Table of contents
What is a post ID in WordPress?1. How to get a post ID on the all posts page2. How to get a post ID in the post editor3. How to display post IDs in the all posts list4. How to display post IDs with a plugin5. How to use functions to retrieve post IDsWhy you may need to get a post IDOther WordPress IDsGetting startedAdditional resources
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WordPress Guide → Post →ID

Get a post ID in WordPress: 5 quick methods

Whether you’re adding custom code, configuring a plugin, or just trying to target a specific piece of content, there’s a good chance you’ll need the post ID. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes details that’s easy to overlook—until you need it. If you’ve ever wondered what a post ID is or where to find it, you’re in the right place.

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What is a post ID in WordPress?

A post ID in WordPress is a unique identifier assigned to each post, page, or custom post type within your WordPress site. Generated automatically, this identifier serves as a reference within the database. 

Each post ID is distinct, ensuring even deleted and re-created posts receive different IDs. This makes tracking and managing content on larger sites much easier.

1. How to get a post ID on the all posts page

Finding a post ID on the All Posts page is straightforward if you know where to look. 

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
  2. Navigate to the left-hand menu and click on ‘Posts’, then select ‘All Posts’.
  3. On the All Posts page, hover over the title of the post you want. The post title will become clickable.
  4. While hovering, look at the bottom of your browser window for a URL preview like: https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=123&action=edit. The number after ‘post=’ is the post ID.
  5. Repeat this process for each title to find multiple post IDs.

2. How to get a post ID in the post editor

Finding the post ID in the post editor is equally simple:

  1. Log in to your WordPress Dashboard at yoursite.com/wp-admin.
  2. Navigate to the ‘Posts’ section on the left-hand menu to view all posts.
  3. Select the post you want to edit by clicking on the title to open it in the post editor.
  4. Check the URL in your browser’s address bar. It will look like: ‘yoursite.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=123&action=edit’. The number ‘123’ is the post ID.
  5. Use this ID for plugins, custom queries, or development tasks.

3. How to display post IDs in the all posts list

To display post IDs in the All Posts list, you can modify your theme’s functions.php file:

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard. Navigate to Appearance and click on Theme Editor.
  2. In the theme editor, find the functions.php file under Theme Files and open it for editing.
  3. Scroll to the bottom of the file and add this code:
add_filter('manage_posts_columns', 'add_post_id_column');
function add_post_id_column($columns) %7B
$columns['post_id'] = 'Post ID';
return $columns;
%7D
add_action('manage_posts_custom_column', 'show_post_id_column', 10, 2);
function show_post_id_column($column, $post_id) %7B
if ($column === 'post_id') %7B
echo $post_id;
%7D
%7D

Save your changes and navigate to the Posts section in the dashboard. A new ‘Post ID’ column should now display the unique ID for each post.

4. How to display post IDs with a plugin

Using a plugin to display post IDs can be a practical solution. One popular option is the ‘Show Page IDs‘ plugin. The plugin makes it easy to view post, page, and custom post type IDs directly in your WordPress admin. Once installed and activated, it adds a new “ID” column to the post and page listings in your dashboard.

Steps to use:

  1. Install and activate the plugin from the Plugins menu.
  2. Go to Posts > All Posts or Pages > All Pages in your dashboard.
  3. Look for the new “ID” column showing each item’s unique ID.

5. How to use functions to retrieve post IDs

To retrieve post IDs, you can use the built-in get_the_ID() function. Here’s how:

  1. Ensure you are inside the WordPress Loop. The Loop is a PHP code structure used to display posts.
  2. Within the Loop, call get_the_ID(). This function returns the current post’s ID. For example:
    <?php while ( have_posts() ) : the_post(); ?>
  3. Then use:
  4. <?php $post_id = get_the_ID(); ?>

Use the Post ID as needed. You can store it in a variable or pass it to another function for additional processing.

If you wish to display the post ID, echo it directly:

<?php echo ‘The Post ID is: ‘ . $post_id; ?>

Why you may need to get a post ID

Getting a post ID can be crucial for various tasks.

One common reason is for developing custom themes or plugins. Displaying specific content dynamically or creating custom queries requires the correct post ID to fetch the right information. This is useful for implementing features like custom fields or meta boxes.

For managing large sites, knowing how to get a post ID simplifies tasks such as bulk editing or content management. Using the post ID ensures efficient management without altering the wrong content.

Integrating third-party tools or services often requires post IDs to link back to your content. Whether setting up analytics, social sharing, or email marketing tools, quick access to the post ID is essential for seamless integration.

Other WordPress IDs

Besides post IDs, WordPress uses other identifiers to manage different content types. Understanding these IDs enhances your ability to navigate and control your site effectively.

  • Page IDs: Like posts, each page has a unique Page ID, crucial for referencing within the database. To find a Page ID, go to the Pages section, hover over the page, and observe the ID in the URL preview.
  • Category IDs: Categories help organize content and improve navigation. Each category has a unique Category ID, useful for querying posts or setting up custom functionalities. Locate Category IDs in the Categories section under Posts.
  • User IDs: Each user has a unique User ID, essential for managing permissions and roles, and personalizing content. Find User IDs in the Users section, hovering over a user’s name and checking the URL for the ID.

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