# How to Change the Location of Your WooCommerce Category Description
Want to move that WooCommerce category description? Perhaps it’s cluttering your shop page, or you simply want a cleaner layout. This guide will show you how, even if you’re a complete beginner with WordPress and WooCommerce. We’ll cover several methods, from the simplest (using plugins) to more involved (custom coding).
Why Change Your WooCommerce Category Description Location?
Before diving in, let’s understand *why* you might want to relocate your category descriptions.
- Improved Visual Appeal: The default position might clash with your theme’s design. Moving the description can create a more visually appealing and user-friendly layout. Imagine a clothing store; a Discover insights on How To Access Woocommerce Functions At Template_Redirect Action long description under the product Explore this article on How To Input Tax In Woocommerce thumbnails might be distracting. A sidebar location could be much more effective.
- Enhanced User Experience: A strategically placed description can improve user experience. Placing it near relevant products helps customers quickly understand the category and find what they need. A customer searching for “summer dresses” shouldn’t have to scroll through an entire page of products before understanding what Explore this article on How To Clear Woocommerce Sessions the category offers.
- Better SEO: While not directly impacting SEO rankings, a well-placed description aids readability and user engagement, indirectly boosting SEO. If users quickly find what they’re looking for and stay on your site longer, Google sees that as a positive signal.
- Check Your Theme’s Settings: Log into your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to Appearance > Customize. Look for sections related to “WooCommerce,” “Shop,” or “Category Pages.” Your theme might have settings to control the position of the category description (e.g., above products, below products, in a sidebar).
- Example: The Astra theme allows significant customization of the WooCommerce category archive page. You might find options to display the description in a sidebar widget area.
- Pros: Simple and straightforward; no coding required.
- Cons: Relies on your theme having this functionality. If your theme doesn’t offer it, you’ll need another method.
- Search for Plugins: Go to your WordPress dashboard and search for plugins like “WooCommerce Customizer” or “WooCommerce Layout.” Many free and paid options are available.
- Install and Activate: Once you’ve found a suitable plugin, install and activate it. Follow the plugin’s instructions to move the category description to your desired location.
- Pros: Easy to use, avoids coding, expands functionality beyond just description placement.
- Cons: Requires installing and configuring an additional plugin which might slightly slow down your website.
- Locate `category.php`: Find your theme’s `category.php` file. This file controls the display of your WooCommerce category pages. The location varies depending on your theme; often it’s in the `wp-content/themes/[your-theme-name]/` directory.
- Modify the Code: You need to find the code snippet that displays the category description (`woocommerce_template_single_title`). This usually involves locating a function like `woocommerce_output_content_wrapper_start()` and `woocommerce_output_content_wrapper_end()`. You can then move the “ line to your desired position within the file.
- Example (Illustrative – adapt to your theme’s structure):
Method 1: Using a WooCommerce Theme Option (Easiest)
Many modern WooCommerce themes offer built-in options to customize the category page layout. This is the easiest method.
Method 2: Using a Plugin (Recommended for Non-Coders)
If your theme doesn’t provide this feature, a plugin is the best solution for non-coders. Several plugins allow extensive customization of WooCommerce.
- Check out this post: How To Remove Product Sorting From Woocommerce
Method 3: Customizing Your Theme’s `category.php` File (For Coders)
This method requires coding skills and is only recommended for users comfortable editing WordPress theme files. Modifying core files incorrectly can break your site. Always back up your files before making any changes.
<?php /**
woocommerce_output_content_wrapper_start();
//Original Location
//woocommerce_template_single_title();
// Moved the title to a sidebar
// … other code …
// Put this code inside your sidebar loop where you want the description
woocommerce_template_single_title();
// … rest of your theme code …
woocommerce_output_content_wrapper_end();
?>
- Pros: Complete control over the description’s location.
- Cons: Requires coding knowledge; risks breaking your site if done incorrectly; changes will be lost if you update your theme.
Conclusion
Choosing the right method depends on your technical skills and comfort level. If you’re a beginner, start with a theme option or plugin. Only resort to custom coding if you’re confident in your abilities. Remember to always back up your website before making significant changes.
