How do I create a navigation menu in WordPress?

Applies to: WordPress.org and WordPress.com
Last updated: May 2025

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Problem

You want to create or customize a navigation menu so visitors can easily find pages, posts, categories, or external links—but you’re not sure where to start.

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Solution

WordPress allows you to create custom navigation menus through the dashboard. You can include pages, posts, categories, custom links, and more.

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Step-by-Step: Create a Navigation Menu

1. Go to the Menu Settings

• In your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Menus

If this is your first menu:

• Enter a Menu Name (e.g., “Main Menu”)
• Click Create Menu

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2. Add Menu Items

Use the panels on the left to add items:

• Pages: Select from existing pages like Home, About, Contact
• Posts: Add specific blog posts
• Custom Links: Link to an external site or custom URL
• Categories: Add blog categories to the menu

1. Check the boxes next to the items you want
2. Click Add to Menu

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3. Arrange Menu Items

• Drag and drop items to reorder them
• Drag items slightly to the right to create submenus (dropdowns)

Example:

- About
- Services
   - Web Design
   - SEO
- Contact

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4. Set Display Location

Scroll down to Menu Settings:

• Check a Display Location (e.g., “Primary Menu” or “Header Menu”)
  The available options depend on your theme.

Click Save Menu when done.

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Step-by-Step: Edit Menus via the Customizer (Alternative Method)

1. Go to Appearance > Customize
2. Click Menus
3. Select an existing menu or create a new one
4. Add, arrange, and publish your changes in real-time

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Notes

• Each theme supports different menu locations (header, footer, mobile, etc.)
• You can create multiple menus for different parts of your site
• For advanced styling or mobile behavior, consider using a Mega Menu plugin or a theme that supports responsive menus