# How to Edit functions.php for WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
WooCommerce is a powerful platform, but sometimes you need to tweak its functionality to perfectly match your needs. This often involves editing your theme’s `functions.php` file. This is a powerful tool, but use caution! Incorrect edits can break your website. Always back up your files before making any changes.
Understanding `functions.php`
Your theme’s `functions.php` file is the heart of your WordPress theme’s functionality. It’s where you add custom code to modify the theme’s behavior, integrate plugins, and add custom features. For WooCommerce, it’s the place to add custom actions and filters to adjust existing functionality or create entirely new ones.
Think of it like this: WooCommerce is a well-built house (your online store). `functions.php` is your toolbox. You can use it to add a new window (a custom feature), repaint a wall (modify existing functionality), or even rearrange the plumbing (change how WooCommerce handles data).
Finding `functions.php`
You’ll typically find `functions.php` within your active theme’s folder. To access it:
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Appearance > Editor.
3. Select your active theme from the dropdown menu on the right.
4. Locate `functions.php` in the list of files.
Important Note: Do not edit the `functions.php` file directly from your live site. Create a child theme or use a plugin to make changes. This prevents your customizations from being lost when you update your theme.
Common WooCommerce `functions.php` Edits
Here are a few common examples of how you can use `functions.php` to modify WooCommerce:
1. Removing “Powered by WooCommerce”
Many users want to remove the “Powered by WooCommerce” text from the footer. This is easily done with a simple code snippet:
remove_action( 'woocommerce_after_single_product_summary', 'woocommerce_output_related_products', 20 );
This code uses the `remove_action` function to remove the specific action hook responsible for displaying that text.
2. Changing the Number of Products per Page
Let’s say you want to display more products per page. You can achieve this using the `loop_shop_per_page` filter:
add_filter( 'loop_shop_per_page', 'new_loop_shop_per_page', 20 );
function new_loop_shop_per_page( $cols ) {
$cols = 24; //Change this number to your desired number of products per page
return $cols;
}
This code uses `add_filter` to modify the number of products displayed on the shop page. We replace the default number with 24. Change `24` to your preferred number of products.
3. Removing a Specific WooCommerce Feature
Suppose you don’t want to display the cross-sells (related products) on the product page. You can remove them using this:
remove_action( 'woocommerce_after_single_product_summary', 'woocommerce_output_related_products', 20 );
This uses `remove_action` to target and remove the specific action hook that displays cross-sells.
Best Practices for Editing `functions.php`
- Always back up your files: Before making any changes, back up your entire website, including the `functions.php` file.
- Use a child theme: This protects your customizations from being overwritten when the parent theme is updated.
- Test your changes thoroughly: After making changes, thoroughly test your website to ensure everything works as expected.
- Comment your code: Add comments to your code to explain what each section does. This will make it easier to understand and maintain your code in the future.
- Use a code editor: Use a dedicated code editor (like VS Code or Sublime Text) for better syntax highlighting and code completion.
Conclusion
Editing `functions.php` allows you to significantly customize your WooCommerce store. While powerful, it requires careful attention to detail. By following these guidelines and understanding the fundamentals of action hooks and filters, you can safely and effectively enhance your online store’s functionality. Remember to always proceed with caution and thoroughly test your changes.
