How do I create a custom menu in WordPress?
Applies to: WordPress 6.x and later
Last updated: September 2025
Problem
WordPress themes typically include default navigation menus, but you may need to customize them to better suit your site structure. For example, you might want a main navigation menu, a footer menu, or a sidebar menu with specific links. Creating custom menus ensures visitors can easily find the most important parts of your site.
Solution
You can create and manage custom menus directly within the WordPress dashboard. Most themes support multiple menu locations, and you can also add menus to widget areas.
Step-by-step instructions
Creating a New Menu
- In the WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Menus.
- Click Create a new menu.
- Enter a name for your menu (e.g., “Main Menu”).
- Click Create Menu.
Adding Items to the Menu
5. On the left-hand side, select items to add (Pages, Posts, Custom Links, Categories).
6. Check the boxes for the items you want, then click Add to Menu.
7. Drag and drop items to arrange them in the desired order.
8. To create a dropdown menu, drag an item slightly to the right beneath another menu item.
Assigning the Menu to a Location
9. Under Menu Settings, choose the location (e.g., Primary Menu, Footer Menu).
10. Click Save Menu.
11. Your new custom menu will now appear on your site in the selected location.
Optional methods or tools
- Block-based Navigation (Full Site Editing themes): If your theme supports full site editing, you can add and edit menus directly in the Site Editor under Appearance > Editor.
- Menu Management Plugins: Tools like Max Mega Menu allow advanced menu customization with features like mega dropdowns, icons, and widgets.
Best practices or tips
- Keep menus simple and focused to avoid overwhelming users.
- Use clear, descriptive labels for each item.
- Limit the number of top-level menu items (typically 5–7 works best).
- Consider adding a secondary menu in the footer for policies, contact info, or less prominent links.
- Test your menu on mobile devices to ensure usability.
