How To Remove Fields From Order Table Woocommerce

How to Remove Fields from the WooCommerce Order Table: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

The WooCommerce order table, found in the WordPress admin area under “WooCommerce > Orders,” provides a crucial overview of all orders placed on your online store. However, the default columns might not always align perfectly with your business needs. Sometimes, certain fields are irrelevant, taking up valuable screen real estate. This article guides you through how to remove fields from the WooCommerce order table, allowing you to customize the dashboard for a more efficient workflow. We’ll explore different methods, ranging from simple code snippets to more advanced plugin solutions, ensuring you find the best approach for your skill level and needs.

Main Part:

Why Remove Fields from the WooCommerce Order Table?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s consider the “why.” Tailoring the WooCommerce order table offers several advantages:

• Improved Clarity: Removing unnecessary columns simplifies the view, making it easier to find essential information at a glance.
• Enhanced Efficiency: With fewer fields to scan, you can process orders more quickly and efficiently.
• Customized Workflow: Display only the data relevant to your specific order processing procedures.
• Clean User Interface: A streamlined dashboard contributes to a cleaner and more professional user experience.

Methods for Removing Order Table Fields

There are several ways to achieve this customization, each with its own pros and cons.

#### 1. Using Code Snippets (Functions.php or Custom Plugin)

This method is generally recommended for developers or users comfortable working with code. It involves adding PHP snippets to your theme’s `functions.php` file (use with caution as errors can break your site) or, better yet, a custom plugin.

Important: Before making any changes to your theme’s `functions.php` file, create a backup of your website. Consider using a child theme to avoid losing changes during theme updates.

Example 1: Removing the “Billing Address” Column

/**
Remove Billing Address column from WooCommerce Orders table.
*/
add_filter( 'manage_edit-shop_order_columns', 'remove_billing_address_column', 10, 1 );
function remove_billing_address_column( $columns ) {
unset( $columns['billing_address'] );
return $columns;
}

Explanation:

• `add_filter( ‘manage_edit-shop_order_columns’, ‘remove_billing_address_column’, 10, 1 );`: This line hooks into the `manage_edit-shop_order_columns` filter, which allows us to modify the columns displayed in the order table.
• `function remove_billing_address_column( $columns ) { … }`: This defines the function that will actually remove the column.
• `unset( $columns[‘billing_address’] );`: This line removes the “billing_address” key from the `$columns` array.
• `return $columns;`: This line returns the modified array of columns.

Example 2: Removing the “Shipping Address” Column

/**
Remove Shipping Address column from WooCommerce Orders table.
*/
add_filter( 'manage_edit-shop_order_columns', 'remove_shipping_address_column', 10, 1 );
function remove_shipping_address_column( $columns ) {
unset( $columns['shipping_address'] );
return $columns;
}

Example 3: Removing the “Order Actions” Column

/**
Remove Actions column from WooCommerce Orders table.
*/
add_filter( 'manage_edit-shop_order_columns', 'remove_actions_column', 10, 1 );
function remove_actions_column( $columns ) {
unset( $columns['order_actions'] );
return $columns;
}

Identifying Column Keys:

To remove other columns, you’ll need to identify their corresponding keys in the `$columns` array. You can do this by adding the following code snippet temporarily to your `functions.php` file:

add_filter( 'manage_edit-shop_order_columns', 'debug_order_columns' );
function debug_order_columns( $columns ) {
echo '
';
print_r( $columns );
echo '
';

return $columns;

}
This will print an array of all the column keys.  Remember to remove this code after you've identified the keys you need.
Pros:

Lightweight and efficient.
Offers precise control over which columns are removed.

Cons:

Requires coding knowledge.
Incorrect code can break your site.  Always use a child theme or custom plugin.
Can become difficult to manage if you have many customizations.

#### 2. Using Plugins
Several plugins offer a user-friendly interface for customizing the WooCommerce order table without requiring any coding.  These plugins often provide a drag-and-drop interface to reorder, show/hide, and even add custom columns.
Examples of Plugins:

Admin Columns: This plugin is a powerful option for customizing various admin columns, including the WooCommerce order table. It offers a free version with basic functionality and a pro version with more advanced features.
WooCommerce Admin Custom Order Fields:  While primarily focused on adding custom fields, some plugins also allow you to hide default WooCommerce fields.

Pros:

User-friendly interface.
No coding required.
Often includes additional features, such as column reordering and custom column creation.

Cons:

Can add extra overhead to your site.
Plugin compatibility issues can arise.
Premium plugins may require a purchase.

Conclusion:

Customizing the WooCommerce order table is a valuable way to optimize your workflow and improve the overall management of your online store. Whether you opt for the code snippet approach or choose a plugin, carefully consider your technical skills and desired level of customization. Always back up your website before making any changes. By removing unnecessary fields, you can create a more efficient and user-friendly dashboard that aligns perfectly with your business needs. Remember to prioritize security and maintainability when implementing these changes. Good luck optimizing your WooCommerce order table!