How to create an index for all WordPress pages

[ds4cabs]

@minjikim65 @lhs86

To create an index for all WordPress pages, you have several options depending on how you want to display the index and where you want it to appear on your website. Here are a few methods you can consider:

1. Use a Plugin

Using a plugin is the easiest way to generate an index of pages. Here are some steps:

1. Install a Plugin: Plugins like "Index" or "Simple Sitemap" can automatically create an index of your pages. To install a plugin:

   • Go to your WordPress admin dashboard.
   • Click on "Plugins" and then "Add New".
   • Search for "sitemap" or "index".
   • Install and activate the plugin that suits your needs.

2. Configure the Plugin: After activation, go through the settings of the plugin to customize how your index appears (e.g., whether to include posts, pages, or custom post types, and in what order).

3. Insert the Index: Many plugins provide shortcodes that you can add to a page or widget to display the index.

2. Manually Create an Index Page

If you prefer not to use a plugin, you can manually create an index page using a custom page template:

1. Create a Page Template: Using an FTP client or the File Manager in your hosting control panel, create a new PHP file in your theme’s directory and name it something like page-index.php.

2. Add PHP Code: Open the file and insert the following basic WordPress PHP code to fetch and list all pages:

   <?php
   /* Template Name: Index Page */
   get_header(); ?>
   <div id="primary" class="content-area">
       <main id="main" class="site-main" role="main">
           <?php
           $args = array(
               'post_type' => 'page',
               'posts_per_page' => -1,  // Show all pages
               'post_status' => 'publish',
               'order' => 'ASC',
               'orderby' => 'title'
           );
           $index_query = new WP_Query($args);
           if ($index_query->have_posts()) : while ($index_query->have_posts()) : $index_query->the_post(); ?>
               <div class="page-entry">
                   <a href="<?php the_permalink(); ?>"><?php the_title(); ?></a>
               </div>
           <?php endwhile; endif; wp_reset_postdata(); ?>
       </main><!-- #main -->
   </div><!-- #primary -->
   <?php get_footer(); ?>

3. Create an Index Page: Go to your WordPress dashboard, create a new page, and assign the "Index Page" template from the Page Attributes section.

4. Publish and View: Publish the page and view it to see your index of pages.

3. Use a Shortcode

If you prefer more flexibility or want to include the index inside other pages/posts:

1. Create a Shortcode: Add the following code to your theme’s functions.php file:

   function custom_pages_index() {
       $output = '';
       $args = array(
           'post_type' => 'page',
           'posts_per_page' => -1,
           'post_status' => 'publish',
           'order' => 'ASC',
           'orderby' => 'title'
       );
       $index_query = new WP_Query($args);
       if ($index_query->have_posts()) : 
           $output .= '<ul>';
           while ($index_query->have_posts()) : $index_query->the_post();
               $output .= '<li><a href="' . get_permalink() . '">' . get_the_title() . '</a></li>';
           endwhile;
           $output .= '</ul>';
       endif;
       wp_reset_postdata();
       return $output;
   }
   add_shortcode('index_pages', 'custom_pages_index');

2. Use the Shortcode: Place [index_pages] in any post or page where you want the index to appear.

Each of these methods can help you create a functional index of all your WordPress pages. Choose the one that best fits your technical comfort level and the needs of your site.