Say Goodbye to Product Counts: How to Remove Them in WooCommerce
Are you running a WooCommerce store and find the product count next to your category names a bit…cluttered? You’re not alone! Many store owners prefer a cleaner, more minimalist look. Displaying the number of products in each category can sometimes be distracting, especially if you have a lot of categories. Think of it like this: Imagine walking into a bakery where every label screamed “37 Croissants!” It’s more appealing to simply see the delicious croissants, right?
This article will guide you through how to remove product count in WooCommerce in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re a complete beginner. We’ll explore different methods, from simple code snippets to using plugins. Let’s get started!
Why Remove the Product Count?
Before we dive in, let’s quickly understand why you might *want* to remove the product count:
- Aesthetic Appeal: A cleaner, less cluttered design can improve the overall user experience.
- Focus on Products: Removing the count puts the emphasis back on the products themselves, encouraging browsing and discovery.
- Perceived Scarcity (or Abundance): Sometimes, displaying a very low or very high count can unintentionally discourage or overwhelm customers. For example, a category with only 2 products might seem less appealing than one without a count.
- Mobile Optimization: Less text on smaller screens can improve readability and prevent visual overload.
Method 1: The Code Snippet Route (For the Brave!)
This method involves adding a small snippet of code to your theme’s `functions.php` file or using a code snippets plugin. Always back up your website before making any code changes!
1. Locate Your `functions.php` File: You can find this file in your WordPress dashboard under Appearance > Theme Editor. Be absolutely sure you are editing the active theme’s `functions.php` file. Child themes are best practice if you plan to update your main theme in the future.
2. Add the Following Code:
add_filter( 'woocommerce_subcategory_count_html', '__return_empty_string' );
3. Save the File: Click “Update File” to save your changes.
What does this code do? The `add_filter` function is a powerful tool in WordPress. In this case, it’s filtering the `woocommerce_subcategory_count_html` which is the HTML code that generates the product count. By using `__return_empty_string`, we’re essentially telling WordPress to replace that Discover insights on How To Change Product Id Woocommerce HTML with nothing (an empty string).
Alternative: Using a Code Snippets Plugin
If you’re hesitant to directly edit your theme’s files (and that’s perfectly understandable!), you can use a plugin like “Code Snippets.” This plugin allows you to add and manage code snippets without modifying your theme files. It’s a much safer and recommended approach for beginners. Simply install the plugin, add a new snippet, paste the code above, and activate it.
Method 2: Using CSS (The Quick Fix)
This method uses CSS to simply hide the product count. It doesn’t actually remove the count from the code, but it makes it invisible to visitors. This is a quicker solution but might not be ideal for SEO.
1. Access Your Theme’s Customizer: Go to Appearance > Customize in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Find the CSS Editor: Look for a section labeled “Additional CSS” or similar.
3. Add the Following CSS:
.woocommerce ul.products li.product .woocommerce-loop-category__title .count {
display: none !important;
}
.woocommerce ul.products li.product a > span.count {
display: none !important;
}
4. Publish Your Changes: Click “Publish” to save your changes.
Why two CSS rules? WooCommerce’s structure can vary slightly depending on your theme. The first rule targets the category count within the main shop page. The second rule targets the count if it’s directly wrapped in a link ( tag). Using both ensures you cover most scenarios. The `!important` tag ensures that this CSS rule overrides any other conflicting rules.
Important Note: While this method is quick and easy, it only hides the product count. The count is still present in the HTML code, which *could* potentially affect your site’s performance (though the impact is usually minimal). The code snippet method is cleaner and more efficient.
Method 3: Plugin Power (The Easiest Way)
There are several WooCommerce plugins that offer options to customize various aspects of your store, including the product count. While we can’t recommend a specific plugin without knowing your other needs, searching the WordPress plugin repository for “WooCommerce customization” or “WooCommerce category options” will yield several results. Look for plugins with good ratings, recent updates, and positive reviews.
Example Plugin Functionality (Generic):
- Category Customization: The plugin might offer settings to easily show or hide the product count for categories.
- Shop Page Tweaks: The plugin could provide options to customize other elements of your shop page, such as the number of products displayed per page or the order of products.
Why Choose a Plugin?
- No Coding Required: Plugins offer a user-friendly interface for making changes without touching code.
- Additional Features: Many plugins offer a range of other customization options beyond just the product count.
- Easier Updates: Plugins are typically updated to be compatible with the latest versions of WooCommerce and WordPress.
Choosing the Right Method for You
- Beginner: Start with the CSS method Explore this article on How To Add Notification To Woocommerce for a quick and easy solution. If you’re comfortable installing plugins, explore a WooCommerce customization plugin.
- Intermediate: The code snippet method is a good option if you’re comfortable working with code and want a cleaner solution.
- Advanced: You might consider creating your own custom plugin or theme modification for more granular control.
No matter which method you choose, remember to test your changes thoroughly to ensure they work as expected and don’t break anything on your website. Good luck and happy customizing!
