As a WordPress site owner, you may eventually need to convert an existing piece of content from one post type to another. For example, you might want to change a custom post to a regular blog post for better visibility or reformat a page as a post for improved user experience.
According to WordPress statistics from 2022, over 66% of CMS websites use WordPress and it powers more than 50% of all new websites created. With WordPress being used for everything from basic blogs to advanced web apps, content structure flexibility is key.
Why Convert Post Types in WordPress
There are a few common reasons you may need to switch post types:
Improve SEO – Pages and custom post types have lower search visibility so switching relevant content to normal blog posts can improve rankings.
Enhance site structure – Converting between post types allows more logical content categorization (e.g. blog in Posts, services in Custom PT, company info in Pages).
Fix errors – You may have incorrectly formatted a post as a page. Switching it makes corrections easier.
Adapt to new needs – Your business offerings may have changed, necessitating post type adjustments to better display content.
According to WordPress developer Lisa Sabin-Wilson, "being able to change post types gives site owners flexibility to grow without having to rebuild or migrate content."
Prerequisites Before Switching Post Types
Before changing post types, ensure:
- Your WordPress site is on latest version for plugin compatibility
- Required custom post types are already registered
- You‘ve backed up your site in case something goes wrong
- The Post Type Switcher plugin is installed & activated
When You Need to Switch Post Types
Here are three examples of when switching post types may be necessary:
- Too many pages dilutes SEO – Converting ultra long pages to Posts enhances visibility
- Custom post not displaying properly – Switching it to standard Posts resolves display issues
- Page should be a blog post – Content updated regularly fits better as a Post
| Content Type | When Conversion is Helpful |
|---|---|
| Pages | Turn into Posts for frequent updates or high search value |
| Posts | Switch to Custom Post Types to separate blog from other entries |
| Custom Posts | Change to Posts for better SEO and site integration |
How to Easily Convert Post Types in WordPress
Fortunately, with the Post Type Switcher plugin, converting WordPress post types is quick and easy using one of three methods:
1. Convert Individual Posts in Block Editor
The new WordPress block editor allows seamless post type switching:
- Edit the individual page/post/custom post
- Expand the Document sidebar tab
- Under Post Type, select the new type
- Confirm the change
As outlined on WPBeginner, this instantly updates the post type visible in editor.
2. Quick Edit Posts from All Posts Listing
You can also do rapid individual post type changes right from All Posts listing:
- Go to Posts > All Posts admin page
- Identify post and hover over title
- Click on Quick Edit link
- Choose new type under Post Type dropdown
- Click Update to save change
This allows modifying one post at a time without opening it.
3. Bulk Edit for Mass Post Type Conversion
For switching multiple posts collectively:
- Go to Posts > All Posts
- Check posts you want to modify
- Select Edit from Bulk Actions menu
- Pick new post type under options at bottom
- Click Update to apply changes
Similar to reassigning categories or tags, this enables bulk post type conversions.
As you can see, changing post types in WordPress is now really simple whether doing individual posts or bulk content updates, thanks to the Post Type Switcher plugin functionality.
