Table of contents

Using a plugin to add post editor notes (best for most users)Creating a note field using Advanced Custom FieldsAdvanced option: Add a note field using custom PHPBest practices for internal WordPress post notesNext stepsAdditional resources

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WordPress Guide → Admin → Add Note

How to add a note to WordPress post editor page

Need a place to jot down reminders or team-only messages right inside the WordPress post editor? Whether you’re managing an editorial calendar or working with multiple contributors, adding internal notes keeps everything in context—without cluttering your public content.

Here’s how to do it using plugins or custom fields, all while sticking with safe, actively maintained options.

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Using a plugin to add post editor notes (best for most users)

The simplest and safest way to add a note is by installing a plugin that adds an admin-only field to the WordPress editor screen. These fields are not visible on the front end and are meant solely for internal use.

Notely is an actively maintained plugin that adds a private note field directly to each post or page editor.

Displays a collapsible note area in the post editor
Notes are visible only to logged-in admins and editors
Clean interface that blends into the editor UI
Lightweight with zero front-end impact

How to use Notely:

Install and activate the plugin. From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New. Search for Notely, click Install Now, and then Activate.
Edit any post or page. Navigate to a post or page you’d like to add a note to.
Add your note. You’ll see a new “Admin Note” box in the editor—usually in the sidebar or below the main content editor. Type your message here and save. The note is stored with the post and will remain visible to admins/editors only.

Creating a note field using Advanced Custom Fields

If you need more flexibility—or want a note field that can appear on specific post types—Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) is a powerful and safe option.

How to create internal notes with ACF:

Install Advanced Custom Fields. Go to Plugins > Add New, search for Advanced Custom Fields, then install and activate it.
Create a custom field group. Go to Custom Fields > Add New and name your group something like “Post Notes.”
Add a text area field. Within the group, click Add Field, choose Text Area, and label it “Internal Note” or something similar.
Set display rules. Under Location Rules, select “Post Type is equal to Post” (or Page, or any type you want).
Save the field group. After saving, the note field will appear when you edit the specified post types.
Use the field when editing posts. Navigate to a post and scroll to the custom field section. Enter your note and save the post.

Notes added via ACF are stored in post meta and won’t appear on the front end unless you specifically code your theme to display them.

Advanced option: Add a note field using custom PHP

For developers who prefer full control or don’t want to rely on plugins, WordPress makes it possible to create a custom note field using a bit of code.

Here’s a basic overview:

Use add_meta_box() to register a new meta box in the post editor.
Use a callback function to create a textarea input.
Use save_post() to store the note as post metadata when the post is saved.

This method is ideal for developers building a custom theme or plugin. You can restrict visibility to certain roles or post types, and completely control how and where the note appears.

Best practices for internal WordPress post notes

Internal notes are helpful, but only when they’re used consistently and managed well.

Keep notes short and clear. Aim for one or two lines of actionable text.
Use a consistent system. Stick to one method—plugin, ACF, or code—to avoid confusion.
Avoid relying on notes for critical info. Use them for reminders, not permanent documentation.
Clean up old notes regularly. Outdated notes can lead to mistakes.

Next steps for adding WordPress editor notes

Adding admin-only notes to your WordPress post editor helps streamline your content process and improve team coordination. Whether you choose a purpose-built plugin like Notely or a flexible ACF solution, you’ll gain an efficient way to keep editorial reminders in context.

Choose the method that fits your workflow and comfort level—and stick to actively maintained tools.

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