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To replace the title prompt in a WordPress editor, use the enter_title_here filter and return different wording for the post type you want to target. WordPress now normally shows Add title; “Enter title here” is the older wording changed in March 2019 for consistency with the Block Editor.
This changes only the instructional placeholder in the post-edit screen. It does not rename an existing post, change the site title, or alter a search-field placeholder.
Choose a replacement method
| Method | Best for | Important considerations |
|---|---|---|
| PHP filter | Precise wording for one or more post types | Requires adding and maintaining a PHP snippet; a syntax error can affect the site. |
| Enter Title Here Changer plugin | Editors who prefer dashboard settings | Configure it at Settings → ETHC Settings. Its WordPress.org listing says it does not work on Multisite, and plugin compatibility metadata can change. |
Replace the prompt with a PHP filter
The enter_title_here filter receives the current prompt and lets a callback return a replacement. Keep a post-type check so other editing screens retain their normal wording.
1. Identify the post-type key
Use the registered post-type identifier, not necessarily the plural label shown in the dashboard. In the example below, movie is the key for a Movie custom post type.
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2. Add the callback
<?php
function wpb_change_title_text( $title ) {
$screen = get_current_screen();
if ( 'movie' == $screen->post_type ) {
$title = 'Enter movie name with release year';
}
return $title;
}
add_filter( 'enter_title_here', 'wpb_change_title_text' );Replace movie with your post-type key and replace the example sentence with the instruction your editors need. For example, a profile post type could use Enter Person Name.
3. Put the snippet in an appropriate location
- Snippet manager: WPBeginner describes using WPCode’s PHP Snippet workflow. Create a PHP snippet, paste the callback, and activate it.
- Theme code: You can add it to the active theme’s
functions.php. A child theme is preferable when possible so a theme update does not overwrite the change.
Always keep a recovery route available before editing PHP. A parse error can make the site unavailable until the bad snippet is disabled or removed.
4. Verify the result
- Open the post type’s Add New screen.
- Confirm that the title field shows your replacement wording.
- Open a different post type and confirm its original prompt remains unchanged.
- Check both the Block Editor and Classic Editor if your site uses both; the cited implementation guidance states that this filter works in each.
Use Enter Title Here Changer without code
- Go to Plugins → Add New.
- Search for Enter Title Here Changer, install it, and activate it.
- Open Settings → ETHC Settings.
- Enter the placeholder text for the editor screens you want to customize and save the settings.
The plugin listing documents Classic Editor and Gutenberg support in its screenshots and states in its FAQ that the plugin does not work in Multisite. Check the live WordPress.org listing for current version and WordPress-compatibility information before relying on it.
Target multiple post types
Use one callback and branch on the post-type key when several custom post types need different instructions:
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function custom_title_prompts( $title ) {
$screen = get_current_screen();
if ( 'movie' === $screen->post_type ) {
return 'Enter movie name with release year';
}
if ( 'profile' === $screen->post_type ) {
return 'Enter Person Name';
}
return $title;
}
add_filter( 'enter_title_here', 'custom_title_prompts' );Returning the incoming $title for every unlisted post type prevents an unintended site-wide change.
What this filter does not change
- An existing post title: edit the post itself and save the new title.
- The website name: use Settings → General to change the Site Title.
- A search-box prompt: customize the search form separately;
enter_title_hereis not a search-field filter. - The public title displayed by a theme: this filter changes the editor instruction, not the saved title or front-end template.
Troubleshoot an unchanged or broken prompt
The editor still says “Add title”
- Confirm that the callback is active and that the post-type key exactly matches the registered key.
- Make sure the snippet is treated as PHP and does not contain an extra opening tag when your snippet manager supplies one automatically.
- Clear any page, object, or browser cache, then reload the Add New screen.
- Check the correct editor: a plugin or theme may provide a separate editing interface.
Every post type has the new wording
The callback is probably returning a replacement unconditionally. Add a post-type check and return the original $title for all other screens.
The site shows a PHP error
Disable the snippet through the snippet manager or remove the newly added code from functions.php using your hosting file manager or another recovery method. Restore the last known-good version before trying again.
The plugin settings have no effect
Check that the plugin is active, that the setting was saved, and that the site is not running WordPress Multisite, which the plugin’s listing says it does not support. Also review its current compatibility metadata.
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Recommended wording
Make the prompt tell editors exactly what belongs in the title field. Examples include:
Enter movie name with release yearEnter Person NameEnter the product name and model numberEnter the event name and city
Keep the instruction short enough to remain readable inside the title field, and use the same terminology your editorial workflow uses elsewhere.
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