post type is automatic > if on an archive page. **get_archive_bottom_content( _string_ $post_type_slug = null, _string_ $term_id = null )** > Returns the _top_ archive content for any post type anywhere on the site. Post > type or term id is automatic if on an archive page. **the_archive_thumbnail( _string_ $size = ‘large’, _string_ $post_type_slug = null, _string_ $term_id = null )** > Display the archive thumbnail. Default size is large but first parameter can set > any valid image size, or an array of width and height values in pixels (in that > order). Post type is automatic if on an archive page. **get_archive_thumbnail_src( _string_ $size = ‘large’, _string_ $post_type_slug = null, _string_ $term_id = null )** > Returns the archive image url source. Default size is large but first parameter > can set any valid image size, or an array of width and height values in pixels( > in that order). Post type is automatic if on an archive page. **get_archive_thumbnail_id( _string_ $post_type_slug = null, _string_ $term_id = null )** > Returns the archive thumbnail id. if you want to use other common WordPress attachment > functions to retrieve data about the image. Post type or term id is automatic > if on an archive page. ## Screenshots * [[ * An example of a custom post type archive page. * [[ * Settings for each custom post type that has an archive. * [[ * Settings for categories, taxonomies, and custom taxonomies. * [[ * For custom post types, give your editors the ability to edit archive headlines, a featured image, and content before and after the list. * [[ * For taxonomies, give your editors the ability to add a featured image, content before and after the list, and customize order and pagination per term. ## Installation 1. Upload the plugin files to the `/wp-content/plugins/archive-control` directory, or install the zipped plugin through the WordPress plugins screen directly. 2. Activate the Archive Control plugin through the ‘Plugins’ screen in WordPress. 3. Use the Settings->Archive Control screen to configure the settings for each custom post type. 4. Once you have saved your settings, you can edit the titles, textareas, and featured image in the ‘Edit Archive Page’ submenu for each custom post type, or go to your term edit screens for taxonomies. ## FAQ ### What is an archive page? An archive page is really just WordPress terminology for a page with a list of multiple pieces of content (posts). By default this content is in date order, with the newest appearing at the top, like a blog, and would be split into pages with 10 posts each. WordPress gives you the ability to manipulate this list through code, changing the order, pagination and other characteristics, but doesn’t give you an interface for doing so. WordPress also by default does not have any interface for storing content like images and text that are related to a specific archive page. That is the problem that this plugin tries to provide the solution for. ### Why won’t my custom post type appear in the Archive Control settings? It depends a lot how your custom post type is created. It must be set to “public”, and it must have “has_archive” set to true, or a string. Be sure to check those settings first! ### Why can’t I customize the archive title? The archive title functionality requires that a special function is used to display it: the_archive_title(). This is an official WordPress function, but it is relatively new. If your theme does not use this function, and either hardcodes the title or uses a different function, then this plugin won’t be able to help without you modifying the theme template. ### How do you add in the content before/after archives? The “Automatic” setting uses the “loop_start” and “loop_end” WordPress hooks to inject the content. If you would rather use the “Manual Function” setting, then we give you the functions the_archive_top_content() and the_archive_bottom_content() to place in your theme as you choose. ### What if I want to change the size of the featured image that is being displayed? This cannot be done through the interface (it shows the “large” size by default), but is entirely possible to do by putting functions in your theme files. The functions provided by this theme are listed in the “Other Notes” tab. For example, _the\_archive\ _thumbnail(‘thumbnail’)_ would change the size to a thumbnail. If you want to create a new size you can either send along an array like this: _the\_archive\_thumbnail( array(500,200))_ or register a new size with the _add\_image\_size()_ functionality. ### What is a custom post type and how would I make one? A custom post type allows you to make the content adding/editing process more specific for different kinds of content. By default it works similarly to a “Post”, but can be modified to have different settings and even unique custom fields. To create one you could do it several ways: * Read about it on the Codex: https://codex.wordpress.org/Post_Types * Use a plugin to create them: https://wordpress.org/plugins/custom-post-type-ui/ * Use a generator website to create them: https://generatewp.com/post-type/ ### What is a custom taxonomy and how would I make one? A custom taxonomy allows you to categorize specific elements separately from others. It works similarly to a “Category” or “Tag”. To create one you could do it several ways: * Read about it on the Codex: https://codex.wordpress.org/Taxonomies * Use a plugin to create them: https://wordpress.org/plugins/custom-post-type-ui/ * Use a generator website to create them: https://generatewp.com/taxonomy/ ## Reviews ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9eafe3dc39a6d5f05f6f0503a2add4bd2c93b94132201dc5aba2bee66c122023? s=60&d=retro&r=g) ### 󠀁[Useful frontend for `WP_Query`](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/useful-frontend-for-wp_query/)󠁿 [p15h](https://profiles.wordpress.org/prestonwordsworth/) August 10, 2024 This plugin usefully exposes orderby and other parameters of WP_Query. We tried to migrate from php sessions to WP-native random ordering of archive posts with its help, but turns out that doesn’t make posts random across AJAX loads of infinite scrolling. So we had to go back to php sessions. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eb47000ce6ca0f3ab81adcf4902b1261d3466b055317964270f57735c9029daf? s=60&d=retro&r=g) ### 󠀁[Really excellent](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/really-excellent-20/)󠁿 [Abanys-Concept](https://profiles.wordpress.org/abanys-concept/) December 29, 2020 The perfect plugin, which meets a real need and works really well ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/68393fa518a276797fb60d51100ab3c4f97d80d69df83d68787e9b15be8730d7? s=60&d=retro&r=g) ### 󠀁[Fantastic plugin](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/fantastic-plugin-1325/)󠁿 [MattV](https://profiles.wordpress.org/mattv/) May 13, 2020 The possibility to edit archive pages should be core functionality, but it isn’t. This plugin solves that in an elegant way. Thanks to the author for making this available to all WordPress users! ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9786181f2ac82df1c2b05de1899533eadab7a16b5e6f7462d0c11f6abe6af6bd? s=60&d=retro&r=g) ### 󠀁[Excellent](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/excellent-6313/)󠁿 [Li-An](https://profiles.wordpress.org/li-an/) May 14, 2018 2 replies An excellent plugin is you need one of the feature it manages. But it seems no more supported. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fa9603bd7814b80dc075f2c7caf6d91f2f2f8162d7fc923bf8f2e12ae314cb02? s=60&d=retro&r=g) ### 󠀁[AWESOME !!!](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/awesome-5612/)󠁿 [eugenelim88](https://profiles.wordpress.org/eugenelim88/) April 13, 2018 I love this plugin. This is a godsend. I was pulling my hair out trying to fix the order in the files when I notice this plugin. I give it a try. Voila! Everything works. If I could give it 10 stars, I will do so. Thank you for this amazing plugin. I love it. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ee80af178a8ef301d010d96c766263f1478142c5c6cd9675de24008410ecc654? s=60&d=retro&r=g) ### 󠀁[INCREDIBLY USEFUL! Thank you!!](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/thank-you-1565/)󠁿 [BlackHorseMedia](https://profiles.wordpress.org/blackhorsemedia/) June 5, 2019 I am using the most recent version of WordPress (5.2.1), and the Divi theme. This plugin works really well, is comprehensive, and is incredibly useful. Love it, thanks so much. [ Read all 11 reviews ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/archive-control/reviews/) ## Contributors & Developers “Archive Control” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin. Contributors * [ Mike Gillihan ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/mikegillihan/) * [ thejester12 ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/thejester12/) [Translate “Archive Control” into your language.](https://translate.wordpress.org/projects/wp-plugins/archive-control) ### Interested in development? [Browse the code](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/archive-control/), check out the [SVN repository](https://plugins.svn.wordpress.org/archive-control/), or subscribe to the [development log](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/log/archive-control/) by [RSS](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/log/archive-control/?limit=100&mode=stop_on_copy&format=rss). ## Changelog #### 1.3.4 * Minor cosmetic update #### 1.3.3 * Protect against incorrect users seeing Edit Archive Page Link in WP Admin Bar #### 1.3.2 * Fixed edit links after some code reorganization #### 1.3.1 * Fixed a small issue with Term content deletion #### 1.3.0 * Added feature to customize categories and tags * Added feature to customize custom taxonomy terms * Added feature to change all terms within a taxonomy at once, or allow separate settings per term. * Added feature to hide term description field and term parent field if desired #### 1.2.1 * SVN issue fix #### 1.2.0 * Fixed a bug that wouldn’t allow archive featured image functionality unless content before or after was also enabled. * Introduced basic Taxonomy archive modifications * Changed the database structure to allow for separation between custom post types and custom taxonomies #### 1.1.1 * Added a “View Archive Page” link to the edit page * Added a “Edit Archive Page” link to the admin menu when viewing archive #### 1.1.0 * Added Archive Featured Image functionality * Allowed more customization with functions for developers #### 1.0.0 * Initial Version ## Meta * Version **1.3.4** * Last updated **2 years ago** * Active installations **1,000+** * WordPress version ** 4.1 or higher ** * Tested up to **6.1.10** * Language * [English (US)](https://wordpress.org/plugins/archive-control/) * Tags * [archive](https://test.wordpress.org/plugins/tags/archive/)[archive page](https://test.wordpress.org/plugins/tags/archive-page/) [archive template](https://test.wordpress.org/plugins/tags/archive-template/) [custom post type](https://test.wordpress.org/plugins/tags/custom-post-type/) [post type](https://test.wordpress.org/plugins/tags/post-type/) * [Advanced View](https://test.wordpress.org/plugins/archive-control/advanced/) ## Ratings 5 out of 5 stars. * [ 11 5-star reviews ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/archive-control/reviews/?filter=5) * [ 0 4-star reviews ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/archive-control/reviews/?filter=4) * [ 0 3-star reviews ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/archive-control/reviews/?filter=3) * [ 0 2-star reviews ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/archive-control/reviews/?filter=2) * [ 0 1-star reviews ](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/archive-control/reviews/?filter=1) [Add my review](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/archive-control/reviews/#new-post) [See all reviews](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/archive-control/reviews/) ## Contributors * [ Mike Gillihan ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/mikegillihan/) * [ thejester12 ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/thejester12/) ## Support Got something to say? Need help? [View support forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/archive-control/) ## Donate Would you like to support the advancement of this plugin? [ Donate to this plugin ](https://switchwp.com/plugins/archive-control/)