Code Snippet to Create a Custom Post Type in WordPress

Creating a Custom Post Type in WordPress

Custom Code Solution

This code creates a new custom post type. Place this code in your theme's functions.php file or in a site-specific plugin:

Basic custom post type registration code:

function register_movie_post_type() {
    $labels = array(
        'name'               => 'Movies',
        'singular_name'      => 'Movie',
        'menu_name'          => 'Movies',
        'add_new'            => 'Add New Movie',
        'add_new_item'       => 'Add New Movie',
        'edit_item'          => 'Edit Movie',
        'new_item'           => 'New Movie',
        'view_item'          => 'View Movie',
        'search_items'       => 'Search Movies',
        'not_found'          => 'No movies found',
        'not_found_in_trash' => 'No movies found in Trash'
    );

    $args = array(
        'labels'              => $labels,
        'public'              => true,
        'has_archive'         => true,
        'publicly_queryable'  => true,
        'show_ui'             => true,
        'show_in_menu'        => true,
        'show_in_rest'        => true, // Enables Gutenberg editor
        'menu_icon'           => 'dashicons-video-alt2',
        'supports'            => array('title', 'editor', 'thumbnail', 'excerpt'),
        'rewrite'             => array('slug' => 'movies')
    );

    register_post_type('movie', $args);
}
add_action('init', 'register_movie_post_type');

Hook the function to flush rewrite rules (run once after adding the custom post type):

function flush_rewrite_rules_once() {
    if (get_option('needs_rewrite_flush') == true) {
        flush_rewrite_rules();
        update_option('needs_rewrite_flush', false);
    }
}
add_action('init', 'flush_rewrite_rules_once', 20);

function set_needs_rewrite_flush() {
    update_option('needs_rewrite_flush', true);
}
register_activation_hook(__FILE__, 'set_needs_rewrite_flush');

Customization Options

To modify the custom post type:

1. Change 'movie' to your desired post type name
2. Update the $labels array text
3. Modify the supports array to include desired features
4. Adjust the menu_icon (use WordPress dashicons)
5. Change the rewrite slug as needed

Plugin Alternative

If you prefer using a plugin, here are reliable options:

1. Custom Post Type UI - User-friendly interface for creating custom post types
2. Pods - Advanced custom post type management with additional features

Important Notes

• After adding a new custom post type, visit Settings > Permalinks and save to flush rewrite rules
• Choose a unique post type name that doesn't conflict with existing WordPress post types
• The post type name should be lowercase and no more than 20 characters
• Always backup your site before making changes to functions.php